Solaire Resort and Casino

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Pink is the new Black for the Miss Universe car

Posted by Norman on December 9, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

I am not an expert in identifying the fine details of luxury handcrafted automobiles, but the service vehicle provided by Frontrow for Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere is definitely a Rolls-Royce with the hood topped by the Spirit of Ecstasy. If my eyes are not playing tricks on me, it could be part of the ultra-pricey Ghost Series II line which costs in the whopping range of US$308,000-342,000 (or around PhP15.4M-17.2M).

And with the pink color dominating the chassis, it gives away the kind of passengers riding the same – a sybaritic luxury reserved only for the most beautiful women in the Universe. That, my friends, is how you accord royal treatment to our VIP guests.

In this post are photos taken by my partner Joy Arguil of the said automobile during the Welcome Dinner at Solaire Resort & Casino when Demi-Leigh and Iris were promptly whisked off to their hotel right after the event.

A Gathering of Miss Universe Philippines titleholders

Posted by Norman on December 9, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Six of the Miss Universe Philippines titleholders were gathered together during the Charity Fashion Gala at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino last Thursday night. From the photo above, they are (left to right): MJ Lastimosa (2014), Maxine Medina (2016), Ara Arida (2013), Bianca Manalo (2009), Shamcey Supsup (2011) and Venus Raj (2010). If only Janine Tugonon (2012) was here in Manila, the ensemble would have been complete.

And in the photo below, the group got bigger when Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters joined them in a selfie taken by Maxine.

Thanks to Sein Gonatice for the topmost and upper left photos.

Miss Universe Charity Fashion Gala | Hope for Change Foundation

Posted by Norman on December 8, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Last night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino, the Miss Universe Charity Fashion Gala was held in cooperation with Frontrow Cares and Hope for Change Foundation. Our visiting Miss Universe titleholders Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Iris Mittenaere – along with our very own Pia Wurtzbach walked the runway for a good cause. Wearing creations by our top designers like Francis Libiran and Rajo Laurel, they were joined by the Miss Universe 2017 national winners who also displayed their taste and elegance in gowns made by the likes of Mark Bumgarner, Frederick Peralta, Edwin Uy, Val Taguba, Rocky Gathercole, Cherry Samuya Veric, Ofelia Simpao and more.

What added special glitter to the event was the presence of six of our Miss Universe Philippines winners – Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa and Maxine Medina – who also participated in the fashion show and presented onstage in chronological order of their years in competition.

Six of our Miss Universe Philippines titleholders from Bianca Manalo to Maxine Medina

Here are some video clips from the show itself.

A Miss Universe Welcome Dinner & A Birthday Treat for Paula Shugart

Posted by Norman on December 7, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Last night at the Eclipse Bar of Solaire Resort and Casino, the Welcome Dinner for Miss Universe titleholders Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Iris Mittenaere – plus the thirteen national titleholders who took part in Miss Universe 2017 – was held with selected guests and members of the media in attendance. It was quite the relaxed get-together where most everyone got the chance to have photos taken with the ladies and do some small talks in the process.

It was also the birthday of Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart and the three titleholders – Pia, Iris and Demi-Leigh – LED everyone in singing her a Happy Birthday song (watch video below).

Tonight, an invitational fashion show – as organized by Frontrow International with RS Francisco and Sam Verzosa at the held – will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire where the visiting guests will walk the runway wearing creations of different local designers. And tomorrow, they will start enjoying the different tourist spots in the Philippines from Batanes to Vigan to CamSur and Boracay, all the way to Siargao. I hope they can keep up with the hectic but enjoyable trips!

The Grand Launch | Empire Group of Companies 

Posted by Norman on November 8, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Jonas Gaffud

Jonas Gaffud and Pia Wurtzbach

#EmpirePhTalents all in a row

Mister International 2014 Neil Perez, Jonas Gaffud and Manhunt Philippines 2017 Daniel Azurin

Miss Philippines USA 2017 Nicole Guerrero

At the Eclipse Bar of Solaire Resort and Casino earlier, the Grand Launch of the Empire Group of Companies was held with Jonas Gaffud at the helm. This business endeavor is made up of My Hotspot TV – a digital-only channel featuring today’s most promising personalities; T.E.A.M. (The Empire Artists Management) – a showbiz-oriented company that aims to present tomorrow’s celebrities today; A&Q Studios – offshoot of the popular Aces & Queens; G.A.M.E. (Glam Artists Management & Events), an events group that brings together today’s most popular stylists and beauty experts; and Jag Studio Lifestyle, arbiter of taste and the expert on what’s in and what’s out today.

Present during the launch are the more popular talents of the group including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Matsunaga, joined by the new ones like Manhunt Philippines 2017 Daniel Azurin, Miss Philippines USA 2017 Nicole Guerrero, Mister International 2014 Neil Perez, Mister Southeast Asia International 2016 Andrea Biondo, Josh Barfuss and Eduardo Castillo.

Expect #EmpirePhTalents to soar higher than ever before with the gradual spread of these entertainment outlets.

And for the pageant fans out ther, the bigger and better Aces & Queens Studios at The Fort will surely level up the excitement and anticipation in the training of our future beauty queens.

Watch out for more about #Empireph soon!

Mr & Ms Chinatown Philippines 2017 Press Presentation 

Posted by Norman on August 8, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Darlings of the Press Joy Wu and Jacob Muñez

Introducing the new breed of #NewDynasty Chinese-Filipino youth ready and able to represent the harmonious mix of two cultures into different versions of young modern individuals that describe the theme of Mr & Miss Chinatown Philippines 2017. During the Press Presentation held at the Eclipse Bar of Solaire Resort and Casino earlier, 15 men and 15 women were finally unveiled to make it as the country’s leading mixed pageant in the national level. This year, the search widened with the inclusion of entries from key provinces of Davao, Cebu, Baguio and Dagupan. And by the looks of it, this batch is fresher and full of enthusiasm to forge ahead with their respective advocacies geared towards solidifying the Chinese-Filipino culture in the Philippines.

Chosen as Darlings of the Press are Jacob Muñez – a former US Army – and Joy Wu – a tall Dabawenya – who charmed members of the media with their good looks and bright presence.

The female winner of this pageant will represent the country in Miss Chinese International and hopefully be the first to win the crown for the Philippines.

The 2017 aspirants are:

Mr Chinatown – Philipp Licaros, Jonathan Lim, Justin de Jesus, Clarence Lim, Jacob Muñez, Michael Cocabo, Derrick Pua, Lance Soriano, Allen Wu, Morgan Gan, Andrew Ryder Co, Vic See, Patrick Rogando, Stanly Quisora, and Martin Sy

Ms Chinatown – Melany Sy, Kate Au, Jillian Chua, Audrey See, Patricia Clare Balay, Unity Ong Tan Ka, Angela Elpa, Charmaine Hong, Shelby Hernandez, Maryss Ong, Conikka Lagamayo, Kency Ongkeco, Jesslyn Lee, Ivy Shi, and Joy Wu

Finals night is scheduled on September 1 at The Theatre at Solaire.

The best of the Chinese-Filipino youth represented in these 30 aspirants

In Swimsuits: Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates

Posted by Norman on October 29, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Above is a photo grid of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Above is a photo grid of the Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 Official Candidates (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

FB_IMG_1446044990038 Before the scheduled Press Presentation of Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015 tomorrow late morning at Astoria Hotel in Ortigas, allow me to share with you the swimsuit shots of the Official Candidates taken at Solaire Resort and Casino the other day.

There are thirty-three (33) ladies in this post, with more than a few still to be accounted for very soon. But given this already big group, I can already pick out my early favorites to make it to the winners’ circle come November 4. Of course, I still need to do a further review of everyone. But these are the twelve who have caught my attention so far:

These twelve ladies are on my early shortlist for now (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

These twelve ladies are on my early shortlist for now (Photo credit: Jhosh Rodriguez)

Just to cite the ones I’m liking so far, I would include Cristelle Tolentino, Kristie Cequeña, Joselle Mariano, Alexia Sonia Edmund, Sigrid Flores, Digna Diaz, Shanon Tampon, Natalie McDiarmid, Christine Madamba, Kristine Friel Nolasco, Pollyheart Calvero and Marielle Montaña.

Let’s see if my list will change after the Press Presentation. 😉

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! 🙂

The Miss World Philippines 2015 Press Presentation

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The 27 Official Candidates of Miss World Philippines 2015

The 27 Official Candidates of Miss World Philippines 2015

Ms. Cory Quirino and some of the candidates

Ms. Cory Quirino and some of the candidates

At the Eclipse Lounge of Solaire Resort and Casino earlier in the day, the Twenty-seven (27) Official Candidates of Miss World Philippines 2015 were presented to the Press in their red identical two-piece swimsuits. Each one of them gave their best spotlight turns onstage to win the attention of the media and become early favorites for the competition.

This year’s contenders are:
1) Ma. Vanessa Wright
2) Jannie Loudette Alipo-on
3) Danica Macabangon
4) Sheila Mae Torino
5) Christelle Abello
6) Janelle Tee
7) Ma. Jackielyn Dulay
8) Kiara Giel Gregorio
9) Mona Mahmound Hammad
10) Teena Pagulayan
11) Alexie Marie Ibabao
12) Emma Mary Tiglao
13) Avonlea Paraiso
14) Marita Cassandra Naidas
15) Erika Mari de Castro
16) Erica Rose Bayani
17) Jessica Rose McEwen
18) Leitz Camyll Ang
19) Diana Pinto
20) Mariah Nilo
21) Mia Allyson Howell
22) Vianca Louise Marcelo
23) Janette Roanne Sturm
24) Jeddahliz Maltezo
25) Casey Anne Austria
26) Grapes Pacara
27) Hillarie Danielle Parungao

Here is a short video of their appearance onstage as a group. Watch now.

The Twenty-seven (27) Official Candidates of Miss World Philippines 2015 divided into four groups

The Twenty-seven (27) Official Candidates of Miss World Philippines 2015 divided into four groups

My ten (10) early picks based on the Press Presentation and named according to their assigned numbers are: 5) Christelle Abello, 6) Janelle Tee, 7) Ma. Jackielyn Dulag, 12) Emma Tiglao, 13) Avonlea Paraiso, 14) Marita Cassandra Naidas, 21) Mia Allyson Howell, 22) Vianca Louise Marcelo, 24) Jeddahliz Maltezo and 27) Hillarie Danielle Parungao.

Let’s see if there are potential spoilers in the group. Top of my head right now are: 20) Mariah Nilo and 25) Casey Anne Austria.

Miss World Philippines 2015 will be crowned on October 18 at The Theater at Solaire to be telecast over GMA-7 on the same night.

Good luck in all your pre-pageant activities, ladies!

Meanwhile, at The Theater of Solaire last night…

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

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Our Bb. Pilipinas 2015 Queens were part of Cream Silk Portraits at The Theater of Solaire last night

image Our Bb. Pilipinas 2015 Queens came in full force to be part of the #WorldClassFilipina Celebration in Cream Silk Portraits held at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino. They joined other beauty queens, local celebrities and significant female personalities to receive recognition. It was also the event that launched our World-Class Pride, Ms. Lea Salonga, as the newest endorser of the hair product. She now completes the quartet of Heart Evangelista, Ann Curtis and Toni Gonzaga.

Several other Bb. Pilipinas Queens joined in the star-studded affair, including Ara Arida, Yvethe Santiago and Bianca Manalo.

Below are more pictures from the same.

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More shots from last night's star-studded event at The Theater at Solaire