We mean passion and no to be left out in the dust. Here, we leverage the opportunity to drive photography to even greater heights. Lussu Photography in scale and strengthening a high fashion shoot at Rocky Gathercole Atelier – the Philippines’ Top Avant Garde Fashion Designer and Jojo Bragais – Exquisite Pageant Shoe Designer.
Photographer: Erik Esperat
Designer: Rocky Gathercole
Shoes by: Jojo Bragais
Styled by: Patrick Henry Mergano
Make up by: Grynne Bejarin
Hair by: Arci Sonio Barcenas
Model: Sirene Sutton
Assistant Photographer: Fas Famas
Sirene Sutton is always in her finest elements as a fashion model. And for Rocky Gahercole, she aces all her moves. The image above is just a teaser for the photoshoot handled by Erik Esperat for Lussu Photography. Shoes provided by Jojo Bragais.
Who among you misses Binibini 13 of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 the most? Well, Sirene Sutton has long moved on from the experience of joining our favorite national beauty pageant. She has picked up the pieces of whatever happened during the finals.
Just yesterday, my coverage partner Joy Arguil has spotted her walking the ramp for Designer Jared Servando during the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2017 at the Discovery Primea. And she is definitely back in all her elements and showing that she is indeed a runway diva more than anything else.
Who among you wants Sirene going for a 2nd chance in Bb. Pilipinas? Let me hear your inputs now, dear readers. 🙂
Since everyone is talking about whatever is going on inside BPCI, and I still cannot blog about that subject matter until everything is finally on the record, might as well make a post about Sirene Sutton who is getting all sorts of punches left and right for what happened during her Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Q&A.
You have to cut her some slack because the girl should not get all the pointing fingers at this point. It’s not easy answering a question when the horns and noisemakers of different pageant groups are simultaneously distracting whoever is answering onstage, let alone do it in front of a big audience. And I know for a fact that Sirene can easily answer about the responsibility of giving back to the parents for raising her up. After all, she is the family breadwinner and her life somehow parallels the situation.
Yes, nerves got into Sirene. No doubt about that. She had mental block. No excuses about that. She wasn’t sure if she heard the question properly because of the loud noise. Now she could have asked for the question a 3rd time but that would be pushing her luck too far and the clock is ticking. She ran out of time. End of story.
Who is to blame for the unfortunate turn of events on her part? Is she the only one deserving of the bashings because of being the focal point of the failed Q&A performance? Or could it also be a shortcoming of whoever trained her in this regard? IMO, there’s really no fool-proof way of escaping the claws and the flaws of publicly answering a question, unless she has been conditioned by trainers to go outside of memorizing answers and speaking from the heart instead. It’s not as easy as picking a question from the fish bowl and checking/correcting on what and how she would answer something. Rehearsed answers are not always the best option. And as I have told mentored pageant participants in the past, you do Q&A/interviews to express and not to impress. Expression is digging deep inside and saying something that is uniquely yours, not based on the experiences or thoughts of another individual.
So back to Sirene. Let us not push the girl too much because she has already cried over the lost opportunity. She is trying to pick up the pieces. And adding harsh words to an emotionally affected individual won’t help her get back into the groove and move on.
During yesterday afternoon’s formal opening of the Ice N Cream by Novotel | Carmen’s Best at the Ground Floor of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, I was able to corner the popular photographer who always shoots the Binibinis in their official pictorials and will definitely be the one in-charge of the photoshoot of the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 winners a day or two after April 30.
From a lensman’s point of view, he singled out five (5) names among the forty (40) ladies after asking him who his favorite subjects are. Without the need to think long, he immediately mentioned the names of Sirene Sutton (just as I had expected) and Mariel de Leon, followed in succession by Charmaine Elima, Larah Grace Lacap and Jehza Huelar. He also included Rachel Peters and Elizabeth Clenci. Except for your #Binibini16 and #Binibini39, the rest are all expected to do well on Coronation Night.
Let us see if Raymond’s preferences will go well with the actual winners. Who knows, he might have found something special in Larah’s and Elizabeth’s photographic faces that we still haven’t seen through his lens. 🙂
Raymond Saldaña (foreground) accidentally shot by your blogger during yesterday’s Ice N Cream opening at Novotel
Above are my Top 20 Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 before I let go of Dane Felisse, Maria Benjieleen, Ruffa and Sammie Anne to trim down the choices to a manageable field of 16
Late last month, it finally dawned on me how the Philippine pageant sphere has sharply polarized into several competing combinations for the new Bb. Pilipinas 2017 titleholders. Just when I thought that I have assembled an almost perfect batch of titleholders and runners-up, small but significant factors topple what I have already set my mind into using as the strong foundation for my fearless forecast. Thing is, whoever I put on top and in succeeding placements will not necessarily jibe with the differing ideas and opinions of the reading public. So in order to lessen the load of stress bogging down my mind of late, I covered my ears, focused on my personal notes/assessments and came up with what I believe could be my best possible final winning configuration.
Your blogger with independent Binibinis (left to right): Arah, Camille, Clarice and Istie
One factor that I uniquely enjoy as your blogger is the friendship I have established with all of the Binibinis – something that is neither deep nor superficial but enough to give me precious hints as to which six contenders deserve to be glorified in the end. At first, camp affiliations threatened to sway me back and forth. Believe it or not, I consciously distanced myself from both so as to keep my eyes transfixed on the personal merits of each one of them and not be influenced by who handles who or whose clout could be more widespread than the other. I also moved away from the “independent” angle because it only tends to muddle the whole process.
Dear readers, it took me a long time to build the Binibinis included in the first cut of my predictions. Here now are my Top 16 (I couldn’t go lower than this number anymore) for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 arranged according to their assigned numbers first:
My Top 16 in their National Costumes
#Binibini2 Arienne Louise Calingo
#Binibini10 Jehza Huelar
#Binibini12 Angelique Celine de Leon
#Binibini13 Sirene Sutton
#Binibini15 Maria Angelica de Leon
#Binibini17 Maria Camille Manalo
#Binibini18 Nelda Ibe
#Binibini19 Rachel Peters
#Binibini20 Christagale Borja
#Binibini21 Jamaica Elysse Ambal
#Binibini22 Chanel Olive Thomas
#Binibini24 Dindi Pajares
#Binibini31 Katarina Rodriguez
#Binibini32 Charmaine Elima
#Binibini38 Ana Patricia Asturias
#Binibini39 Elizabeth Clenci
You know too well that nobody can make instant guesses on who are guaranteed to ace the Q&A. But if your main basis is the ABS-CBN Primer shown last Sunday night (watch sample videos below), then it would be safe to speculate that a good majority of the sixteen Binibinis above will acquit themselves very well; unless, the unexpected happens and those deemed to easily deliver will buckle under extreme pressure. videos courtesy of Pageanthologist Network
There is that one crucial minute where anything can happen. It may depend on which judge will ask the question or what question will be asked of a particular candidate. However at this juncture, the favored ones are already starting to shape up as the eventual winners and they simply need to give a decent job of answering. One or two may surprise the judges and the audience, but if they don’t belong to the “initially chosen” (keep in mind that the closed door panel interviews conducted yesterday were of utmost importance), then the anticipated judges’ deliberations (in the presence of key BPCI Officials) afterwards seal (or unseal) whatever their placements will be once and for all.
Before moving on, let me make mention of the 9th and 10th placers on my list who nearly entered the winners’ circle but were still edged out due to the high level of competitiveness and consistency in this batch. They are Katarina Rodriguez and Arienne Louise Calingo, respectively.
My Top 8 in reverse order I placed Sirene Sutton and Dindi Pajares as my 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively. I need not explain the importance of these two positions. With no titles – save for the status of being ladies-in-waiting – to show off, they can immediately rejoin the following year and capitalize on their inclusion in the winners’ circle for around 10 months. Both ladies are crown-worthy, but given the company of Binibinis they are stuck with in this edition, I wouldn’t mind seeing them compete again in 2018. Sirene still needs to comfortably get out of the professional model look and mold that sticks to her skin like an ultra-adhesive glue. Dindi, on the other hand, has stayed the same way as last year – brightly competitive but still missing that one note to fully break into the game of crowns.
For the six titles, I have narrowed down the selection to an equal number – Maria Angelica de Leon, Charmaine Elima, Rachel Peters, Nelda Ibe, Chanel Olive Thomas and Jehza Huelar.
I can see #Binibini10 getting the Miss Globe Philippines crown from Nichole Manalo. Jehza Huelar has proven that – inspite of having such a strong lineup to deal with – she can still rise to the occasion and pocket a victory. She has really leveled up from 2016. I may have pinned her to the least aspired sash among the most victorious, but it is an achievement that will stay in her credentials forever. What’s more, her easy-to-work-with attitude is a trait that needs no further proof to the organization.
Chanel Olive Thomas is my pick for Grand International. This one is the result of a very close tussle between her and Arienne Louise Calingo (whose fluency in Thai is an edge nobody else can claim to. It is her biggest ace to get on the good side of Nawatt Itsaragrisil in the bigger mission up ahead). But Chanel has a playful charm and cheerful disposition that she can use to her advantage. Given that both ladies can express themselves better than most, this is what the Fil-Aussie displayed to nose out the multi-lingual Kapampangan.
Supranational-wise, Nelda Ibe is the lady I can see taking the spot soon-to-be-vacated by Joanna Eden. It’s no secret among some near-insiders that this gorgeous natural beauty (she can proudly state her enhancement-free status if need be) is one of those wearing a halo (since Day 1 almost) of admiration from those who matter. She could easily upset the stronger favorites if getting into auto-pilot mode (pun intended) can be avoided. I can honestly see her making waves in Poland or any other European country where Miss Supranational 2017 will be hosted. She has always mesmerized me during our encounters, and relying only on photographs to size up her chances will be doing a great disservice to what she is capable of delivering up close and personal.
I have placed Rachel Peters for the Intercontinental assignment for more than two weeks now. The competition abroad remains unpredictable in terms of their choice for a big winner. And I still believe that Jennifer Hammond was unfairly upended in Sri Lanka last year. So sending your #Binibini19 to whichever part of the globe the next edition of Miss Intercontinental will take place in should be a good risk to take since she has the qualities that could make the organizers sit up and take notice, the same way they did when Christi McGarry competed and placed 1st Runner-Up. Who knows, she could just really be what the Doctor ordered in the game – a woman of racial mix with the right amount of saucy allure.
And now we’re down to the two highest titles of the Bb. Pilipinas season – Universe and International. Two beautiful ladies stand before me, each with their distinct pluses to make it as the last two Binibinis standing – Maria Angelica de Leon and Charmaine Elima. Anyone of the two would make an excellent representative to the 66th Miss Universe, the same way that either one of them can go fast and furious for a still impossible back-to-back win in Japan for Miss International. So who stays longer and be kept in suspense as to where Iris Mittenaere will crown her successor? And who goes with Kylie Verzosa to Tokyo and be constantly pressured in competing for a title that her compatriot is currently holding?
Maxine Medina moves forward and stops on the side of your #Binibini15 and leaves Charmaine Elima in the arms of Miss International 2016. Except for the unstinting focus and dedication to win, Maine is like the antithesis of Kylie Verzosa in more ways than one. And I’m all for taking the risk of sending a safe opposite of the reigning winner to Japan.
Photo credit: Erwin Totanes Oning
Maria Angelica de Leon, you are the new Miss Universe Philippines for me! It is you who I can see being dramatically transformed for the Universe. That is where I am pulling out all my defense in your favor. And the achievable vision is starting to excite me. This much I can say – your detractors ain’t seen nothing yet.
Putting it all together, my winners for Bb. Pilipinas 2017
P.S. This is such a long narrative of predictions. If only I possessed the power of reading minds, I would immediately look at Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta and make this exercise short and sweet. But thank you for staying up with me. The finals this Sunday will definitely be a nail-biter. After all, media is not allowed to post any kind of live updates in whatever form in deference to the exclusive rights of ABS-CBN to broadcast the finals on TV. If at any, it will give your blogger the chance to watch without constantly grabbing the iPhone or tablet to post sashay-by-sashay happenings inside the Araneta Coliseum. First report on the winners should be posted by 2am of May 1 the earliest. 🙂
Is Sirene Sutton ready for something big to happen in her life?
Your #Binibini13 Sirene Sutton may seem oblivious to the rising tide of popularity surrounding her quest for a Bb. Pilipinas 2017 crown. Or is she really? This camera-friendly beauty from Las Piñas is not pushing her weight around, if that amounts to something that would add to my current assessment. Deep inside, she knows that she is keeping her feet on the right track, with more than able training and support from her team of handlers. The approach may be one of going for the kill when it will matter most and just settling with a relatively low profile as we discuss. She wants to create ripples that will not splash water on the perceived front-runners and would rather make fans and supporters band together to do all the noise-making. But are all the efforts working?
Sirene looks into the mirror. Is she seeing what a lot of people are seeing?
From where I stand, the game plan is taking shape beautifully well. And I know I am not alone in this semi-conclusion. She moves like a gazelle most of the time and photographs like the seasoned professional model that she is. And where social media impact is most important, images spell doom or success. How far will the pixel-perfect presence take her? Could communication skills and interview savvy spell the difference in her case? I know that she is being guided in this regard. But are her mentors moving along the right path? There is not much to source in terms of measuring how well (or how limited) her level of articulation is. But I sincerely hope that she is being taught on how to express clearly and not accumulate memorized responses that would affect her chances of moving up to the top.
David Charlton of David’s Salon posed with the Binibinis and their precious loot bags
Team normannorman.com was all accounted for!
The whole of Monday was literally spent by team normannorman.com at the David’s Salon Academy in Makati City where Joy Arguil, Joseph Gerard Jose and I bonded and took photos with the Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 upon the exclusive invitation of Marketing Manager Lotte Villarosa-Agraviador. The event started with a short lecture on the role of the salon company in the nationals, followed by delightful games that were gleefully participated in by the ladies and the stylists. Right about lunchtime, everyone was treated to a simple but yummy buffet before the pampering sessions started. Everyone was treated to relaxing back massages, mani/pedi and foot spas that were accompanied by cool loot bags that contained products that will help them maintain healthy hair and nails.
Hair and Make-Up consultations were also made with the assigned stylists for each Binibini and were given experimental approaches as to what facial applications best suit them. And to cap everything off, David’s Salon owner David Charlton dropped by to have group photos with the ladies and even brought them easter egg chocolates which came all the way from London.
The Binibinis had HMU consultations with their assigned stylists
There were also fun games that set the mood right for the day
The Binibinis were also given pampering back massages, foot spas and mani/pedi
It was fun all throughout, especially for your blogger who really took the opportunity to spend quality time talking to almost everyone. I can now safely say that this is a 99% cool batch of ladies who have the right attitude and personalities to compete for the crowns at stake. Why did I say 99%? Well, you do the math. No batch is uber perfect since there will always be an odd one out in terms of chemistry with everyone. I won’t name a name anymore since she is just one different apple in terms of character and disposition. Who knows, she might still improve her ways and turn out good in less than two weeks’ time.
Allow me also to point out the quality bonding I spent with random Binibinis. I say random because I caught them by their lonesome at given moments and the initial pleasantries turned into more meaningful chats in the process. Big shoutout to #Binibini2 Arienne Calingo, #Binibini19 Rachel Peters, #Binibini20 Christa Borja, #Binibini21 Jamaica Ambal, #Binibini23 Arah Salientes, #Binibini31 Katarina Rodriguez, #Binibini32 Charmaine Elima, #Binibini33 Istie Cequeña, #Binibini37 Sammie Anne Legaspi and #Binibini39 Elizabeth Clenci. I loved practically all of them, though!
David Charlton with the Binibinis and the stylists assigned to the ladies
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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