Imelda Schweighart

All posts tagged Imelda Schweighart

Imelda Schweighart and Sun Noach 

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

A mother to Sun Noach

Resigned Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Imelda Schweighart finally revealed her bundle of joy – Sun Noach. While she may have delivered her first baby by water birth last July, it was only late this month that she posted images on her Instagram account about being a mother for the first time.

The new mom is extra proud of how she gave welcomed her #veganbaby to the outside world by way of Lotus birthing – an ancient practice where the cord is allowed to naturally fall off by itself instead of the usual cutting.

Let us give our positive thoughts for Imee in this new chapter in her life.

Sun Noach

normannorman.com | Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Final Picks

Posted by Norman on July 12, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It used to be in several years past that the national finals of Miss Philippines Earth followed the 10-5 elimination structure until last year when it made a slight change to 12-5 because of the June 12 (Philippine Independence Day) Coronation Night. For 2017, it will all be back to 10-5 once the big night unravels this coming Saturday night at the MOA Arena. And here is where it always get difficult because – out of the forty (40) Official Candidates vying for the crown of Loren Mar Artajos – there are more than ten (10) Earth Warriors who have the potentials of winning.

The 2017 batch is solid. The ladies may not have the tallest height average, but individually, their strengths as beauty queens-cum-environmental spokespersons cannot be taken for granted. And this could be the reason why – inspite of the initial public resistance to the idea – the lower half of the Top 10 is eventually sashed and declared as multiple runners-up instead of just being tagged as semi-finalists. This makes Miss Philippines Earth and her elemental court (plus Eco-Tourism) as major titleholders – sort of a Bb. Pilipinas mimic if you will.

With that being said, let me start by citing first the five (5) ladies who did not make the final choices for Top 10. I have to give them credit for proving to be such worthy competitors. Truly, the official first-cut slots are so hotly-contested that any one of them could actually spoil the line-up for one or two of my forecasted ladies.

Left to right: Karen Ibasco, Lea Audrey Laano, Vanessa Mae Castillo, Rianne Kalaw and Korin Dizon

The ladies occupying my 11th-15th spots are just good as speakers as the ones who made my personal Top 10. Manila’s Karen Ibasco, for one, is a Physicist who definitely knows more than just waste management and recycling, just as Korin Dizon of Angeles City is a well-spoken events host who can talk about anything under the sun. Lea Audrey Laano of Tayabas City, Vanessa Mae Castillo of Lobo, Batangas and Rianne Kalaw of the City of Lipa are also clearly-committed to their respective advocacies and can talk about their causes with much fervor.

But let us go to the beauties who scored highest in my own scoresheet.

​

My Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Top 10

If one or two of my 11th-15th could pull the rug from a couple of ladies in my Top 10, I can go out on a limb and say that at least three in my 6th-10th positions are capable of gunning for the Top 5. Anne Krishia Antonio of Porac, Pampanga is a well-rounded conversationalist who – along with her beautiful morena looks – can go from corporate to casual talks with equal ease. I can almost say the same for Shane Tormes of Mandaluyong City who – aside from having one of the best catwalks and physique – is such a warm and spontaneous individual who can be both a Miss Friendship winner and an elemental titleholder at the same time. On the other hand, Celine Pangan of Ozamiz City and Sherlyn Doloriel of Cagayan de Oro City are two of the strongest Mindanaoan bets who are very charming and possessing the right attitude at the same time. Both of them are so easy to get along with. So those could be strong plus factors when it comes to the assessment of the organizers and staff behind Carousel Productions. Let us not forget the uber pretty Jessica Marasigan of Caloocan City who won Gold as Best in Resort Wear. She has always made heads turn everywhere the candidates do their media/public appearances. She is also a delightful talker.

Onto the potential cast of Top 5, I am assigning the Miss Philippines Earth Eco-Tourism honor to Catherine Tabaniag of Panglao, Bohol. If she eventually goes this far (or even higher), it could be the worthiest placement of her province in the annual competition. And I bet she can do a lot of good promotion for Bohol’s environmental efforts and the entire Visayan region. Sandrine Stoelzaed of Puerto Princesa City and Jessica Rose McEwen of Fil-New Zealand are occupying my Miss Philippines Fire and Miss Philippines Water slots, respectively. They have been strong contenders from Day 1 and have managed to sustain their status as favorites up to this point. They will definitely give my Top 2 placers a tight run for their money. The final Q&A is very likely to spell the difference during the last segment of the finals proceedings.

Lastly, it could be a battle between youth and reality/celebrity reach for the Miss Philippines Air and Miss Philippines Earth crowns. Samantha Acosta of Pulilan, Bulacan can do a Jamie Herrell and win the highest plum at the age of 19. She has the strong support of the student sector and can actually be an excellent role model for Mother Earth with her Greentime advocacy. And quite undeniably, this University of Asia & the Pacific student has one of the most beautiful faces in this roster as well.

On the other hand, Kim de Guzman of Olongapo City enjoys the relative popularity/familiarity of being a former PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) housemate over at ABS-CBN, the pageant’s official network. She also capitalizes on her allure and natural charisma to win support over her side, while proving that she can also talk the talk if the demand is to speak on behalf of the environment.

It’s an either-or between Samantha Acosta and Kim de Guzman for Miss Philippines Earth 2017, just like 2016 when Imelda Schweighart and Kiara Giel Gregorio battled for #1 or in 2015 which saw Angelia Ong and Chanel Olive Thomas go head-to-head up to the actual announcement of winners.

Watch the finals of Miss Philippines Earth 2017 live at the MOA Arena. The forty candidates have been giving away free tickets since last week. See if you score a pass from one of them. Otherwise, you can catch the delayed TV telecast on Sunday night (after GGV) over at ABS-CBN.

Sunday Specials: It could have been sweeter for MPE2016 Loren Mar Artajos

Posted by Norman on March 19, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Loren Mar Artajos


I had the good chance of spending quality time with Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Loren Mar Artajos during our judging of the Ginoo at Binibining Laguna 2017 finals more than a week ago today. And I simply could not let the opportunity pass without asking her a question that has been nagging my mind ever since she took over the reign from Imelda Schweighart who resigned after a string of controversies during Miss Earth 2016. How is she taking it all in?

Loren is very quick to admit that things could have been sweeter had she won the title right from the start. That would have allowed her to represent the Philippines in the international competition. And she would have been a mighty proud wearer of the country’s sash.

“But don’t get me wrong, Tito Norman. I am still thrilled that the national title is now mine. Just imagine, how often can you see a third placer getting the crown? It’s usually the 1st Runner-Up, or Miss Air in our case. It must be really fate that led me to this. And I am committed to hold on to my responsibility to the organizers till my successor is crowned in June. I am taking in all the blessings that are coming my way. It has allowed me to still use my voice and the platform to spread environmental awareness throughout the country.


I am a happy Miss Philippines Earth, Tito Norman!”

So there. Loren Mar may have only a few months left till she passes on the crown to a new winner. But she is making the most out of everything. After all, the Miss Philippines Earth 2016 is hers. And it will stay attached to her name forever. 🙂

Loren Mar Artajos (rightmost) and I during the Ginoo at Binibining Laguna 2017 judging together with Spanish model Alejandro Coloma

Imelda Schweighart and the pressure (and pitfalls) of being Imelda Schweighart 

Posted by Norman on November 9, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , .

Imelda during her TV interview on The Source of CNN Philippines

Imelda with host Pinky Webb

To say that it ain’t easy being Imelda Schweighart nowadays is a big understatement. She is now the former Miss Philippines Earth 2016 (replaced by Loren Mar Artajos) who is trying to move on with life and restoring “normalcy” to the once-quiet existence she enjoyed before jumping back into the pageant scene and even stretching her presence in the international level.

In the interview with Pinky Webb on CNN Philippines’ “The Source”, you may see her as being nice and goody-two-shoes, but the honesty (however sanitized) remains evident in the way she answers and expresses her thoughts, especially about the snowballing doubts about being Miss Philippines Earth and the country’s delegate to Miss Earth.

Watch now and tell me your thoughts after, dear readers.

Questions, Nagging Questions

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

Miss Earth 2016 and the controversial yellow Almodal gown (Photo credit: Joy Arguil)

I will get straight to the point here regarding the highly controversial yellow gown that was originally meant to be worn by Imelda Schweighart during the Miss Earth 2016 finals. There are a few nagging questions that still leave me hanging till now. I know that the smart-alecks have ready replies to counter the same. But I just need to let them out because I know of extra sensitive details that cannot be blogged about. Yet.

Screenshot of part of Leo Almodal’s response

Photo credit: Joel Maniquis


Based on the above screenshot of Leo Almodal’s reply to the issue, here’s Question #1.

If – as the Designer clearly specified – a period of three months is required to completely finish a lavish gown, then why accept the extremely risky challenge of coming up with a new one for Katherine Espin in just a matter of days? Leo’s reputation is at stake, and in any business, calculated moves are crucial in accepting orders. He said that he tried to do the impossible. Why go to the extent? Was he already compromised because of the downpayment he received (the alleged cost of the gown is PhP175,000.00 so do the math on the d/p)?

More of Leo Almodal’s reply

Now in the reply above, it was clear that he made a sponsorship commitment to dress up Imelda Schweighart. No need to talk about not receiving a single centavo as payment or who owns the gown in the first place. A commitment is a commitment no matter what. And if we put a price tag on the media and publicity mileage that the Almodal brand got from the KF beauty queens for several years now, the figure will definitely be up there by now. My question is this: What will Katherine Espin wear if the scenario is that Imelda Schweighart made it up until the Evening Gown competition and wore the yellow number? I’m really curious because the Ecuadorian lass already gave earnest money for a brand new creation.

Part of the reply of KF’s Georgette Garrido

Georgette Garrido of KF also posted his version of what happened backstage. It was apparent that Katherine Espin was supposed to wear a new red one and not yellow. But since the partially-paid red number was not finished on time, she was made to slip into the yellow gown instead after Miss Philippines was no longer called to the Top 16. Information has now reached me that Katherine is very disappointed with everything that has happened about the gown she already shelled out money for. Good thing she eventually won the title. Here’s my question: Could this be why she is allegedly considering filing a complaint? And why Leo is (according to several screenshots of a chat posted by Imelda’s brother) so mad at Imelda after the latter uploaded a video of her fitting the yellow gown?

I feel iffy uploading this particular post. But I believe that these are angles to the whole issue that need to be discussed, even at the expense of making me look naive to some of you, dear readers.

P.S. Now this one is starting to get spooky. I was told that Imelda Schweighart and family are now receiving death threats (see screenshot below as posted by Imelda’s brother). Why on earth should it reach this point?


Is Kiara Giel Gregorio ready for her ascent?

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

Miss Philippines Air 2016 Kiara Giel Gregorio

Kiara and I

In times like this, the 1st Runner-Up is always a significant presence. After Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart resigned from her title last night, the succession is perceived as automatic. Her Miss Philippines Air 2016 – Kiara Giel Gregorio – should be returning from her home in London, UK anytime soon to assume the responsibilities left vacant. And the whirlwhind ascent to the crown should not be a problem, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Kiara in swimsuit

It will be remembered back in May that Kiara was my predicted #1 bet to win Miss Philippines Earth 2016 (with Imelda as #2). I was so certain that time that this sweet young lass had all the makings of a perfect Miss Earth representative. Unfortunately, she fell just one placement short of that.

Miss Earth 2016 may now be over. But the duties inherent in the remaining seven (7) months of the Miss Philippines Earth 2016 titleholder still continue. And I believe that it is fate saying that Kiara should have been and will soon be the wearer of the crown.

Kiara (2nd from right) as Miss Philippines Air 2016


So pack your bags, Kiara! Ready or not, you will be offered the title as fast as a London Eye moment. 😉

reSigned, Sealed, Delivered | An Epilogue to the Imelda Schweighart Tales

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

Imelda Schweighart is MPE2016 no more

Imelda Bautista Schweighart will go down memory lane as the most controversial national beauty queen in modern Philippine Pageant history. After all the wild social media frenzy that has happened the past number of days, the only way out of the mess is – quite clearly – to resign as Miss Philippines Earth 2016. And this she did after a closed door meeting with the executives of Carousel Productions together with Imelda’s mother.

Let me fill you in first on something that has nagged me after I posted the blog article yesterday on my personal assessment of our subject. Contrary to what others would say that her beauty camp – Kagandahang Flores – was amiss in instilling discipline amd giving reprimands on Imelda’s behavior, the group actually took care of her like a real daughter as far back as early 2013 when she was fielded for Bb. Pilipinas 2013. At times, she was spoiled but not to the point of letting her get away with a good number of mistakes and shortcomings. Corrective measures were always thrown her way, what with the eagle-eyed guidance of the likes of Rodgil Flores, Gio Flores and Georgette Garrido constantly watching over her decisions and actuations. But then again, there’s only so much three or more concerned people can do to straighten out the wrinkles and prevent the behavioral lapses in between. There is no such thing as 24/7 guarding in this case because it just doesn’t make sense to an independent-minded person like her.

Imelda still has a life of her own. And this she took seriously regardless of the big and small missteps in the process of coming out of her shell. And when she finally took the spotlight this year, she still could not hide her true colors. From the infamous Facebook Live video to the rambutan seed in Palawan to the equally infamous recording of her comments against Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin to the TV interview about the controversial Leo Almodal gown she was supposed to wear during Saturday night’s finals that landed on Miss Ecuador’s back – she did not hide her real sentiments or opinions. And that is why she got her comeuppance from virtually everyone. The girl is left to apologize for everything, pick up the pieces of a shattered image and try to make sense of how she can move on from all of these.

Soon, Imelda will be flying to New Zealand with her mother to make a fresh start. That is the ideal plan for now. I know that it will do her good, without a doubt. But between November 1 and that fateful day of departure, she will need the deepest and sincerest support system that only her beauty camp can provide. The pillars of KF have long served the role of surrogate parents in addition to the only big sister she has looked up to all these years – Parul Shah. She will need positive reinforcements that will firm up her self-esteem and weed out the undesirable feelings of neglect and alienation. To say that she is emotionally weak at this point would not be completely applicable. She is more like the picture of a beautiful white swan who gradually turned black in the eyes of many. She needs to propel herself back. If she has to do a million pirouettes to regain the respect of most, the girl still has the might to do it.

Imelda Schweighart by Jerkerly So Tang

Goodbye for now to the former Miss Philippines Earth 2016


Imelda Bautista Schweighart. You either question or hate her flawed guts. In my case, I never use the word hate for an individual whose only biggest mistake is to speak her mind void of any self-moderation. The lack of tact and diplomacy will never be enough reason to throw her under the bus and left to be trampled upon. But curiously, she will not be the Darling that a Gold medal during the Miss Earth 2016 Press Presentation symbolized. Call her the worst candid person. It’s just unfortunate that she had to wear the Philippine sash throughout the most controversy-laden period of her young life ever.

Imelda Schweighart | The Way I See Her

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

Imelda Schweighart during Miss Earth 2016 National Costume Competition (Photo by Joy Arguil)

During the ME Press Presentation when both Imelda and Katherine were named Gold medalists as Darlings of the Press

During the meet-and-greet when Imelda (photo with your blogger) was recorded uttering that “Hitler” question with Miss Austria beside her


If were a spin doctor, Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart would be a very challenging client to defend and do damage control for in the eyes of the online social media and even colleagues who covered the events of Miss Earth 2016. She can be the sweetest lady one minute who can turn into a loose cannonball the next. And she does not offer excuses for her actions, at least not to those who are mere acquaintances or randomly-encountered supporters.

I am not in the habit of writing a lot of negative thoughts about pageant personalities. And you, dear readers, should know that by now. In the case of Imelda, let me just point out that she immersed herself into Miss Philippines Earth and got a lot more than what she bargained for. And the “excesses” in her opinion are the demands, instructions and expectations that she must have really under-estimated right from the start. She loves her privacy more than anything else. So when she won the right to represent the country in Miss Earth 2016, it was a responsibility that she somehow jumped into half-blindly. After all, she really wanted to become a national beauty queen and wear the Philippine sash in an international beauty competition.

This I reckon – the thing that did not work out well for Imelda primarily is the added pressure of being the host delegate. That must have weighed her down even more, along with the near-impossible mission of going for a back-to-back-to-back victory. Her personality is not entirely anti-social (as some would put it) but simply the type who would build a small circle of close friends and stick to them like glue to a cardboard box. I remember asking who among the foreign candidates she is particularly attached to. She mentioned only Miss Haiti Valierie Alcide. And it was then that I got a clearer view of her character. The latter did not have a profile that matches hers, but possesses an eclectic streak that can blend smoothly with any profile. And then I asked her who should win Miss Earth 2016. She could only think of Tamara Jebuovic (who defended her in the video below), seeing that the Canadian lass is so good at explaining things and reasoning out on matters that could not be easily fathomed by most, aside from being environment-savvy.

Imelda will always root for the most underrated or stay in the company of only one or two who can understand her peculiarities without throwing a judgmental eye right away.

Below is the latest video of MPE2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart telling people of the Miss Earth 2016 winner having a lot of “fake” transformations done on her face.
courtesy of ChikAmazingOfficial

Below is a video of Miss Earth Canada Tamara Jemuovic coming to the defense of Imelda Schweighart
courtesy of Pageanthology 101

I do not want to be tagged as the defender of Imelda Schweighart because I never condone public behavior that leaves much to be desired. I only happen to be a (Clinically- and Industrially-trained) Psychologist by original profession so the range of understanding I give to unique personalities is relatively wider than most. I do not claim to be interpersonally close to her either. It’s just that beauty queens find it a breeze to feel at ease in my presence, regardless of individuality.

I must have been perceived by Imelda as an emotional ally of sorts. And I am glad because she needs to find whatever dashes of comfort can be provided by people who can offer more than just small talk/superficial pleasantries.

Here is where it gets tricky. If asked, will I approve of her continued reign as Miss Philippines Earth 2016? For the sake of Carousel Productions and the MPE/Miss Earth brands, no. I can feel deep in my heart that Imelda is feeling like an exotic forest-raised bird who will find it difficult to survive in a cage, or a man-made zoo-like wilderness with opening hours and feeding schedules to strictly follow. She is not comfortable having strange spectators feast on her beauty like the main attraction in a touring carnival group. And most definitely, she is not in her best elements when asked to smile when she feels down, sing when she is not in the mood to perform, act on cue when the director shouts “action!” or do a regal pose when all she wants is to run barefoot on the sands of a sanctuary beach in Palawan.

One more look at Imelda Schweighart (Photo credit: Joy Arguil)


That is Imelda Bautista Schweighart for you. Lock, stock and barrel.

My 3rd of 3 Predictions | Miss Earth 2016

Posted by Norman on October 28, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Who will win Miss Earth 2016?

 
When the Miss Earth 2016 delegates arrived in the country, I thought I would have the chance to know all eighty-three (83) of them on a more personal level. But such was not the case because they were grouped into three and scattered all throughout the Philippines in various pre-pageant activities that brought them to Davao, Tacloban, Iligan and more.

However, I did get to be just a little close to the members of Group 1 because they were made available most often to members of the media here in Metro Manila. Hence, I made the extra effort to reach out to the rest. And I finally made a list of my Top 16 in alphabetical order:

1) Australia – Lyndl Kean
2) Bolivia – Elianna Gonzales
3) Brazil – Bruna Zanardo
4) Colombia – Michelle Gomez
5) Denmark – Klaudia Parsberg
6) Ecuador – Katherine Espin
7) England – Luissa Burton
8) India – Rashi Yadav
9) Kenya – Grace Wanene
10) Mexico – Itzel Astudillo
11) Nigeria – Obiadi Chioma
12) Philippines – Imelda Schweighart
13) Russia – Aleksandra Cherepanova
14) Sweden – Cloie Syquia Skarne
15) USA – Corrin Stellakis
16) Venezuela – Stephanie de Zorzi

My picks for the Top 16


With only 16 of the 83 to further trim down, the tough part would be deciding on the last two spots to fill in the Top 8. My upper tier is secure at this point (Ecuador, Russia, Sweden and Australia). Venezuela and Nigeria are not significantly lagging behind so I’m still keeping them safe. So it was a relatively tall order to remove USA and Denmark and favor Mexico and Brazil instead. Personally, I feel that the latter pair may have already made positive impressions in the whole competition thus far. So the cast for my next troopers is now complete.

Environmental interviews will follow this cut, as well as the Evening Gown segment. While I think that Nigeria will do very well during the Q&A, I still see her being edged out by Australia for the last place in the elemental quartet. By now, it has become clear in my eyes that Ecuador, Russia and Sweden are already safely tucked in the Final 4.

My Top 8 ladies


The chances of Ecuador making a 2nd win on Philippine soil this year is bright. Compatriot Angela Bonilla already took Miss Global 2016 last month. And Katherine Espin is looking quite steady on top of her game. Her closest pursuers are the drop-dead gorgeous Aleksandra Cherepanova of Russia and the popular Cloie Syquia Skarne of Sweden. But I’m not counting out Lyndl Kean of Australia when the ultimate question can make or break the ranking. And that is something difficult to anticipate – which girl will shine more or fade fast at this juncture.

My Top 4 Elemental Queens


I still have Katherine Espin of Ecuador as my pick for Miss Earth 2016. She checks all the boxes required by the organizers for a worthy successor to Angelia Ong. I am ranking Russia, Sweden and Australia as Air, Water and Fire, respectively. But if one wrong move breaks down the Earth Warrior on top, then expect one of the other three to lay claim to the Ramona Haar crown.

Happy viewing at the MOA Arena or the Live Streaming by Rappler! 😉

Sunday Specials: Week-long Predictions for the 4th week of October 

Posted by Norman on October 23, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Next week is going to be predictions-filled in the pageant world

What lies ahead for Nicole Cordoves, Kylie Verzosa and Imelda Schweighart in their respective international pageants?

The last week of October will have an abundance of predictions/forecasts/final picks all over the pageant world. With the finals of Miss Grand International 2016, Miss International 2016 and Miss Earth 2016 all happening between October 25-29 with only a day separating each one of them, the coming week will be challenging – let alone busy – for everyone following the three big events. And because of time zone differences, the Final Shows of the first two will actually take place close to each other as MGI2016 in Las Vegas and MI2016 in Tokyo will be separately live-streamed in Asia on the morning of October 26 and the early evening of October 27, respectively.

As far as my personal predictions go, I still need to review all my choices for each one of them. It really ain’t easy as the individual participation of our representatives cannot be taken lightly or looked at as purely sentimental in nature if included in the final line-up. They are fierce fighters who will not let up in the pursuit of victory.

Who has the best chance of being crowned among them? Who will fall short of claiming the top prize? Will Nicole grab our first? Will Kylie snatch our 6th? Or will Imelda achieve the near-impossible by nailing our 4th on a back-to-back-to-back scenario?

It will all happen next week, dear readers! 😀