For a change, let’s think of love and food for V Day, incredibly sweet tooth included.
Happy Hearts Day, dear readers!
Have you made plans with your someone special for tonight? Or are you one of those still-eligibly mingling and would rather do a group night-out with equally unattached allies?
Regardless of your status, let’s fill this day with yummy food and sweet desserts. After all, eating a good meal is almost always a certainty before or after romantic interludes.
And my favorite Irish Chef Donal Skehan is back with a heartwarming chocolate tart he prepared especially for Valentine’s Day.
Watch the video now.
courtesy of Donal Skehan
Now, since we love food just as much as beautiful women, here is the video of the Miss Universe Soul of Cooking Contest (presented by Badia Spices) which took place in Doral Miami last month:
TV Host and Actor Paolo Ballesteros is not happy doing just Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa. He is now at it again with another delegate during the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant – 4th Runner-Up Kaci Fennell of Jamaica.
In my opinion, this transformation is definitely a lot closer to how he shifted faces to become MJ. From the hair to the lips, he most definitely nailed it. Now if only he can complete the look by wearing a similar gown worn by Kaci (left photo), then I would applaud him even more. đ
Anyways, watch the latest latest interview of Miss Jamaica now.
Venus is the closest after she correctly predicted Colombia and USA as 1 and 2, respectively.
First off, l only considered the predictions sent by email to norman.blogsite@gmail.com and with corresponding address and contact details. So for those who posted theirs as a reply in one of the blog announcements about “Predict the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant and her 4 Runners-up”, I did not include your guesses anymore. Sorry.
Among the four hundred eighteen (418) emailed entries, nobody got all the five correct placements right. When I was checking all the predictions, I separated all the ones with Miss Colombia Paulina Vega as winner. And there were only eleven (11). From this small bunch, the runners-up were all misses in rankings. But one actually had Miss USA Nia Sanchez as her 1st Runner-up.
And so, the winner of our prediction contest is Venus L. Otomo from Cavite. She is now the proud owner of a brand new Zenfone 5 and P1,500 shopping voucher from Bench (I had to switch from SM Store due to a small glitch). I already emailed Venus about the win and hopefully, she can drop by the office in Makati to pick up the prizes.
At the Banquet Hall of Gloriamaris Restaurant on the 4th level of Gateway Mall, the Homecoming Press Conference of Miss Universe Philippines 2014 and 63rd Miss Universe Top 10 Finisher Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa was held with full capacity attendance. Everyone is just eager to be present in this event. And for good reasons (and juicy questions) at that.
Before the actual presscon started, the guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch that only the popular Chinese restaurant can offer. And right after getting filled, the activity began with the introduction of the reigning titleholders, and the star – MJ Lastimosa.
Rodgil Flores of KF (rightmost) giving his message for MJ
The Press Reps got a special bonus with the presence of the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 Official Candidates as well. And while separate interviews were made with MJ by the TV networks, the other guests had a heyday talking to and having photo ops with our current Binibinis.
MJ (center) pose with the current titleholders plus the 2015 Binibinis
MJ with one of the kids from Operation Smile (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova)
Instead of quoting MJ about the things she is thankful for, please watch a video I took of her during the homecoming presscon.
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa during her arrival at NAIA Terminal 2 early this morning (Photo credit: Lhey Son Macato)
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa at the VIP Lounge of NAIA Terminal 2 (Photo credit: The Pageant Queens)
Miss Philippines Mary Jean’MJ’ Lastimosa is back home.
MJ safely landed in Manila via a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles. She was met by fans and media reps and was immediately whisked to the VIP Lounge of NAIA Terminal 2 for an interview with the TV networks who covered her arrival.
This afternoon, a homecoming Press Conference is scheduled at the Banquet Hall of Gloriamaris Restaurant in Araneta Center. All the reigning titleholders plus the current Binibinis in contention for the 2015 crowns will be in attendance.
It will be quite an interesting affair in my opinion. đ
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa has already moved on
courtesy of PowerhousePH
“Let’s be happy and always be positive…let’s not blame anyone anymore…spread the love and be at peace…dahil yun lang ang nakakaganda”! – Mary Jean ‘MJ’ Lastimosa
It did not take long for Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa to realize that it’s time to move on from her Top 10 placement in the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant Finals. She knows that she has given her best in representing the country. And if that’s the best her efforts can be rewarded with, then she is not about to sulk and cry over what could’ve been or should’ve been.
Of course, it may be easier for MJ to get over the loss. Her most ardent fans and followers are a different story altogether. And the minute she returns home to Manila tomorrow, we’re not sure what kind of surprises await everyone.
It’s a next chapter that would be more than interesting enough to start reading in the days to come. đ
P.S. All graphics of MJ Lastimosa above are courtesy of Madamme Extellar
Consider me drained like a deflated balloon after the completion of the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant Finals hours back. I poured a large chunk of my time, mind and heart into blogging about the whole event that my nationalistic fervor for our bet decreased whatever diminished sleeping hours I was already stuck with since late November to New Year’s Eve.
So when Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa entered the Top 15, it was enough to rejuvenate my stressed body. And by the time she collected her Top 10 spot, I was all pumped up and raring to go active at things once more. Of course, everything vanished when she was stopped in her forward tracks and never made Top 5. Dreams of a five-peat gone. Back to square one.
I ate my lunch with the appetite of a girl suffering from anorexia nervosa. Good thing I still enjoyed the cup of coffee served by our office support staff. My mom brought a few pieces of expensive macaroons to cheer me up. And with the slight sugar rush, I stood up, got hold of my tablet, and started collecting my thoughts still in a bit of a daze.
I opened Google. I typed the words “blame” and “moving on” in hopes of getting lucky. 13 may be an unlucky number for some, but I somehow got to click the 13th link offered in the results. It’s the site of The Happy Sensitive Coach Caroline Van Kinnemade. And the article below was what awaited me on the other end.
The article made by Happy Sensitive Coach Caroline Van Kinnemade
So which side do I put myself in? Do I point fingers and blame those that could be the cause for the missed opportunity of our MJ? Or do I move on just like before and accept the fact that the crown just wasn’t meant to be for this edition yet? I’m middling between the two questions. I’m not sure if the answer is already crystal-clear in my head. What I’m more certain, though, is that I cannot move on with only a collection of speculated ideas and notions pulling me back.
Sure. Anyone can arrive at conclusions based on a litany of inside buzz, gossip and allegations. But lest I be tempted into getting myself sucked in from head to toe, I would rather wait for things to clear up, the right individuals to speak up and the scenario less volatile to rash actions and words. If I were just a plain pageant fan and spectator, things would be less of an ordeal to express stinging statements without the support of hard evidences. But since my built responsibility has gone far beyond that, I will have to exercise some due calm and patience. It is one virtue that has kept me in good stead all these years.
I haven’t moved on. But neither do I want to go on a rampage of blame until it’s the right time to do so.
My head is cooler now. It will remain that way until such moment when all the right facts and details come into play. I’m no sorcerer of rumors, just a well-meaninged instrument of irate voices and complaints.
Before I stretch this post any longer than it already did, allow me to thank Miss Philippines Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa for representing our country to the best of her ability. Her Top 10 placement will never be belittled because she is far more superior than a big majority of the candidates this year.
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa
Mabuhay ka, MJ! đ
P.S. Thank you everyone for making this day, January 26, the best day ever in my blog in terms of stats and site traffic. It ain’t over yet because the meter keeps on rising faster than I could regain my energy back. đ
If you’re watching live from the FIU Arena, on cable/free TV or via one of the various Live Streaming Links, let’s keep all the discussions under this newly-opened thread.
I also posted the USTREAM link on YouTube above.
Happy viewing, everyone! đ
P.S. I have prepared some ‘fill in the blanks’ below in anticipation of the actual results.
Donald Trump (leftmost) talking to the judges, including Manny Pacquiao
Final dress rehearsals from the opening to swimsuit to evening gowns (Photo credit: Ron Garcia-Reyes)
The ladies onstage during the final dress rehearsals with Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa (look for her) wearing the pink Leo Almodal gown. (Photo credit: Earl Veloso)
1. COLOMBIA – Paulina Vega
2. ITALY – Valentina Bonariva
3. INDIA – Noyonita Lodh
4. FRANCE – Camille Cerf
5. USA – Nia Sanchez
6. INDONESIA – Elvira Devinamira
7. VENEZUELA – Migbelis Castellanos
8. SPAIN – Desire Cordero Ferrer
9. PHILIPPINES – Mary Jean Lastimosa!!! đ
10. ARGENTINA – Valentina Ferrer
11. JAMAICA – Kaci Fennell
12. UKRAINE – Diana Harkusha
13. BRAZIL – Melissa Gurgel
14. NETHERLANDS – Yasmin Verhejen
15. AUSTRALIA – Tegan Martin
FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T FIND A GOOD LIVE STREAMING LINK YET, TRY TELEMUNDO ONLINE.
MU2013 Gabriela Isler and a special coverage on the project of MU in the Philippines, with accompanying vid of Pope Francis visiting the country.
Swimsuit Competition up next!
Prince Royce performing now for the Swimsuit segment.
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa during the swimsuit competition
Swimsuit standouts for me are: Colombia, Philippines, Jamaica, Ukraine, Brazil and Australia.
THE TOP 10
1. JAMAICA – Kaci Fennell
2. COLOMBIA – Paulina Vega
3. UKRAINE – Diana Harkusha
4. ARGENTINA – Valentina Ferrer
5. PHILIPPINES – Mary Jean Lastimosa!!!
6. SPAIN – Desire Cordero Ferrer
7. NETHERLANDS – Yasmin Verhejen
8. VENEZUELA – Migbelis Castellanos
9. AUSTRALIA – Tegan Martin
10. USA – Nia Sanchez
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa when she was called to the Top 10.
Evening Gown Competition up next!
Nick Jonas performing during the Evening Gown Competition.
Evening Gown Standouts for me: ALL!(This is a really Tough TEN!) Higher five could be Jamaica, Colombia, Philippines, Spain and Venezuela.
Miss Congeniality is Miss Nigeria.
Miss Photogenic is Miss Puerto Rico.
Best in National Costume is Miss Indonesia.
If for some unavoidable circumstances that you find yourself outside of the house, no cable or free TV available, and with only your trusty laptop or reliable tablet on hand, all you need is a stable Wi-Fi to access the Live Streaming of the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant straight from Miami.
I gathered some of the available links below. Just click on one or all of the following to choose which will work for you best.
Happy un-buffered viewing! đ
Click above to go to the site so you can register to watch the pageant.
You can try the Live Streaming of Sash Factor by clicking on the image above.
You can also check with livenewschat.eu by clicking above.
Latin Times offers the Live Streaming Link above.
If all else will fail, try the new Livestream.com by clicking below.
The New Livestream has always proven to be reliable. The app can even be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play stores.
Now if you’re up for some simultaneous live blogging of the finals, then head on over to Yahoo Philippines for their special coverage of the event in Miami. Join in the fun by clicking below!
Click above to join the live blogging of Yahoo Philippines
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa in her critically-panned Panagbenga-inspired National Costume courtesy of Alfredo Barraza
Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa in her major spotlight moments during the 63rd Miss Universe Preliminary Competition (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)
MJ during the intros
There is great burden on your shoulders, Miss Philippines Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa. And I, for one, do not envy the life-changing mission you will be up to hours from now. But you have been assigned the herculean task because we know that you can make it happen, regardless of the odds stacked against your favor. There is one and only one chance for your one big shot. Make it count. Hit the target. Don’t miss the mark. No ifs or buts.
But in the unlikely event that the DIC crown is meant for someone else, accept the fate with humility. Congratulate the winner with warmth and sincerity. And face up to the eventualities without the slightest trace of enmity.
You will win because you are claiming it in your whole being. You will lose because fate will decide to bequeath the honor to another contender. At this point, the ball is still as round as the full moon everyone is trying to reach.
Rest your mind for now. At exactly 8pm in Miami, shine on stage with the smile that will melt the coldest of hearts. Uphill it may be – with the journey to the top being a tough climb – but one that you can certainly muster.
Even on five-inch platform heels. đ
P.S. Watch the video below which is a compilation of the fansigns in support of our bet. They are one in shouting the battlecry: “I Am For MJ For MU All The Way! “
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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