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All posts for the month June, 2017

Binibining Pilipinas VS Puteri Indonesia 

Posted by Norman on June 30, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Four of the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 titleholders VS the Puteri Indonesia 2017 crown-wearers

As my last blog post for the month of June (barring any blog-worthy topic that might still make it for the month), I am giving way to this interesting post that should invite most of you to pitch in your say on the matter.

I did use the two-lettered “VS” (versus) to make the title of this post more enticing. However, I am not really into creating a good catfight between two national beauty pageants of the same stature, but just a friendly comparison of the winners who will be fielded in the same competitions abroad.

Since Puteri Indonesia has only four titles – Universe, International, Supranational and Grand International – I opted to not include both Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Rodriguez and Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nelda Ibe in the mix to strike a balance.

Now instead of me injecting personal judgments right away, I chose to let you – my dear readers – to fill in your inputs first. Now after a few days – and hopefully a substantial number of comments to tally “objective” preferences from – I will put in my running picks in the four (4) matches below:

UNIVERSE: Rachel Peters VS Bunga Jelitha

INTERNATIONAL: Mariel de Leon VS Kevin Lilliana

SUPRANATIONAL: Chanel Olive Thomas VS Karina Nadila

GRAND INTERNATIONAL: Elizabeth Clenci VS Dea Goesti Rizkita

By the way, watching the videos below might help your personal comparisons as well.

courtesy of ABS-CBN News

courtesy of Indonesian Pageants

Wanna Chat with Queen P tonight?

Posted by Norman on June 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach as photographed by Fadil Berisha

Tonight on the Miss Universe Official Facebook Page – starting at 10pm (Philippine time) – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach will start a Facebook Live chat with fans and followers where she will talk about life here in Manila and whatever is the latest about her.

If you’re up to it, then head on over to the online chat link on the page just a couple of hours from the posting of this blog post. 🙂

No Make-Ups. No Frills. The Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Beauty of Face Pre-Judging

Posted by Norman on June 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

The MPE2017 Candidates with last night’s judges for the Beauty of Face Pre-Judging


The order for last night’s Beauty of Face Preliminary Judging for Miss Philippines Earth 2017 at F1 Hotel Manila was loud and clear. Faces will be judged. No make-ups. No frills. Just plain natural looks that should be projected by each candidate. And the ladies followed.

All dressed in white, they paraded in front of the judges – composed of Photographer Raymund Isaac, Designer Mixy Valencia, Beauty Queens Justine Gabionza & Priscilla Meirelles, Personality Coach Ping Valencia and Fashion Stylist/Model Bea Constantino.

Check out some of the photos below. A lot of them actually looked more fetching without heavy makeup and in person so judging was not the easiest.

Maureen Wroblewitz: 1st from the Philippines to win Asia’s Next Top Model

Posted by Norman on June 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Maureen Wroblewitz became the first Philippine representative to win Asia’s Next Top Model. She got strong challenges from Shikin of Malaysia and Tu of Vietnam. But in the end, it was the Fil-German’s time to shine full force as her name was announced by host Cindy Bishop as the Season 5 winner.

Watch the video below.

courtesy of ShowbizNestVideo

Congratulations, Maureen!

Rocky Gathercole: His Life Story on MMK

Posted by Norman on June 28, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Actor Arjo Atayde will play Rocky Gathercole in MMK this July 1

courtesy of ABS-CBN
This coming Saturday, July 1, Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) on ABS-CBN will feature the life story of internationally-renowned Fashion Designer Rocky Gathercole who will be played by young actor Arjo Atayde in an episode that will trace his rise to fame coming off from early struggles and heartaches in life.

This should be an interesting watch as the public will get to know more of the individual who comes up with some of the most dazzling and meticulously-crafted collections I have seen. In the fashion show portion of the same (styled by Patrick Henry Mergano and accessorized by Christopher Munar with shoes by Jojo Bragais), he is reunited with one of his muses (right photo) – Priscilla Kim dela Cruz – who wore his attention-grabbing national costume during Bb. Pilipinas 2016.

Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz in Rocky Gathercole during Bb. Pilipinas 2016

Mark the airing date so you won’t miss it. In the meantime, watch a previous ABS-CBN feature on Rocky on the show “My Puhunan”.

The Miss Philippines Earth 2017 | Trash-to-Class Competition 

Posted by Norman on June 28, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Celine Pangan of Ozamiz City won Gold in Trash-to-Class

Last night, the Trash-to-Class Competition of Miss Philippines Earth 2017 was held at Versailles Palace in Alabang where the candidates wore creations made out of recycled and/or trashed materials and turned into commendable works of fashion and environmental concern. The forty (40) Earth Warriors stepped up to the brief. Once it was over and done with, Celine Pangan of Ozamiz City emerged as Gold Medalist wearing an attire that is both classy and creative.

Medalists all in the Trash-to-Class Competition

Rheena Ferrer of Makati City grabbed Silver, with Shane Tormes of Mandaluyong City and Klaidel Concepcion of Marikina City sharing the Bronze. Interestingly, the latter-mentioned delegate (leftmost above)  really had nothing to wear last night as her Designer failed to arrive on time. Instead, a few of the other candidates contributed pieces from their respective outfits to form an instant wear that – while looking poorly-constructed – echoed the true essence of the event.

Miss Marikina City Klaidel Concepcion in her hastily-made outfit made of waste materials


Here are more photos from the said pre-pageant activity that invited a good number of guests from media and sponsors.

Northern Luzon ladies

Southern Luzon belles

NCR Candidates

Visayas delegates

Mindanao delegates

Why Do I Want To Be Miss Philippines Earth, Part 2

Posted by Norman on June 27, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Here we go with the second installment in our “Why Do I Want To Be The Next Miss Philippines Earth?” blog series so you will get to know the candidates just a little bit better.

Under each official portrait are the statements of each Earth Warrior on her main objective in the competition.

“I want to become Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because my values and passion align with everything this title stands for. I believe in saving the environment as well as the lives living on this planet. I believe that I can be the voice in spreading awareness and finding solutions in these issues that we continue to face today.”#MissAngelesCity2017 Korin Dizon

“Being Miss Philippines Earth 2017 comes not just with the crown and title, but also with tasks and responsibilities. I am the next Ms. Philippines Earth because I believe that through our shared vision and spirit of Bayanihan, we can help raise awareness about different environmental concerns and look for solutions that are effective and relevant. “#MissBinanCity2017 Nikkie Marie Elizalde

“I want to be the next Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because I want to help lead others to become more responsible and take action to in helping Mother Earth. I know I can make a difference by inspiring my community to lift their spirits and give them hope that we can make a difference with just one step at a time. That we all can make a change for a better and safer future for our future generations, if we all can come together with positivity and strength. “#MissCaloocanCity2017 Jessica Marasigan

“I want to be a voice to influence other people to open their eyes to give importance to Mother Earth.” #MissCamilingTarlac2017 Princess Nicolas

“Because as still being part of the youth today, I believe that I am a perfect fit for the new generation or the youth to be motivated and being their guide in giving out the importance of nature as early as possible for their age. “#MissLucenaCity2017 Shaina Louise Kim

“I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because I would like to widen my horizons in the service of preserving the environment and natural resources. From the place where I came from, ecotourism can be very much explored if given dedicated attention. This is what I also want to put forward – that we bravely engage all stakeholders in the promotion and awareness of compelling Earth issues. “#MissMagsaysayMisamisOriental2017 Danna Rose Socaoco

“Miss Philippines Earth 2017 is not a light load to carry. Not all demure and crown thing. Miss Philippines Earth 2017 title is a big tittle which comes with great responsibility. I want to be the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because nature is very close to my heart, we sometimes say that even common citizen could help in making this world a better place, a common citizen can help save mother nature, yes that is very true but I believe being able to carry that crown would amplify the heart that I have for our surroundings, reaching out for the youth and asking everyone to get involved would be easier but will always come with consequences. Admit it or not we are easily persuaded by people whom we see on TV, we see on advertisements and people with big names. Being crowned as Miss Philippines Earth 2017 is one of the most honorable and prestigious way to be known by people. If God will use me through pageants to encourage people to be a better steward to His creations then i have nothing else to do but to obey with a cheerful heart. “#MissNuevaValenciaGuimaras2017 Madelle Estaya

“I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2017 to be an instrument in promoting eco tourism and help save our planet. “#MissOzamizCity2017 Celine Mae Pangan

“Aside from being the ambassadress of goodwill and nature, I want to inspire people so that they won’t need the voice and action of someone else to speak and act on their behalf because all of us has the potential and power to save our planet earth.”#MissPanglaoBohol2017 Catherine Tabaniag

Why do I want to be the next Miss Philippines Earth? | Part 1

Posted by Norman on June 27, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

To give you a clearer idea as to why the Official Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2017 want to win the title, I am starting a blog series on their official portraits, reason/s and/or respective advocacies.

Let’s begin with nine (9) of them:

“I want to be the very first Miss Philippines Earth from my city. “#MissCagayanDeOro2017 Sherlyn Doloriel

“I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because I believe that Mother Earth has so much to offer. It just takes someone who has the guts to make a move and lead the youth to show how taking care and appreciating our environment is done. “#MissLipaCity2017 Rianne Charlotte Kalaw

“I want to be the next Miss Philippines Earth because I want to be a catalyst of change, an empowered woman and a Filipino citizen who will protect the welfare of the environment. I believe that this is the best platform to encourage and inspire other people and to convince them as well of ways how we may be able to mitigate different environmental problems. “#MissLoboBatangas2017 Vanessa Mae Castillo

“Because I am very much passionate in pursuing my environmental advocacy and I believe that I possess a beauty with a responsibility.”#MissMandaluyongCity2017 Marie Sherry Ann Tormes

“This pageant hits close to my heart. I grew up around nature trying to nurture everything that crosses my path. I’ve always wanted to make an impact on the environment and I believe I have in my own little ways. I know that if these “little” ways are shown to people around the country, and hopefully the world, a bigger change could happen. This competition isn’t just a privilege, it’s an instrument. I believe that Miss Philippines Earth is a strong platform in helping our message to get out there. Our message to save our Mother Earth.”#MissNewZealand2017 Jessica Rose McEwen

“Because I’ve always want to become one, and I think its time to reach that goal. And I believe this is my year. “#MissOlongapoCity2017 Kim de Guzman

“Taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. If I will be the next Miss Philippines Earth, I will use this as a platform to inspire the people to become Earth Warriors not just on Earth hour or Earth day, but every single day.” #MissPoracPampanga2017 Anne Krishia Antonio

“I want to be the Next Miss Philippines Earth so I can spread my advocacy. I want to teach others how to be an earth advocate. I’d like to be an instrument to teach people how to become a liberator of the planet. I want to push for projects aimed at improving the society and the environment. “#MissPulilanBulacan2017 Samantha Viktoria Acosta

“I want to be Miss Philippines Earth 2017 because I want to make a difference. I want my short wonderful life to have a meaning and purpose to it. To be the ambassadress that will be the voice of our Mother Earth that will help preserve and promote our country is a great privilege. I want to make use of the gifts that God has given me to influence people to be more aware and interested with the issues that is facing our environment today. “#MissTayabasCity2017 Lea Audrey Laano

More to follow soon!

Why Miss Universe crowned Miss Manila 2017 and not Miss Manila 2016 herself

Posted by Norman on June 26, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

Queen P crowning Miss Manila 2017 Maria Gail Tobes

Miss Manila 2016 Cristelle Tolentino

More than a few eyebrows were raised during the finals night of Miss Manila 2017 last June 24 when – instead of outgoing titleholder Cristelle Tolentino – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (who sat on the panel of judges) was the one tasked to put the crown of Miss Manila 2017 Maria Gail Tobes.

Well, I asked Cristelle about the whole thing (which is as equally important as the farewell walk to any outgoing titleholder) and this was her reply:

A lot of people are actually concerned about the crowning moment…it was Viva Entertainment who decided to do it po. There’s quite a few who asked me din po about it…Maybe because Ms. Pia was Miss Universe and they are after making it trend.

Well, if Viva wanted to trend the finals (or even the pre-pageant activities leading to it), then the people behind should have sought more support from the online media. I wanted so much to give enough focus on the other candidates, but then again…

Miss Manila 2017 and her court


Based on the order of the ladies above, the Miss Manila 2017 winners are: 4th runner up – No. 21 Naelah Alshorbaji Almazik, 2nd runner up – No. 18 Diana Mackey, Miss Manila – No. 11 Maria Gail Tobes, 1st runner up – No. 23 Francesca Camargo and 3rd runner up – No. 7 Sofia Sibug.

Below is an off-cam video of the crowning moment.

Looking for the next Miss Universe Thailand

Posted by Norman on June 26, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Over the weekend, the application/screening for Miss Universe Thailand 2017 was in full swing and the organizers received an outpour of interested joiners who brought their A-game in front of the panel who selected the Official Candidates for this year’s edition which will have its finals on July 29.

Watch the video below and see the ones who stood out among the close-to-200 sign-ups.

courtesy of seng12999.beautyqueen

Here are photos of some of the ladies who want to become the successor of reigning titleholder Chalita Suansane.