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All posts for the month December, 2016

65th Miss Universe Watch | Maxine Medina of the Philippines 

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

The host delegate is ready to face the Universe!

Who else for our 15th feature on this blog’s 65th Miss Universe Watch just hours before the exit of 2016 and a Happy New Year of 2017 enters? Our host delegate, of course! And trust me, Miss Philippines Maxine Medina is not leaving anything to chance when she starts battling the arriving beauties in Manila by the 2nd week of January.

Maxine is sashaying through every aspect of her training with the positivity and enthusiasm that is expected from a Filipina with a target mark on her back. Aside from welcoming everyone, she is also setting aside a hospitable self once the competition starts to enter “to-each-her-own” mode.

Host delegate or not, Miss Philippines will deliver. Promise!


I know that – for some – it feels a bit odd for the host delegate to take her gameplan all the way to the top and win in her own backyard. But if it is in Maxine’s fate to achieve a back-to-back, then who are we to oppose the possibility? If she proves to be the best, them why deny her the glory? There’s still a lot of secret corners you haven’t yet seen in her preparations. They are called her “rabbits-pulled-from-a-hat” or “pigeons-flying-out-of-a-crumpled-handkerchief”. Truth be told, there is no magic in what she has been up to these past few months. There is a science – a quantifiable and accurate approach to unleashing her readiness to conquer the Universe. And this is what you and me are not always privy to. And Aces & Queens is making sure of that. It will be worth the wait.

The stakes are high. And the figures add up to a sum of all the detailed preparations Maxine has been taking in since September.

courtesy of PowerhousePH

65th Miss Universe Watch | Christina Mikkelsen of Denmark 

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

From the Land of the Little Mermaid comes Christina Mikkelsen for the 65th Miss Universe

Christina Mikkelsen is no stranger to beauty pageants. Before copping the title of Miss Universe Denmark 2016, she was a semifinalist during the 2011 edition of Miss Tourism Queen International before winning the title of Bride of the World in Macau a year after. She has a clingy affection for Asia (she did charity work in China for a year) and is totally pumped up that she will return to this part of the world when the 65th Miss Universe starts happening in Manila less than two weeks from now.

A model by profession, 24 year-old Christina is also involved in additional charity work in West Africa. Her involvements here were additionally talked about in prior news items when she was also said to have carried a dating relationship with the Prince of Equatorial Guinea, Theodorin Obiang. But that’s subject for gossip sites so let’s focus on her pageant mission.

Watch the video of one of Christina’s photoshoots below.

courtesy of Anja Ekstrøm Photography

This blonde bombshell is ready to heat up Manila next month

In an interview with Daily Premiere, Christina was quoted saying that “I have always been into the whole pageant world, and I have always admired the women in the competition. I thought they looked strong and amazingly beautiful, when they were standing on stage. One lady, who really inspired me to take the chance and participate myself, was Aino Korva, Miss Universe Denmark 1963. She is the only Dane who has placed in top 5 a Miss Universe. With her help and guidance, maybe I can do the same or even better.”

Good luck in the competition, Christina!


Are blonde bombshells your kind of Miss Universe, dear readers? Then Christina should fit the bill. She is a world traveler and is passionate about charity work. Added to her beautiful looks, will those qualities suffice for now?

Give me your thoughts about her. 🙂

65th Miss Universe Watch | Caris Tiivel of Australia 

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

From Down Under, Caris Tiivel comes

As I have said time and again, there is always something about Aussie girls competing in the biggest international beauty pageants. And Miss Universe Australia 2016 Caris Tiivel is no exception. There is a relaxed and unspoiled vibe surrounding her overall aura that makes for a potential winner who will not go beyond the superficial trappings (read: extreme preparedness) of the competition amd instead, present herself as the beauty queen-next-door one wouldn’t mind striking a good conversation or two with. She goes to public functions with the ease of a pretty lady who simply wants to be seen and heard.

While Caris is an established model, she is also involved in the arts – a feature that gives way to her intermittently laid-back appeal. But once the photographer starts shooting, she transforms into a model’s model complete with all the nuances and clockwork movements that guarantee money shots frame after frame.

Year after year, Miss Universe Australia remains on my short list. And Caris will definitely belong to the same even before she returns to Manila for a second time.

The Miss Universe Organization will always welcome her type – eventual winner or top placer – because the ladies from Down Under always have an effortless spin working in their pageant favor.

Your impressions of Caris Tiivel, dear readers? 🙂

courtesy of Caris Tiivel Daily

Catch the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Queens on Family Feud!

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Four Bb. Pilipinas 2016 BQs for Family Feud

Kylie, Jenn, Nicole and Jehza guest on ABS-CBN’s Family Feud

A groupie during the taping

Wanna watch the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Queens play “Family Feud” on national TV? Then tune in to ABS-CBN at around 5:00PM-ish later this afternoon to catch Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 Jennifer Hammond, Miss Grand International 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves and 2nd Runner-Up Jehza Huelar compete with another popular group – the DLSU Green Archers star players – for the special New Year’s Eve episode of the weekend game show hosted by Luis Manzano.

Here’s the teaser:

courtesy of ABS-CBN

Jaya, semoga berjaya! 

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Justine Mae “Jaya” San Jose, Mutya ng Pilipinas by Onecho Gabinete

“Semoga berjaya” is “Good luck” in Bahasa Malaysia. And that is what we are wishing Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2016 Justine Mae “Jaya” San Jose as she competes in the finals of the last beauty pageant for this year – Miss Tourism International 2016/17 – which will wrap up with the crowning of a new winner on New Year’s Eve (or just shortly before the clock strikes 2017 tonight) inside Marriott Putrajaya in Malaysia.

Jaya is in high spirits, especially after being informed by the organizers that she is always being noticed – along with the delegates of Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand – as the most active in social media. And this helps a lot not only in determining the Most Popular Special Award recipient, but also in measuring the power of reach that a potential winner can use if and when she becomes crowned as the next.

Jaya in her official evening gown photo for Miss Tourism International 2016/17


Jaya is especially motivated at the moment because her loved ones are already in Kuala Lumpur to support her bid. Add to that the fact Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015 Leren Mae Bautista is also a special guest during the coronation. She will give it her all, trust me.

Once more, semoga berjaya, Jaya! 😀

65th Miss Universe Watch | Mary Esther Were of Kenya

Posted by Norman on December 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Kenya is represented by Mary Esther Were in the 65th Miss Universe

Mary Esther Were is 27 years old and is already an established model in Nairobi. If not for the 65th Miss Universe where she will take part in next month, this smart beauty would have made a perfect candidate for Miss Earth because of her experience as a journalist with the passion for environmental conservation matters. She is connected with CNBC Africa and is as comfortable speaking in front of the camera and behind coverage lines.

I personally think that Mary Esther is one of the strongest entries from Africa in this batch. Given her beautiful skin color and mysterious appeal in photographs, she could banner the continent’s good performance in the competition.

Mary Esther has a very modelesque quality that is both appealing and mysterious

Mary Esther is definitely in the hunt for pageant glory in the 65th Miss Universe. She may not be one of the more hyped candidates (little has been discussed about her in pageant sites and message boards), but there is a chance that she will create an impact during interviews and public discussions. Talk about giving Deshauna Barber a run for her money.

What are your musings about Mary Esther, dear readers? 🙂

PS. Happy New Year! 😉

Will you cheer for Mary Esther Were in the 65th Miss Universe?

courtesy of seng12900. beautypageant

65th Miss Universe Watch | Yam Kaspers Anshel of Israel

Posted by Norman on December 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Yam Kaspers Anshel of Israel is one of the youngest candidates in the 65th Miss Universe

There’s quite a few interesting things to know about 18 year-old Yam Kaspers Anshel aside from being the representative of Israel in the 65th Miss Universe. First of all, she is already looking at enlistment for the Israel Defense Forces right after the pageant (unless she wins next month), she grew up in a boat along the Herzliya Marina and was a youth horse-riding champion. She is also reported to be an academically gifted child growing up.

But let us go beyond such personal details and look into her chances of standing out alongside the other contenders to become Queen P’s successor. This youthful (dark) blond and blue-eyed lass could be easily dismissed by other pageant analysts as being beautiful but not strong enough to rise above the standards being set by other countries for their respective entries. But do keep in mind that Miss Universe also gives a room or two for potential surprise performers who can give front-runners a stiff fight. And if Yam catches everyone’s attention right at the onset, then she could just be exceeding her own expectations once presentation skills are already on the line.

Watch this video when Yam placed 1st Runner-Up during Miss Israel 2016 and became the Miss Universe representative as a result.

courtesy of Pageant Beauty

Yam’s youthfulness can be seen in all her photos

How do you size up Yam’s chances for the 65th Miss Universe?

Do you think that her youth and relative pageant inexperience will work to her disadvantage or not?

Or is it likely that her natural spontaneity and joie-de-vivre will be strong assets to lean on against all the dolled-up and extremely trained misses of other countries?

Time to share your comments. 🙂

Good luck in the 65th Miss Universe, Yam Kaspers Anshel!

Maxine Medina by Christian Moya

Posted by Norman on December 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Many are asking who did that red gown of Maxine


When Maxine Medina’s latest training photos were uploaded online, many fans kept on asking who the designer of the red gown is. Well, the name of the maker is Christian Moya.

And here are the credits for the whole team that worked on her latest photoshoot:

Styling Team Ton Lao, Patrick Henry, Macky Combe and Ryan Valerio
Designer Christian Moya
Accesories by Arnel Papa
Make Up by Albert Kurniawan
Hair By Paul Nebres
photographer Dookie Ducay
Location Penthouse Studio

Here’s the answer


Now that you know, help spread the word. 🙂

65th Miss Universe Watch | Mariam Habach of Venezuela

Posted by Norman on December 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

One of the latest photos of Miss Venezuela Mariam Habach

Mariam during Miss Venezuela 2015

Mariam Habach Santucci, Miss Venezuela Universo 2015, has waited long enough for her turn to take the spotlight in the global pageant stage. In fact, she won the national crown last October 8, 2015 even before Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach would be named Miss Universe in Las Vegas. This beautiful dental student – with Syrian and Italian descent – speaks four languages (English, Spanish, Arabic and Italian) which she intends to put into good use abroad.

Now, the 20 year-old (she will turn 21 on January 26, a few days before the big finals in Manila) from Lara will be getting her chance in the 65th Miss Universe. Mentor Osmel Sousa has made sure that this 6-footer is at her premium best for the competition. And I am sure that Mariam has been fully trained especially on how to work the Philippines during her upcoming stint. Filipinos love Venezuelan beauties in general. And she will test her Gabriela Isler-ish charm side by side the other hyped entries of the competition.

img_4404

Here is a video when Mariam competed and won during Miss Venezuela 2015

Here is a comparative video of Mariam during her latest TV Guesting on Venezuelan TV last month.

img_4403 Your thoughts on Mariam Habach Santucci, dear readers? She may not be your idea of the traditional Venezuelan Goddesses who have taken part in several editions of Miss Universe in the past. But methinks the Filipinos will like her, especially if her actual personality is as winning as what pre-arrival impressions suggest. 🙂

65th Miss Universe Watch | Keziah Warouw of Indonesia 

Posted by Norman on December 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Keziah of Indonesia is ready when you are

The question in most pageant followers’ quizzing mind is if Miss Universe Indonesia Keziah Roslin Cikita Warouw is indeed training oh-so discretely in the country for the 65th Miss Universe. A number of photo evidences can add up to an answer on the affirmative. And if you ask me, my lips are zipped with a heart-shaped padlock hanging on the pull tab. [impish smile inserted here]

Anyways, let’s focus on this 6-footer of a 25 year-old who takes pride in being one of the tallest ladies in next month’s batch. Nicknamed “Keke“, she is actually a graduate of Informatics Engineering from Esa Unggul University which she was able to transform to a position as Head of Accounting and Finance. She comes from Manado. She is also active with Smile Train Indonesia, a charity which the Miss Universe Organization widely supports.

Keziah in furry white cover

Keziah in another shot from the same furry white theme


Keziah’s styling nowadays is often being compared to our very own Maxine Medina. And it doesn’t bother me a lot to see her getting into that mode. There is a dash of flattery thrown in the mix. Besides, I have a lot of faith in our bet’s own strengths, just as I respect the preparations that the other national beauty queens are getting into.

Oh, did you know that Keke has a collection of smiling “Winnie the Pooh” stuffed toys? She always gets a warm feeling whenever she is surrounded by the same. Just a small tidbit about this tall beauty who is gearing up for the biggest mission of her life to date.

Keziah wants to become the 65th Miss Universe. But so do 80+ other delegates. And it all remains to be seen as to whose fate has the crown written in the stars.

Your thoughts about Keziah, dear readers? 🙂

One proof that Keziah is training in the Philippines for the 65th Miss Universe is the photo above. Don’t ask me why just yet.


courtesy of Tse Tse