Paolo Ballesteros

All posts tagged Paolo Ballesteros

The Re-blossoming of Graciella Lehmann

Posted by Norman on April 3, 2022
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Meet the 2022 version of Graciella Lehmann. She is on the verge of claiming something that could have been hers last year. The re-blossoming starts here!

Creative Director | @pochoy_29
Photo | @themarknetodiaz
Art Direction | @saga_abad
Wardrobe | @ryujishiomitsu @_styledbyb__
Makeup | @ajcastrojose
Hair | @robert_nocheseda
Skin Care | @toledomedph @drtoledoph
Dental Care | @dior_dentalcare @drdior
Fitness | @goldsgymphilippines @angelomendez

#GraciellaLehmann
#gratzie2022
#KagandahangFlores
#KFamilia #KF
#gratzielicious

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34 Binibinis: 4 Independents, 6 Aces & Queens, 24 KF

Posted by Norman on March 30, 2021
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Up to now, the impact of beauty camps in Bb. Pilipinas has always been topic of conversation. It cannot be denied that the support of an established group can do wonders to the bid of any aspiring beauty queen.

In the case of Bb Pilipinas 2021, the analysis can get more interesting.

The four Independents – Lois, Gabby, Honey and Lesley

Just look at the four (4) Independents. Two of them are considered front-runners, and crown-worthy at that. Gabrielle Basiano under RL’s Angels and Honey Cartasano under Paolo Ballesteros are reaping the benefits of a targeted training. Their pictorials are always well-handled, just as the concepts are carefully planned. It is also beneficial that these two ladies have glam teams all to themselves. And lest you forget, Lesley Ticaro is a potential spoiler. She may not have the most physically-present Tagum-based core group all the time because of distance. But on her own, she is starting to shine.

Six from Aces & Queens: Patricia Denise, Shaira, Cindy, Karen Laurrie, Hannah and Carina

As far as Aces & Queens is concerned, they may only have six to offer. But let’s be honest. Half of them could be eventual winners. Hannah Arnold, Karen Laurrie Mendoza and Patricia Denise Babista are strong contenders, while Cindy Obeñita, Carina Cariño and Shaira Rona can never be classified as push-overs. If camp affiliation is not an “issue”, it would be easy to predict two crowns going to this camp.

And lastly, the dominating group in Bb Pilipinas 2021 is Kagandahang Flores with twenty-four (24).

And the rest are all from KF, 24 in total

It would be unimaginable to see them not getting two crowns at least. By sheer percentage or probability, KF stands to shine the most in terms of numbers and presence. With Vickie Rushton already out of the race, the flag-bearer position has unquestionably landed on the lap of Maureen Montagne. I just cannot see her going home empty-handed at this point.

Next to MM, the ones likeliest to be plucked out for serious consideration are Justine Felizarta, Patrizia Garcia, Francesca Taruc and Samantha Panlilio.

And there are only four (4) crowns at stake. It makes me wonder if BPCI will resurrect the Bb. Pilipinas Tourism crown so that there will be a 5th titleholder who can be earmarked for a possible new franchise that they can acquire after the finals. Or perhaps, have four (4) runners-up for a change.

Your thoughts, dear readers?

My Favorites among the Bb. Pilipinas National Costumes

Posted by Norman on January 22, 2021
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .


With today’s start of the Photo Exhibit of the Bb. Pilipinas 2020 candidates in their National Costumes and the Finals Night set for April 17, allow me to share my favorites among them. I picked this eight (8) for various reasons as briefly described below:

Paolo Ballesteros for #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano: Very inventive, larger than life and with the best cultural inspiration used for a NatCos;

Macoy Elipane for #Binibini26 Czarina Guiao and the duo of Jun-g Bayona Candelario and Brent Naranja for #Binibini21 Thea Cenarosa: Pageant-theatrical with the wow factor that would make them stand out onstage and even in a parade;

Nick Guarino with Festivali Designs and Concepts for #Binibini12 Maureen Montagne: Meticulously crafted like a complex jigsaw puzzle assembled face down with the finished product showing a highly professional artisan feel;

Jomar Peralta for #Binibini36 Vickie Marie Rushton: Dreamy and magical like a character straight out of a fairy tale coming to life;

Ken Adrienne Batino and Jevin Salaysay for #Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano: Whimsical without going overload; the focus is balanced equally between the wearer and the elements of the kalesa;

Edwin Uy for #Binibini14 Hazel Ortiz: simple lines that are both elegant and refined like a throwback to pageant Filipinianas of yesteryears given a modern twist;

Basha Subijano for #Binibini34 Mercedes Pair: Like a celebratory cake that is baked and decorated right, this flowery creation is executed with the right amount of ambition and creativity.

#IAmBinibini #IAmFilipina

Binibini 29 and her Bb. Pilipinas National Costume

Posted by Norman on November 13, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .


Behold your #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano of Rizal in her Bb. Pilipinas National Costume created by Paolo Ballesteros:

HIGANTES QUEEN
(Notes from the designer)

An interpretation of the traditional Maria Clara costume inspired by the giants of Angono’s Higantes festival.

This joyous event is celebrated every 4th week of November, where paper maché or “higantes” are paraded on the streets of this historic town.

The material used is traditional piña highlighting its remarkable characteristic, the fibrosity.

As she turns around, Maria Clara is transformed into a bright, colorful and towering Higantes we see during the annual parade. A unique piece, emblematic of Rizal’s rich culture.

Photographer: Raymond Saldaña
Set design: Henry Reyes HGR Events and Sabrosas

Gabby and Honey: (Almost) Twinning Beauties

Posted by Norman on September 21, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .


It all depends on where you want to focus on – the modern retro vibe of their outfits or the neon/fluorescent eyeshadows framed by china bob hairstyles?

Regardless, the almost twinning beauties of #Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano and #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano are sure to put you close to a hypnotic trance.

I surrender to their stares!

Creative styling and direction by : Paolo Ballesteros @pochoy_29
Photo by : Mark Neto Diaz @themarknetodiaz

HONEY
Makeup : Lei Ponce @zeleiponce
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar @justinfajard0
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas and Pao Galang @jaydee_tapas @paogalang_

Moral support : Richard Gavin Gustiloand RV Erlano @richardgavin @iamrverlano

GABBY
Makeup : Eugene Tiongson @eugenetwentyone
Hair : Erico Tiongson @ericotiongson
Assisted by : Ken Adrienne Batino and Jevin Salaysay @teamkenbatino @ijevineleven

Moral Support : RL De Leon Lacanienta @rlacanienta

Gabby and Honey: Hats off to you!

Posted by Norman on September 14, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

May your hats fly as high as your dreams”
-Michael Scott

Hat Attack, everyone! If only Minorka Mercado could see the two of you now.

#Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano and #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano prove that a lady may wear the biggest hat, but the wearer will always be where the eyes will gaze upon.

I doff my hat to the creative variety of layouts you conceptualized and executed, Paolo❣️

Creative direction by : Paolo Ballesteros @pochoy_29
Photo by : Mark Neto Diaz @themarknetodiaz
Styling and design by: #TeamKenBatino @teamkenbatino @kenbatino @ijevineleven @myfren.online

HONEY
Makeup : Lei Ponce @zeleiponce
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar @justinfajard0
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas and Pao Galang @jaydee_tapas @paogalang_

Moral support : Richard Gavin Gustilo and RV Erlano @richardgavin @iamrverlano

GABBY
Makeup : Eugene Tiongson @eugenetwentyone
Hair : Erico Tiongson @ericotiongson
Assisted by : Ken Adrienne Batino and Jevin Salaysay @teamkenbatino @ijevineleven

Moral Support : RL De Leon Lacanienta @rlacanienta

Gabby and Honey: The Day of Elegance

Posted by Norman on September 13, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

“Poise is perfect balance, an equanimity of body and mind, complete composure whatever the social scene. Elegant dress, immaculate grooming, and perfect deportment all contribute to the attainment of self-confidence.” – Muriel Spark

#Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano and #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano show us modern fashion statements in beauty and elegance with this layout that evolved from all their past creative shoots. Now is the time for the classy and the tasteful.

Creative Styling & direction by : Paolo Ballesteros @pochoy_29
Photo by : Mark Neto Diaz @themarknetodiaz
Wardrobe by: #TeamKenBatino @teamkenbatino @kenbatino @ijevineleven @myfren.online

HONEY
Makeup : Lei Ponce @zeleiponce
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar @justinfajard0
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas and Pao Galang @jaydee_tapas @paogalang_

Moral support : Richard Gavin Gustilo and RV Erlano @richardgavin @iamrverlano

GABBY
Makeup : Eugene Tiongson @eugenetwentyone
Hair : Erico Tiongson @ericotiongson
Assisted by : Ken Adrienne Batino and Jevin Salaysay @teamkenbatino @ijevineleven

Moral Support : RL De Leon Lacanienta @rlacanienta

Gabby and Honey: Ready to dive in!

Posted by Norman on September 9, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .


“There are two types of lifeguards: those who get it and those who don’t. Those who get it are lifeguards for life.” – Jill White

#Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano and #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano show us life’s colors in bright hues of yellow and orange. Like the legendary Esther Williams of aquamusicals fame, they are all set to dive in and have some fun!

Creative Styling & direction by : Paolo Ballesteros @pochoy_29
Photo by : Mark Neto Diaz @themarknetodiaz
Wardrobe by: #TeamKenBatino @teamkenbatino @kenbatino @ijevineleven @myfren.online

HONEY
Makeup : Lei Ponce @zeleiponce
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar @justinfajard0
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas and Pao Galang @jaydee_tapas @paogalang_

Moral support : Richard Gavin Gustilo and RV Erlano @richardgavin @iamrverlano

GABBY
Makeup : Eugene Tiongson @eugenetwentyone
Hair : Erico Tiongson @ericotiongson
Assisted by : Ken Adrienne Batinoand Jevin Salaysay @teamkenbatino @ijevineleven

Moral Support : RL De Leon Lacanienta @rlacanienta

Gabby and Honey: Big Hair, Don’t Care

Posted by Norman on September 7, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .


Big Hair, Don’t Care.

Twice the #Binibini, Twice the Fun!

#Binibini23 Gabrielle Basiano and #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano give us a layout that literally speaks volumes- from head to toe, that is.

Creative Styling & direction by : Paolo Ballesteros @pochoy_29
Photo by : Mark Neto Diaz @themarknetodiaz
Suits by: Jovan A Dela Cruz @jovandelacruz

HONEY
Makeup : Lei Ponce @zeleiponce
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar @justinfajard0
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas and Pao Galang @jaydee_tapas @paogalang_

Moral support : Richard Gavin Gustilo and RV Erlano @richardgavin @iamrverlano

GABBY
Makeup : Eugene Tiongson @eugenetwentyone
Hair : Erico Tiongson @ericotiongson
Assisted by : Ken Adrienne Batino and Jevin Salaysay @teamkenbatino @ijevineleven

Moral Support : RL De Leon Lacanienta @rlacanienta

Honey Cartasano returns

Posted by Norman on August 26, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .


“There is a collective force rising up on the earth today, an energy of the reborn feminine… This is a time of monumental shift, from the male dominance of human consciousness back to a balanced relationship between masculine and feminine.” – Marianne Williamson

Your #Binibini29 Honey Cartasano of Rizal is enabled and dare I say, emancipated from the fetters of the traditional.

Designer and Creative Styling by: Paolo Ballesteros
Photo by: Mark Neto Diaz
Makeup : Pao Galang
Hair : Justin Fajardo Alcazar
Assisted by: Jaydee Leonardo-Tapas