
Aces & Queens alright (L-R); Gerry Diaz, Jonas Gaffud, Shamcey Supsup, Mark Besana, Teresa Licaros, Arnold Mercado and John Cuay
Last Thursday night, I had the privilege of getting an exclusive invite to attend the successful launching of Aces & Queens at the Opus Lounge of Resorts World Manila. While everyone already knows that the group has been in existence since 2001, it is only this year that the topnotch beauty camp has finally decided to take pageants to a higher level of training excellence. Spurred by the inspiring performances of their wards in Miss Universe and the glorious victory of Megan Young in Miss World 2013, the group is entering a new chapter in the transformation of Filipinas into world-class icons of Beauty and Substance. And with the backing of various business supporters, enthusiastic media and online reps and the successful ladies who have brought honor and fame to its name, Aces & Queens will continuously evolve into the best Philippine pageant training studio as well as a more internationally-renowned institution that is just as capable of opening its doors to aspiring young women from other countries in the region.
During the formal launch, five of the several pillars of Aces & Queens – Jonas Gaffud, Arnold Mercado, Mark Besana, Gerry Diaz and John Cuay – were present. Additional dream team members Nad Bronce, Albert Kurniawan and Boyet Blas were cited. Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup hosted the event, with the assistance of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2007 Anna Theresa Licaros. In addition, the ladies in attendance were Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Venus Raj, Miss World Philippines 2012 Queenie Rehman, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos, Mutya ng Pilipinas winners Barbie Salvador, Carla Lizardo and Zahra Saldana, plus Cassandra Naidas, Mariel de Leon, Rachel Bustamante, Carolyn Ty and Selena Antonio. TV Networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7 covered the event, as well as Kai Magsanoc of Rappler.com, Armin Adina of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jory Rivera of OPMB Worldwide, Brix Vera/Dencio Natividad of Sash Factor and your blogger.
By the way, what made the whole event more special was an emotional audio message from Miss World 2013 Megan Young who credited A&Q for turning her into the Queen she is right now. She spoke mostly in Tagalog and that made her testimonial more heartfelt.
Here’s to more exciting and successful years ahead for Aces & Queens! 🙂