Lynette Padolina

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Exclusive Interview with Miss Republic of the Philippines 2018 Cindy Marriah Dumol

Posted by Norman on February 3, 2018
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

When Cindy Marriah Dumol heard her name announced as Miss Republic of the Philippines 2018, her reactions were priceless. She had the least expectation of winning the crown after seeing how competitive her opponents are. But fate has its way of showing what is meant for her. Perhaps, it was her raw and natural charm that did it for the judges. Or it could also be the sincerity in her heart whenever she expresses her answers and emotions.

Be that as it may, here is my exclusive interview with Cindy, who is now back in Roxas City, Capiz to share the victory with the people she loves the most:

How does it feel to be the new Miss Republic of the Philippines titleholder?

”Until now I’m still so overwhelmed. It almost feels like a dream to me. Getting the crown last Wednesday night was really unexpected because I saw that there are a lot of candidates who are just as deserving to win. But then, I am very thankful to God, to my family and friends and those who supported me for giving me strength all throughout my journey to getting the crown of Miss Republic of the Philippines.”

2. What for you is the most important problem of the youth nowadays that you can help address with your title?

”For me, the most important problem of the youth nowadays is social media addiction. With this title, I believe I could address it by using my voice and my position to educate the youth of the harmful effects of being too tied up with social media. I will set myself as a positive example because I know that the best way to teach someone is to show them how it’s done.”

3. One of the main platforms of Mr & Ms RP is Education. Do you believe that you are a good role model in this regard?

“I am confident that I can be a good role model in this platform because I value my education very much. Even if I am joining pageants, I never let such pursuits hinder me from going to school and passing my subjects. I want to stand as an inspiration to my fellow youth, that you can reach your dreams and not take your education for granted at the same time.”

4. How can you help strengthen the Tourism objectives of Roxas City and the entire province of Capiz considering that tourists usually skip it in favor of other more commercial destinations in the Visayas?

”I can help strengthen the tourism objectives of Roxas City and the entire Province of Capiz by personally promoting it whenever I can. Before getting the crown, it is already my personal aim to promote Roxas City and Capiz itself. I want the world to know that my city is just as beautiful as those other famous places in the region they always hear about.”

5. Any words of advice to young women who will take inspiration from your win?

”Do not give up on your dreams. If you want something, work hard for it and God will reward your efforts in the end. Always be kind. Do not let others underestimate you. Keep your head held high and continue to inspire with or without a crown.”

Cindy (left) with Mr. Republic of the Philippines 2018 Dennis Malones, Jr.

”To all the people behind my back who supported me every step of the way, a million thanks to you. Winning this title is a blessing I want to wholeheartedly share. This crown will be meaningless if not put into good use. This should be an inspiration so I can serve you all with the best way that I can. Your cheers, prayers, and words of encouragement are my swords and shield in the battle. Now, the victory is shared to all of you. Thank you Almighty God for this great challenge.”

Exclusive Interview with Mr. Republic of the Philippines 2018 Dennis F. Malones, Jr.

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

Dennis is flanked by Mr & Miss RP Officials Lynette Padolina and Dr. Romulo Aromin

Photo credit: JR Noses

Dennis Frias Malones, Jr. is the brand-new winner of the title Mr. Republic of the Philippines. He is mighty proud to have brought pride to the Province of Bulacan with this achievement in a nationwide scholarship pageant. Fresh from his victory last Wednesday night at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Grand Ballroom, I cornered this charming young guy for an exclusive interview where he answered some of my prepared questions.

Here goes:

1. How does it feel to be the Mr. Republic of the Philippines 2018 titleholder?

“I feel so blessed to have this title although I didn’t expect the victory. And it’s such a wonderful gift from Above that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

What for you is the most important problem of the youth nowadays that you can help address with your title?

“For me, it’s about the problem of education because a big number of the youth today is considered out of school and worse, into drug addiction. I will use this platform to reach out to them so that I can share positivity and how to make a good account of themselves both to their families and in society as a whole.”

One of the main platforms of Mr & Ms RP is Education. Do you believe that you are a good role model in this regard?

“Yes, I am. I believe that being a good role model doesn’t depend purely on quantified human intelligence and high grades. It’s about having the proper attitude towards the responsibility of improving on one’s self and using it in a right way that will bring good influence to the people around.”

4. The Province of Bulacan has both the advantage and disadvantage of being close to Metro Manila, tourism-wise. Advantage because Bulakenyos can go to the city without spending hours on the road. Disadvantage because it is too close for tourists to visit that they usually skip it in favor of the other parts of Central Luzon which can be accessed by modern roads and expressways. How can you strengthen the Tourism objectives of your Province?

“In order to strengthen the Tourism of my beloved Bulacan, I suggest that it’s the right time to use the power of social media in promoting the beauty of the place especially to our millenials out there who are very active online. Also, with the help of the LGU and Department of Tourism, I can be of service as a spokesperson as well as an image model for promotional videos that focus on the not-to-be-missed sights in the province. And most importantly, I will initiate personal campaigns and activities that will make it a more tourist-friendly destination instead of just passing through parts of it.”

Dennis (leftmost) with his court


Any words of advice to young men who will take inspiration from your win?

“To my fellow young men, never ever give up on your dreams and don’t lose hope if ever you lose a battle because life is not always about winning and being on top. It’s about how you face life. You don’t need a title to be a role model because you, yourself is a great model of a man that God sent to this world to make a big change and be a blessing to other people.”

Dennis (right) with Miss Republic of the Philippines Cindy Dumol

”Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be heard and recognized, Tito Norman. I promise to make this reign as meaningful as possible.”

Mr. & Ms. Republic of the Philippines 2017/18 Press Presentation

Posted by Norman on January 25, 2018
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Earlier in the day, the Press Presentation of the Official Candidates for Mr. & Ms. Republic of the Philippines 2017/18 was held at the lobby and poolside of Hotel 101 Manila where Pageant CEO & President Lynette Padolina warmly welcomed all guests and members of the media who were introduced to the young men and women vying for the titles this year.

This search has been transformed from a contest that used to crown the country’s Miss World representatives from 1970-1976 into a scholarship pageant that provides career opportunities for the winners in the field of business, diplomatic corps, information technology, communications, culinary arts, design and other areas of expertise.

This time around, the competition has been expanded to welcome both male and female aspirants in an effort to unite young Filipinos around the world to uphold their heritage, strengthen their identity and foster education for a better and brighter future.

“Mr. & Ms. Republic of the Philippines is a revolutionary approach to pageantry with emphasis on scholarship for winners and Philippine pride among the new generation of young Filipinos based here and abroad. It’s an engaging concept to cultivate a positive image of Filipinos that they can be empowered with education and create a good and lasting social impact with their influence. The new Mr. & Ms. Republic of the Philippines focused on education, Philippine heritage and strengthening Filipino communities around the globe,” Padolina stated.

The Official Candidates are:
Mr. Republic of the Philippines – Emmanuel Elarmo Jr., Philip Andrew Aquino, Jerome Vasquez, Abegail Feliciano, Jeffrey Montibon, Cristian Jimmy Navarette, Christian Banzuela Padilla, John Carlo Morales, Christian Patrick Suntay, Jay Lester Abrenica, John Louise Peras, Jedryk Costes, Dennis Malones Jr., Mac Ericson Cinco, Willy M. Quinto and Norman Wileman III.

Ms. Republic of the Philippines – Lana Christine Palting, Maribel Angeline Dizon, Patricia Mae Baratilla, Chariss Jedidiah Gusay, Gisele Jabonitalla, Cindy Marriah Dumol, April Liban, Regina Carmela Calma, Princess Joesel Bajamonde, Viana Angeline Lazo, Ma. Beatrix Panganiban, Jan Mariel Torrefiel, Thamara Alexandria Pacursa, Arla Pacencia, Anna Marie Panganiban, Leah Alivio, Adora-Jane Bonadeo, Excelsa de Jesus and Jheian Crizchanel Velasco.

Finals night will be on January 31 at the Sofitel Manila Grand Ballroom, with a Charity Gala scheduled a day before. Five (5) female winners and four (4) male winners will be proclaimed as Ms. Republic of the Philippines, Ms. Republic of the Philippines International and Mr. Republic of the Philippines. The three runners-up on both sides will carry titles of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Photo Blog | The Miss Republic of the Philippines 2017 Media Launch

Posted by Norman on November 4, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The reigning Miss Republic of the Philippines winners

Dr. Romulo Aromin Jr., Chair of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2017

Dr. Aromin (center) with the reigning winners

The Media Launch Press Kit with the photo taken by Raymond Saldaña

Miss RP Fermira Dianne Ramos

Yesterday afternoon at the Expo Hall of Fisher Mall in Quezon City, Miss Republic of the Philippines 2017 had its media launch to signal the opening of yet another beauty pageant that was revived last 2015 by Lynette Padolina. With a new Chair in the person of Dr. Romulo Aromin Jr., the 2017 edition of the scholarship-based competition will aim for a fresher and more dynamic search for Filipinas who have beauty, intelligence and the speaking skills to match the demands of promoting local tourism nationwide and in the Filipino Communities abroad.

Miss RP International Beatrice Valente

Present during the launch are reigning titleholders Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Fermira Dianne Ramos and Miss Republic of the Philippines International 2015 Beatrice Valente, along with Miss Luzon Joselle Mariano, Miss Visayas Sheila Marie Reyes and Miss Mindanao Istie Cequeña.

Miss Luzon Joselle Mariano

“We have decided to launch our pageant search for 2017 for us to have ample time in searching for potential delegates all throughout the country and several Filipino Communities abroad. We want to equal if not surpass the quality of pageant delegates that we have last year when we revived the Miss Republic of the Philippines, one of the pioneer and prestigious beauty and personality search in the country.” says Dr. Aromin during the media interview.

Miss Visayas Sheila Marie Reyes

“We do hope that our valued pageant sponsors and benefactors, loyal friends, regional partners and you, members of the media will continue to support Miss RP just like what you’ve done in 2016. It would be another exciting and fruitful partnership come 2017. he further adds.

Miss Mindanao Istie Cequeña

The winners of Miss Republic of the Philippines will be actively involved in various socio-civic undertakings and community projects with the different government agencies and private institution partners of the pageant. These ladies should represent and embody the image of a Modern Filipina who is intelligent, self-assured and empowered.
The Miss Republic of the Philippines is ably supported and sponsored by Fisher Mall, Ms. Moleen del Rosario, Fisher Mall Expo Hall, Lemon Grass, Miss Jasmine Lucio, Dr. James G. Dy, Hon. Geraldine Roman, Mr. Junjun Ablaza III, Mika Imson of Kitsilver Jewelry, Ulysses King of Vatican Fashion Museum, Miss Jaki Peñalosa, Mr. Lourd Ramos of Bottega de Barberia, Leigh Jocson of Jocson College, Miss Glenda Barreto of Via Mare, Showbiz Sosyal and Alex Moico of Gardner College.

For more information on the 2017 Miss Republic of the Philippines Pageant Search, you may call the Pageant Admin Staff (Grace Mendoza) at 09176139710 or like/share the Official Facebook Page of Miss RP for updates.

All photos taken by Joy Arguil for normannorman.com

Who will be crowned winners of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015?

Posted by Norman on November 4, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

I took the liberty of naming my Top 15 instead of just a dozen from among the 35 Official Candidates of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 (Photo credit: Lito Caleon)

I took the liberty of naming my Top 15 instead of just a dozen from among the 35 Official Candidates of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 (Photo credit: Lito Caleon)

FB_IMG_1446044990038 Initially, I had my doubts on whether Miss Republic of the Philippines can pull it off. But with constant determination and commitment from CEO and Pageant Owner Lynette Padolina, the contest is now on its finals with the Coronation Night scheduled at The Theater of Solaire later. From among the thirty-five Official Candidates, two (2) will be crowned as the big winners – Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 (from among the local beauties) and Miss Republic of the Philippines International 2015 (from among the delegates who came from abroad) – with three (3) special titles of Miss Luzon, Miss Visayas and Miss Mindanao.

The plan was for a Top 12 to be named to the Semifinals. But after reviewing the contenders and knowing them personally, I need to make it a Top 15 to recognize the efforts of all potential qualifiers who can fill up the four (4) pillars of importance: beauty, personality, attitude and communication skills.

My Top 15 (see photo grid above) are in order of their pin numbers: Stephanie Slattery of Victoria, Cristelle Tolentino of Pasig City, Pollyheart Calvero of Alcala Pangasinan, Alexia Sonia Edmund of UK, Digna Diaz of Nueva Ecija, Christie Rose Cequeña of Sta. Rosa, Krisnah Catague of Antique, Natalie Mcdiarmid of Melbourne, Beatrice Valente of Milan Italy, Fermira Dianne Ramos of Zambales, Joselle Mariano of Cavite, Sheila Marie Reyes of Valenzuela City, Krizzia Lyn Moreno of Camarines Sur, Christine Joy Madamba of Bacolod and Randea Anne Cabalfin of South Cotabato.

From these fifteen ladies, I thought of going straight to my Top 5. Why? Because there are two major titles and one of them will come from the foreign entries. And since there are only four (4) in my Top 15 for that 2nd crown, why not just zero in on the person who might be the best fit for the spot. At any rate, I added an extra girl just to sweeten up the mix a little bit and be a potential spoiler.

My Top 6 for Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015. One of them is a spoiler who could take the place of one of those likely to make up the magic circle.

My Top 6 for Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015. One of them is a spoiler who could take the place of one of those likely to make up the magic circle.

Hence, my Top 6 are (in random order): Kristie Rose Cequeña of Sta. Rosa, Joselle Mariano of Cavite, Cristelle Tolentino of Pasig City, Natalie Mcdiarmid of Melbourne, Fermira Dianne Ramos of Zambales and Pollyheart Calvero of Alcala, Pangasinan.

Obviously, Natalie Mcdiarmid of Melbourne is my pick for Miss Republic of the Philippines International 2015. But from among the rest, it could still be anyone’s ballgame. Joselle Mariano, Cristelle Tolentino and Kristie Rose Cequeña are still in it to win it. And one of them could take the other throne.

Just my two cents worth for the pageant. I am happy with how I get an extra uptick in site traffic because of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015, and that’s why I exerted some due effort to cover the same. 😉

Closed-Door Interviews for Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015

Posted by Norman on November 2, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Candidates during their visit to Kitsilver Jeweller in Meycauayan, Bulacan (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Candidates during their visit to Kitsilver Jeweller in Meycauayan, Bulacan (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

The ladies appreciating the art of making fine jewelry

The ladies appreciating the art of making fine jewelry

Today, November 2, is the schedule of the dreaded closed-door preliminary interviews of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates. This activity will complete the scores that will determine the names of the twelve (12) girls who will make up the Semifinals come November 4. It’s make-or-break time. By now, some of them may have already surged ahead during the Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions. So it’s just a matter of staying consistent. But knowing CEO and Pageant Owner Lynette Padolina, she puts a premium on communication and reasoning skills so there is still hope for those who are articulate and expressive but middling in the accumulated tallies so far.

In the meantime, here are their pictures during the visit to the manufacturing base of Kitsilver Jeweller in Meycauayan, Bulacan where they learned how to make fine jewelries and appreciate the value of each piece. Ms. Mila Imson, who made the crown jewels of the beauty pageant, was most welcoming when she hosted the candidates.

Some more of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Candidates during their visit to Kitsilver Jeweller in Meycauayan, Bulacan (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Some more of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Candidates during their visit to Kitsilver Jeweller in Meycauayan, Bulacan (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Good luck to you, girls! 😉

Sunday Specials: Proudly Philippine Ternos on Parade

Posted by Norman on November 1, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Dazzling Philippine Ternos that captivated the audience during the Evening Gown Competition of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 (Photo credit: Lito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

Dazzling Philippine Ternos that captivated the audience during the Evening Gown Competition of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 (Photo credit: Lito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

Ms. Lynette Padolina beaming with pride

Ms. Lynette Padolina beaming with pride

Last Friday night, the Evening Gown Preliminaries of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 got underway at Admiral Bay Suites. Aside from the beautiful candidates, Vatican Fashion Museum and its member-designers were the stars of the event as creative variations of the Philippine Terno were on runway parade the whole night. And one can’t help but be awe-inspired by it all. A lot of the creations are truly world-class and can stand tall side-by-side the traditional attires of foreign candidates in an international beauty competition.

I must admit that I’m finding it difficult to select my top favorites among them, but I would handpick the ones worn by Miss Italy Beatrice Valente, Miss Nueva Ecija Digna Diaz, Miss Manila Ruth Linganay and Miss Pasig City Cristelle Tolentino.

All I can say now is “Bravo! “ 😀

More Philippine Ternos from the members of Vatican Fashion Museum (Photo credit: Lito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

More Philippine Ternos from the members of Vatican Fashion Museum (Photo credit: Lito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

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Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 in full swing

Posted by Norman on October 27, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates during their visit to Malacañan Palace (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates during their visit to Malacañan Palace (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

FB_IMG_1445909393078 Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 is definitely in full swing. With the arrival of the international candidates along with most of the provincial bets last October 25, the pre-pageant activities have been ongoing one after another.

A group visit to Malacañan Palace was made. Led by Ms. Lynette Padolina and Marcott Almeda, the ladies – most of whom have never been inside the place yet – were given a special tour. President Noynoy Aquino was scheduled to briefly meet with them, but the busy campaign schedule prevailed so they had to settle for a photo op with the life-sized wax figure of him.

On to Solaire Resort and Casino, the swimsuit photoshoot took place with media photographers angling for the best positions to capture the beautiful Miss RP girls in their two-piece swimwears.

The Press Presentation should be up next, with each of the contenders expected to shine through with hopes of becoming the media favorite.

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates during their swimsuit photoshoot at Solaire Resort and Casino (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates during their swimsuit photoshoot at Solaire Resort and Casino (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Watch out for more news and events about Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 soon! 🙂

Appreciating Gold: The Miss Republic of the Philippines way

Posted by Norman on October 22, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Your blogger and the crown jewels of Miss Republic of the Philippines (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Your blogger and the crown jewels of Miss Republic of the Philippines (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Your blogger, Ms. Lynette Padolina and my media colleagues (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Your blogger, Ms. Lynette Padolina and my media colleagues (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

During the unveiling of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 crown jewels last Tuesday at the Roma Salon of Manila Hotel, I couldn’t help but be awe-inspired by the precious crowns and regalias made by Ms. Mila Imson of Kitsilver Jewelers. I immediately asked my photographer-friend Andy Cayna to take pictures of me unabashedly appreciating the same, short of fitting one on my head, course. Their estimated value is close to an eye-popping PhP500,000.00.

Anyways, after the crowns, I started looking at the Official Candidates present. And I can see more than a few potential winners in them, such as Joselle Mariano, Kristelle Tolentino and Istie Sequeña. But that would be getting ahead of the line-up pending the scheduled Press Presentation next week.

More of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 soon! 🙂

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines Official Candidates (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Some of the Miss Republic of the Philippines Official Candidates (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Please indulge me. The Crowns and Regalias are really amazing (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Please indulge me. The Crowns and Regalias are really amazing (Photo credit: Andy Cayna)

Unveiled: The Crowns of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015

Posted by Norman on October 21, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

The Crowns of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 - all in pure Gold, including the huge neck pieces

The Crowns of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 – all in pure Gold, including the huge neck pieces

Pageant Owner Lynette Padolina

Pageant Owner Lynette Padolina

Yesterday afternoon, the unveiling of the historic crowns of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 took place at the Roma Salon of Manila Hotel. Pageant Owner Lynette Padolina led the event along with Marcott Almeda, Mila Imson (crown maker) and Ulysses King of the Vatican Fashion Museum. Special guest was the very last Miss Republic of the Philippines titleholder back in 1976, the still radiant Joy Conde.

Here is the official statement about the breathtaking crowns:

“The new Miss Republic of the Philippines Crown Jewels symbolize the rich cultural heritage, artistry, magnificent creativity and craftsmanship of the Filipinos design by Award-winning Jeweler and recently proclaimed Asia’s Best Creative Designer of the Year 2015 Mila Imson of Kitsilver Jewelries. The crown regalia was handcrafted and made by Mr. Rolando Catalina, a deaf craftsman from Meycauayan City, Bulacan.

It’s base is made of brass dipped in 24 Karat Gold and adorned by Sapphires, Lapis Lazuli, Rubies and Pearls – all jewel representations of the Philippine Flag colors. The crown took almost six (6) months to create, with an estimated face value of almost half a million pesos.”

Miss Republic of the Philippines 1976 Joy Conde (5th from right) helped present the new crowns

Miss Republic of the Philippines 1976 Joy Conde (5th from right) helped present the new crowns

You might wonder why there are five (5) crowns on the below the two big ones and the neck pieces. Well, these are the public crowns of the Top 5 (Miss RP, Miss RP International and the three runners-up representing Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas). The highly-valued pieces on top will be secured inside the National Museum and will only be used during very important events.

Back to the unveiling, some of the local candidates casually presented themselves to the media guests present. And a few of them were gutsy enough to ask the panelists questions during the open forum.

The presence of Ulysses King of Vatican Fashion Museum also helped in shedding light on how grand the Philippine Terno competition will be. Press Presentation will be held soon.

The finals of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 will be held on November 4 at the Theater of Solaire Resort and Casino. 🙂