Andrea Biondo

All posts tagged Andrea Biondo

Mister Universal Ambassador Philippines 2018 George Reylor de Lumen and his National Costume

Posted by Norman on November 19, 2018
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .


Presenting to you the “Ibong Adarna”-inspired National Costume to be worn in competition by Mister Universal Ambassador Philippines 2018 George Reylor de Lumen in New Delhi, India for Mister Universal Ambassador 2018.

The entire ensemble is created by Designer Michael Barassi who gave us the inspiration and description of his masterpiece below:


George has started his quest for the title that came so close to being captured by our representatives the last three years. Alexis Martinez placed Top 10 the first edition, Andrea Biondo got 2nd Runner-Up the next and Paul Guarnes was named 1st Runner-Up last 2017. Could 2018 be the year that we finally finish on top?

Let us wish him the best in his mission! Finals will be on November 24 in Arya, New Delhi, India.


Additional credits for the photos:
Photographer: Jai Murcillo
Grooming: Shai Mejia
Location: Lucky Buddha Photography Studio

Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018

Posted by Norman on January 20, 2018
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

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This is it, Iloilo!

Today, I will be flying to Asia’s City of Love to serve as one of the judges in tonight’s finals of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 at the University of San Agustin Gym. Along with Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup, 65th Miss Universe Top 6 Finalist Maxine Medina, Miss Universe 2017 Top 10 placer Rachel Peters, Asia’s Next Top Model winner Maureen Wroblewitz, Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 2nd Runner-Up Andrea Biondo and Catwalk King Sinon Loresca, we will select the best and the brightest among the thirteen (13) ladies vying for the crown.

The Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 Candidates posing in front of the Official Residence, Richmond Hotel Iloilo

And tomorrow morning, I will be guesting on Bombo Radyo Iloilo to do a wrap-up of the results of the finals above as well as discuss about Bb. Pilipinas 2018.

Watch out for my report on the results of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018. Viva Señor Sto. Niño!

The Grand Launch | Empire Group of Companies 

Posted by Norman on November 8, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Jonas Gaffud

Jonas Gaffud and Pia Wurtzbach

#EmpirePhTalents all in a row

Mister International 2014 Neil Perez, Jonas Gaffud and Manhunt Philippines 2017 Daniel Azurin

Miss Philippines USA 2017 Nicole Guerrero

At the Eclipse Bar of Solaire Resort and Casino earlier, the Grand Launch of the Empire Group of Companies was held with Jonas Gaffud at the helm. This business endeavor is made up of My Hotspot TV – a digital-only channel featuring today’s most promising personalities; T.E.A.M. (The Empire Artists Management) – a showbiz-oriented company that aims to present tomorrow’s celebrities today; A&Q Studios – offshoot of the popular Aces & Queens; G.A.M.E. (Glam Artists Management & Events), an events group that brings together today’s most popular stylists and beauty experts; and Jag Studio Lifestyle, arbiter of taste and the expert on what’s in and what’s out today.

Present during the launch are the more popular talents of the group including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Matsunaga, joined by the new ones like Manhunt Philippines 2017 Daniel Azurin, Miss Philippines USA 2017 Nicole Guerrero, Mister International 2014 Neil Perez, Mister Southeast Asia International 2016 Andrea Biondo, Josh Barfuss and Eduardo Castillo.

Expect #EmpirePhTalents to soar higher than ever before with the gradual spread of these entertainment outlets.

And for the pageant fans out ther, the bigger and better Aces & Queens Studios at The Fort will surely level up the excitement and anticipation in the training of our future beauty queens.

Watch out for more about #Empireph soon!

Gentlemen of the Philippines 2017 | The Official Candidates 

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

This coming Thursday afternoon will be the Press Presentation of the Official Candidates of Gentlemen of the Philippines 2017 courtesy of Co-Presentor Belmeré Skin Care Centre. Now on its 2nd year, the national male pageant promises to be a bigger and bolder event with the Preliminaries scheduled to take place in the Crown Jewel of the North – Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center – which also happens to be the Official Presentor, from September 1-3. This is where competitions in Ethnic Costume, Swimwear and Formal Wear will take place, as well as the Sports Fast-Track to be conducted by Bond’s Optimal Fitness.

Back in Manila, the Talent Fast-Track will be held – along with the ongoing Social Media and Charity equivalents – before the Dinner-Finals Night scheduled on September 9 at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Rembrandt in QC.

The thirty-one contenders embody the vision of Gentlemen Charities Inc (GCI) to look for young men with “more than good looks” – individuals who can dig deep beyond pure muscles and express their inner strength and advocacies along with back stories that show character and uniqueness.

The Official Candidates of Gentlemen of the Philippines 2017 are:

1. John David Berganio (Wales)
2. Melvin Lat (Lipa City, Batangas)
3. Al Reggie Dimalanas (Maguindanao)
4. Dan-Riel Cabigan (Carmona)
5. Gerard Bonanza (Legazpi City)
6. Mark Anthony Sy (Tarlac City)
7. Kristian Sarmiento (Lucban, Quezon)
8. Miguel De Castro (Laguna)
9. Wilfred Carlo Aquino (Leyte)
10. Ian Anthony Tan (Lucena City)
11. Christian Pot Castillo (Floridablanca, Pampanga)
12. John Alfred Bendana (England)
13. Juvienz Von Kaisser Maravilla (Olongapo City)
14. Manny Quintos (Tarlac Province)
15. Jay Jay Olano (South Italy)
16. Jush Rosales (Mulanay, Quezon)

17. Gerald Montero (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur)
18. Kevin Hernandez (North Italy)
19. Mark David Porcel (Mabalacat City, Pampanga)
20. Jose Gabriel Aquino (Bulacan)
21. Michael Gomez (North Cotabato)
22. Paul Guarnes (Iloilo)
23. Jamil Permigones (Alabat, Quezon)
24. Prince Argel Saycon (Bais City, Negros Oriental)
25. Aaron Sangcap (Concepcion, Tarlac)
26. Gandalf Ray Lao (Tawi-Tawi)
27. Vincent John Musni (Capas, Tarlac)
28. Donelle Karlo ‘DK’ Babiera (Dumaguete City)
29. Jethro Percival Peralta (San Clemente, Tarlac)
30. Rafael Jamir (Cavite City)
31. Keny Ong (Ilocos Sur)

Reigning top winner Andrea Biondo, who is also Mister Southeast Asia International, will be there to see who has what it takes to succeed him as Mister Universal Ambassador Philippines.

Watch out for normannorman.com’s coverage of the Press Presentation!

Truly. More than good looks.

#GotPH2017

Flashback Friday: The Very First Gentlemen of the Philippines 

Posted by Norman on July 14, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .



Helping mount a national pageant is not an easy endeavor, let alone a male contest which has not fully achieved a mainstream status in the Philippines. Yet. But 2017 promises to be a notch better than the last, what with the simultaneous existence of other competitions like Mister Philippines and Misters of Filipinas. And the 2nd Edition of the Gentlemen of the Philippines is looking at its sophomore edition with eye-opening lessons learned from the inaugural effort. This year, the search will be more carefully-planned in order to sustain the momentum previously built.

In this post are random photos and videos taken from July of last year when the male pageant held its sashing ceremony at the Valle Verde Country Club, Press Presentation at the Sulo Hotel poolside and Provincial Tour in Quezon Province (Sariaya, Candelaria, Tayabas and Lucena City) leading to the finals at the Trinity University of Asia Theater.

Being the Media/PR Head of Gentlemen Charities Inc., I believe that I have made good with my promise to spread awareness about the competition, as well as continue with the relative visibility of the winners such as Andrea Biondo, Kian Sumague, Paul Renzo Velo, Mark Joshua Marquez, Jason Martin and Miguel Alexis Maliwat (and even some of the candidates like Johannes Rissler and Andrei Salvacion who are doing good in their respective careers).


For 2017, the national screening and announcement of Official Candidates – followed by orientation – will happen on July 30. Competition period will take place from September 2-9 and for now, the eventual winners at stake will be sent to Mister Universal Ambassador in Makkasar, Indonesia, Mister Model International in Miami, Florida and Mister Tourism World in Myanmar. Last year’s Mister Tourism International bet will remain in place as his competition is still scheduled by August/September. The surprise will be a new title to be handed out during the September 9 finals.

Below is a video of the news coverage made by Eagle Broadcasting last year.

courtesy of Mata ng Agila

More on Gentlemen of the Philippines 2017 soon!

A Happy Gentleman-ly Halloween to all!

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

Andrea and Rex for the Charity Event

They also helped host the event

Rj Garcia of The Appledrive Peoject

Andrea speaking to the kids

While we generally celebrate Halloween just for fun (plus a valid reason for partying), there is also a side of it that can be observed for an activity laced with some charity work. Two of the Gentlemen of the Philippines winners – Mister Southeast Asia International 2016/Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 2nd Runner-Up Andrea Biondo and his national pageant 2nd Runner-Up Rex Calimbayan volunteered to help out RJ Garcia of The Appledrive Project for a good old “Appletreat-or-Trick” activity where kids from Pineda Elementary School in Pasig City were asked to dress up in their Halloween costumes and participate in the usual treat-or-trick with apples as the star of the whole program. The two Gentlemen gamely carried boxes of specially-decorated apples and distributed them to the participants while bringing out the inner child in them to spread more joy.

A Happy Gentleman-ly Halloween to all! 😀

Andrea and Rex helped in packing the goodies

To know more about The Appledrive Project, click on the image above

Miss Diamond of the World 2016 | She’s no diamond in the rough

Posted by Norman on October 7, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Christine Joy Picardal wins Miss Diamond of the World in Algeria


Christine Joy Picardal went to Algiers with a mission. She was chosen to represent the Philippines in the first international beauty pageant that was held in the North African country of Algeria and won.

Last night, this La Union native has just been crowned Miss Diamond of the World 2016 at the Sofitel Algiers. There was very little noise of her participation in the said competition. But now that she has proven herself worthy of the victory, a warm welcome awaits upon her return to the country soon.

Christine’s achievement proves that the Filipina is indeed world-class. After Miss United Continents 2016 Jeslyn Santos, Miss Global 2016 1st Runner-Up Camille Hirro, Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 2nd Runner-Up/ Mister Southeast Asia International 2016 Andrea Biondo, Man of the Year 2016 Karan Singhdole and Miss Asia 2016 Trixia Maria Marana, plus the Top 10 Finish of Nancy Leonard in Miss Tourism Queen International 2016, this definitely adds up to the growing list of excellent finishes for the year. And I have a good feeling there will be more in the bigger events up ahead.

Congratulations to you, Tine!

Congratulations, Christine!

The Return of Fernando Alvarez, Mr. World 2016 1st Runner-Up

Posted by Norman on October 6, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

The gorgeous Puerto Rican hunk is back to the Philippines for the 4th time (Photo credit: Joy Arguil)


Earlier this afternoon, Mr. World 2016 1st Runner-Up Fernando Alvarez of Puerto Rico was honored in a Presscon hosted by Psalmstre Enterprises Inc (PEI) for its brand ambassador of Placenta for Men. With PEI Head Jaime Acosta and Marketing Manager Maryo Copon heading the activity, several members of the media from entertainment and pageant showed up to ask a variety of questions as well as to appreciate the hunky presence of the handsome Puerto Rican who is on his 4th visit in the country.


This time around, Fernando will do more than just appear in print ads and billboards. He will undergo intense lessons to learn how to speak Tagalog with the mid-term objective of getting a big break in one of our teleseryes or perhaps the movies. And given his drive to succeed, I bet we will see more of him in the weeks to come with a gradual knowledge of conversational Tagalog already being put into good use.

By the way, Fernando already enjoys classifying himself as a “Pinoy-Rican” by now. He loves the Philippines so much that he already considers it his 2nd home.

Sandwiched by Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 2nd Runner-Up Andrea Biondo and Mr. World 2016 1st Runner-Up Fernando Alvarez, your blogger is happy being.


P.S. Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 2nd Runner-Up Andrea Biondo (from Gentlemen of the Philippines) also attended the same presscon. He will also become one of the signed brand ambassadors of Placenta for Men soon! 🙂

Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 | Who could possibly be the 2nd?

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

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Tomorrow night in Surabaya, Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 will be named. He will be the 2nd in the two year-old male pageant that has managed to rise up the ranks in terms of popularity. From a mere nineteen (19) candidates in 2015, it has assembled forty-eight (48) in this batch – quite an impressive jump in terms of the trust given by National Directors from all over the world.

So as is customary in my blog, I will give now my Final Predictions for the Top 15. The video above had the choices presented in alphabetical order. Here now are my picks arranged from 1-15 (top to bottom):


In all honesty and objectivity, I can see a three-way battle for the top spot with Christian Llorente of Spain, Alejandro Martinez of the Dominican Republic and Andrea Biondo of the Philippines fighting tooth and nail to be #1. The rise to pole position won’t be easy, as I know that the IMP (Indonesian Male Pageant) Organization will make it doubly hard for the contenders to slug it out considering that the next winner will have big shoes to fill in the person of Christian Ortiz of Puerto Rico. In the end, I can see a winner who will not only be a “Captivating Role Model” (the pageant’s tagline), but also a committed brand ambassador who can help make Mister Universal Ambassador become the best male competition anywhere in the globe.

As for the potential qualifiers outside of the trio above, I can pick Eric of Puerto Rico, Jesus of Peru, Marcello of Brazil and Mazi of Algeria as strong spoilers. This quartet can individually zoom to higher placements if the breaks go in their favor.

All told, this batch has unleashed a really strong group of entries from Latin America and Spain – the Spanish-speaking countries if you will. But if the organization is looking at gaining more solid grounds into Europe, then a toss between Christian Llorente and Andrea Biondo would be ideal as both of them can connect the brand to the said continent effortlessly well. And between the two, our bet has a slight edge because he still has that solid link to Asia where Mister Universal Ambassador still needs to sustain its popularity.

Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 will have its Grand Finals at the Governor Hall in Surabaya Carnival Jawa Timur where Mister Tourism International Philippines 2015 Willan Pagayon will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Best of luck to all candidates! 😀