Miss World Philippines 2017 Candidate Jona Sweett
With the Ati kids of Aklan
Watch her video now.
courtesy of Raffy Cooper
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Actor Christian Bables who was made popular via the movie “Die Beautiful”
While this site is pageant-oriented, there are other topics which interest me. Some of you may remember that I also blogged about movies before. And during the release of “Die Beautiful” which I immensely enjoyed, coverage partner Joy Arguil and I also welcomed the opportunity to interview actor Christian Bables who won an Urian award for his performance as Barbs in that film. In tonight’s episode of MMK on ABS-CBN, Christian will play the role of Ben, a rich kid who found his place under the sun in the dark world of macho dancing. Here now are clips from our exclusive interview where he answered a few of our fielded questions.
Miss World Philippines 2017 Candidate Zara Carbonell and her father (actor) Cris Villanueva
Consider it a small advantage to enter a national beauty pageant being tagged initially as the daughter of a film/TV actor (Cris Villanueva). That is what Zhaniethia Antoinette Carbonell Villanueva – or Zara Carbonell – is experiencing at the moment. But that should change the minute you learn about this Miss World Philippines 2017 Official Candidate’s personal achievements and qualifications.
The 24 year-old graduate of De La Salle University – Taft is already an accomplished host for Color Manila Nationwide who does TV commercials while fulfilling her travel desires via a VLog titled “In Zee’s Shoes” where she has covered Denmark, Paris, Malaysia and Phuket so far.
All in the family now – brother Gian, mother Zhar and father Cris
Prior to that, Zara was an active student during her years at school. She was a cheerleader for Colegio San Agustin’s Red and Gold Boosters all the way to DLSU Pep Squad Dancers. Her gymnastic struts stretch to regular fitness interests in Soccer, Muay Thai and Boxing. And if that’s not enough, she also did a few soap opera guestings whenever she has time free from undergraduate studies to do so.
Zara doesn’t hide the fact that she has always dreamt of becoming a beauty queen. Aside from getting the potential platform to move ahead with her planned advocacies as an individual, she also wants to establish her own identity. She hopes to fulfill this objective with Miss World Philippines 2017. Below is her brief video encouraging support for her bid.
My partner took this shot of me at Dos Hermanos Beach in Pagudpud (Joy Arguil)
To my family – Mama, Papa, siblings (and siblings-in-law), nephews and nieces – who give me their unconditional love and support inspite of the days and nights when I would always be anywhere but home in my coverages and out-of-town commitments. At the end of it all, they will always be my shield – protector, if you will – ready and willing to catch me when I fall or show their tempered approval in whatever successes I have made.
To my partners at normannorman.com – Joy and Joseph – who can almost always read me like a book. They know my work style and what I give importance to. Most importantly, they have learned to adapt to my need for coverage speed and urgency when it matters most (and believe me, it matters 95% of the time). I wouldn’t have been able to manage everything without their valuable help and presence.
To the important people in Philippine pageantry who I could no longer name individually for fear of unintentionally leaving out an important person or two, thank you for the trust in my skills, abilities, presence and influence. I have very carefully crossed between national pageant organizers, camps and provincial/regional organizations in the hope of giving everyone the kind of spotlight they rightfully deserve. Add to that the bonds I have established with several Beauty Queens (and Kings), these are treasured friendships that lend more meaning to the work that I do.
To my readers and followers – people who continuously await my next article, feature or post – I have learned a lot about how to take in criticisms, swallow my pride if need be, dodge unnecessary bashings and play along the ride of comments both pleasant and otherwise. I am not a perfect human being. But I will never mean harm or disrespect to anyone. Because one thing I am 100% sure of myself is that envy is the last emotion I will give in to. As Bertrand Russell said, envy is one of the most potent causes of unhappiness. And I am a happy creature to begin with. 🙂
“Let age, not envy, draw wrinkles on thy cheeks” – Thomas Browne
Truthfully, it’s hard for me to say how long my remaining shelf life as a pageant blogger is. It could expire soon or extend indefinitely depending on how fate will dictate the flow of activities (and realities) that will unravel in the next few months or quarter or in early 2018 perhaps. But I am and will always be a thankful blogger.
Maraming salamat po!
Coverage partner Joy Arguil and I in Pagudpud
Just when you thought that you’re filled to the brim with national beauty contests sprouting left and right, here comes Eat Bulaga on GMA Network which has just started the search for Miss Millenial Philippines 2017. No, this is not one of those gimmicky segment fillers of the popular noontime show. It is actually a proper beauty pageant participated in by close to forty (40) candidates who won in their respective provinces plus a few others who have already participated in other national competitions such as Dianne Lacayanga of Ilocos Norte & Jaila Ragindin of Bataan in Mutya ng Pilipinas and Sofia Panapanaan in Miss Philippines Earth. The focus is on local tourism and how each participant will enthusiastically promote her place of origin while presenting herself as the best version of the female millenial for 2017.
Below is a photo grid of the candidates.
Below is a video of their introductions during the noontime show.
courtesy of Cyote TV
The big difference in this pageant is the candidates’ frequent exposures on nationwide TV with the different stages of the competition televised daily. And for sure, the supporters of each of them will come in droves to cheer and make noise all the way.
More on Miss Millenial Philippines 2017 in the days and weeks to come.
In an effort to unify with the global movement, a multi-sectoral coalition will be mounting Love Gala, Asia’s Premier Charity and Awards Gala event. The Love Gala will be unveiled during this media launch event, and is organized by the Love Gala Secretariat, a union of HIV and AIDS advocacy groups, government agencies, businesses, media agencies and socio-civic partners united in stopping the spread of HIV and ending the AIDS epidemic.
One of the ambassadors for the Love Gala is Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific –Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. To encourage everyone to know their status, she will undergo an HIV screening as well as present her PIA Project that seeks to raise HIV awareness in the Philippines and across the region.
The Love Gala will confer The Ripple Awards 2017 to 10 individuals driving change, inspiring hope and bringing healing to populations and communities affected by the HIV epidemic. The 10 honorees will be awarded in person at the Love Gala Charity and Awards event to be held on 1 December 2017 in Taguig City (venue TBA) in cooperation with partner agencies, community-based organizations, NGO’s, LGBT prominent personalities and friends in the advocacy in observance of World AIDS Day.
The Love Gala will include a fashion show featuring top Philippine designers Francis Libiran, Cary Santiago, Nat Manilag, Cheeta Rivera and John Herrera, directed by Robbie Carmona. Guests will also be serenaded by a mini concert from celebrity performers, and bid on auctions to raise funds for various initiatives in the HIV and AIDS advocacy.
Below are more photos from The Pia Project for Love Gala 2017 as taken by Joy Arguil for normannorman.com.
The title of this entry is the answer Laura Lehmann gave to the final question I asked of her during our brief video interview during the Miss World Philippines 2017 Press Presentation last Monday at New World Makati Hotel.
I asked her to choose between Sanya, China and Bolivia as obvious references to the host countries of Miss World 2017 and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017. Of course, she knows what title she is clearly gunning for and that is the #1 spot itself.
Hear her now talk about how she missed the pageant scene, as well as the “P.R.E.P.” advocacy that she wants to further expand should the platform be served on her plate come September 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
