Unconventional learning, dynamic instructors, and multi-faceted approaches. These are the three things you could expect when you sign up for The Silver Linings Academy. Throwing handouts right out the window, the classes are filled with exercises that would perfect your skills for day to day application.
The courses are designed based on the very foundation that each individual is has their own unique identity and skill set, deviating from the usual tendency for conventional strategies to fit their students in a template. The syllabus covers the following: Performance Skills Enhancement, Culture and Art Appreciation, Runway, Personal Branding, Impromptu Speech, Debate and Public Speaking.
Get to know the instructors
Carlos Buendia Jr. and Nicole Cordoves are the ‘dynamic duo’ that Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray personally refers to as her dream team. Working in a multinational architectural firm in the day, Carlos, more often called ‘Kuya Caloy’, is the mind behind the now-iconic and internationally-recognized ‘Lava Walk’ and slow-mo turn that caught the attention of supermodel and TV host Tyra Banks. With his wide knowledge in Philippine history and the arts that comes with the territory of serving as President/Artistic Director of Teatro Tomasino (university-wide theater guild of UST), Head Production Designer of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Production Design Center-Summer Arts Workshop and President of the UST Arki Dance Troupe, he has given substantial inputs into telling a story through the details of the national costume as well as the symbolic dances coupled with it.
Nicole Cordoves was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Grand International back in 2016. Since then, she has continued to fulfill her position at The Manila Bulletin as a Digital Strategist and a writer. She has also furthered her career on television as a judge on the noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’ for the Miss Q&A segment that has already made a two-year run. With her critical and constructive comments to the candidates, netizens have named her ‘Miss On-Point’. Unbeknownst to all, Nicole used to write the speeches of the country’s former Finance Secretary, which gave her an edge in besting candidates from all over the world. Her speech for the Miss Grand International pageant has close to a million views today. Nicole played a role in helping our current Miss Universe prepare for the question and answer portion as well as training on how to prepare for speeches.
How the academy was brought to life
After Catriona’s win, people flocked to urge Caloy and Nicole to train more girls by setting up a camp. With Catriona herself giving Caloy the extra push to train more people, Caloy teamed up with Nicole to plan a workshop that goes beyond pageantry. Seeing how pageant training could boost self-confidence and greatly improve interpersonal skills, the workshop is set to accommodate anyone, whether you’re an aspiring performer, a corporate individual who wants to improve their presence and presentation skills, or an aspiring beauty queen. As for everything else, the perfect partnership was found with Cornerstone Entertainment, where all workshops will be held from April 22-30, May 2, 6, 7, from 3-9pm. Students are highly encouraged to attend all sessions.
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For inquiries, send a message to SJ Ducut via email at sjcd@cornerstoneent.ph or call/text +63 9175504345.
During yesterday’s Grand National Callback and Press Presentation of Mr & Miss Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines, your blogger got to spend some quality bonding time with Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves during the late dinner at XO 46 Bistro Filipino that followed the event. And since today is her birthday, she got her (not-so-much-of-a) surprise birthday greetings from everyone, including the staff of the said restaurant who group-serenaded her.
The organizers (including your blogger) kept the identity of the Grand National Callback aspirants under wraps before the big reveal yesterday afternoon at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura. And as hoped for, the judges and members of the media were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the candidates who vied for the spots as Official Candidates. On the panel were Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Top 15 Finisher Sandra Lemonon, Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Top 25 Finisher Sigrid Grace Flores, Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Official Candidate Sarah Margarette Joson, model Clint Bondad, Michelle Encarnacion of Belmere’, Domz Ramos of DR Swim, Randy Nolasco and Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., Proprietornof Hannah’s Beach Resort & Convention Center. At the end of eliminations, the Top 20 Male and Top 20 Female placers were announced as this year’s Official Candidates, as follows, with their official numbers:
Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018 Eva Psychee Patalinjug appears to be the first among the 2018 Queens to wage a beauty battle abroad. Miss Grand International 2018 will be held (for the first time) in the Golden Land of the World – Myanmar – on October 25. 
How would Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves answer the “Build, Build, Build” question that was unfortunately asked of (the clueless but honest) Sandra Lemonon during the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Top 15 Q&A?
Hello, dear readers! How’s Valentine Week treating you so far? I am currently having a swell time spending this love-filled observance with my mom at Hotel 101 Manila for a much-deserved – albeit brief – staycation.
Designer Jaz Cerezo presented her latest collection in the Manila Fashion Festival – Beyond where she had two beauty queens as muses – Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves and Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters.
