Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Mariel De Leon and the Curse She Needs to Break in Miss International 2017

As the Miss International 2017 pageant is about to conclude, pageant fans are anxious as to whether or not Philippines through its bet Mariel de Leon -- daughter of showbiz personalities Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong -- would break the No-Back-to-Back-Crown history of Miss International. All the other Big Four pageants (Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Earth) have already marked a back-to-back placement in the past. 


The closest feat that a country has made towards getting a back-to-back-crown placement was in 2011 when Venezuela's Jessica Barboza placed First Runner Up to the eventual winner Fernanda Cornejo of Ecuador crowned by Miss International 2010 Elizabeth Mosquera of Venezuela.

It should be noted that it was also the last time a winning country placed on the subsequent year. From 2012 to 2016, no winning country has ever placed in the Top 15 the next year, regardless of how stellar their representatives are in the pre-pageant activities.

Going back to Mariel de Leon as the Philippine representative to the Miss International 2017 pageant, the pressure is on her not really on winning a back-to-back crown but on simply making it to the Top 15. The same curse that Denille Lou Valmonte (2006), and Bianca Guidotti (2014) weren't able to break.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Lin-ay sang Negros 2017 Festival Costume

The Lin-ay sang Negros pageant has been going on for more than twenty years in Negros Occidental. Some of its notable winners who had taken up a notch by joining national pageants are;  Grezilda Adelantar (Lin--ay sang Negros 2005 Finalist, Miss Earth Eco-tourism 2009), Vickie Rushton (Lin-ay sang Negros 2009, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011), Catherine Joy Marin (Lin-ay sang Negros 2012 Finalist, Miss Earth Philippines Water 2015) and Jessica Zevenbergen (Lin-ay sang Negros 2015, Miss Earth Philippines Finalist 2016).

Will any of these years contestant conquer national pageant stage in the future? It's yet too early to find out. In the meantime, let's meet this year's contenders for the Lin-ay sang Negros title in their local heroine-inspired festival costumes.

BACOLOD

The costume is inspired by “Pahimud-os”, a sculpture found at the Bacolod Capital Lagoon. 
The timeless sculpture signifies the height of the city’s endeavors. It also symbolizes the vast horizon of opportunities that Bacolod is capable of .

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BAGO


The costume is inspired by their local hero, Gen. Juan A. Araneta.
She is the female version of their iconic hero that stood as a fighter and leader for the people. The golden heroine carries the love, pride and strong shining glory of Bago City.


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BINALBAGAN

The costume is inspired by the nymph heroine of what once was called the town of Inabagan. 
She stems from a resilient and powerful story of battle and triumph. Holding an aura of a prowess, she shines with sophistication throughout struggles.
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CADIZ

Cadiz' costume is inspired by the Aeta heroine, who stems from the indigenous tribes of our Filipino culture. 
She is a traditional Filipino warrior of femininity. She is clothed with art, representing the creativity and ingenuity of the early Filipinos. Beside being skilled warriors, they were workers and travelers during their early life style.

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CALATRAVA 


The costume is inspired by the tenacity and bravery of the Calatrava women as Princess Inggana. 

She is their depiction of a modern day heroine. This fearless lady is the sole defender of their vast forests and friendly monkeys that surround their land. 

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CANDONI


Lin-ay sg Candoni is inspired by the forest warrior, Tablona. 

She stands as a protector of Candoni's rich forests. She is a model of conservation and to the richness of their natural wonders. 

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CAUAYAN

Cauayan's costume is that of a female heroine inspired by their very notable,“Papa Isio”. 

She is a determined and courageous icon who embraces peace and unity. She becomes the feminine counter part of the famous revolutionist.

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ESCALANTE


The costume is inspired by Queen Tikosa. 
She is the queen and protector of the city's marine life. She is arrayed with the looks and agility that could allure any invader.

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HIMAMAYLAN



The costumer is inspired by the mythical lady, Rajah Aya. 

She is an epitome of their people’s bravery, gentleness and beauty. Her name is derived from the sights across the land and seas of their town. 

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HINIGARAN


Her costume is inspired by Mahdala. 
She holds the tales of a true saint, making her an icon of faith. She is celebrated for her stories and conquests. Just like her name, she stands great and magnificent.
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HINOBAAN


The costume is inspired by the Pagbana-ag Queen.
She is also known as the goddess of the rising sun. She radiates light and hope to the people in every problem and struggle. Their heroine also stands for their lifestyle of fishing and farming.
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KABANKALAN


Her costume is inspired by the legendary tribal warrior princess, "Bala-an".

The heroine stands for the strong faith of the Kabankalanons to the child Jesus. She is the embodiment of Kabankalan's rich cultural heritage and also the protector of their natural environment.
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LA CASTELLANA


The costume is inspired by the legendary bird, "Garuda"

She is a magnificent bird that is invoked as a symbol of violent force and speed. An inspiration of their work is the famous and renowned festival of La Castellana, the Bailes de Luces. 
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MURCIA


The costume is inspired by Le Suba.

She is the protector of rivers, waterfalls and lakes. She is believed to be sought by broken hearts and souls for her music. In the modern times. She stands for the beauty and bounty of their waters.

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PULUPANDAN

The costume is inspired by Lola Mamengimutan.

She is the famous statue of the grandmother of the world class artist, Lea Salonga. The strength and driving force of their women serve as inspiration for their festival costume.
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SAGAY


Her costume is inspired by Sigay

She is their fictional heroine and a protector of their seas and marine life. She reflects the captivating abundance of their water resources and advocacy for marine life preservation.
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SALVADOR BENEDICTO



The costume is inspired by the mythical legend, Diwata sang Kali.

She is an epitome of a nurturer and a warrior. She is an icon celebrated during their Kali Kalihan Harvest Festival. She stands for the growth of natural life and of the people’s resourcefulness.

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SAN CARLOS


The costume is inspired by the exquisite Princess Nabingka.

She is a warrior and protector of Mother Nature. She hails from San Carlos city, which is the home of the Pintaflores Festival. She portrays the essence of cosmic and celestial beliefs as the advancement of mankind goes on through time.
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SAN ENRIQUE


The costume is Sarimanok, the lady warrior.



The costume celebrates the Bulang Bulang festival. Their municipality is known for their force in battle through local cock derbys. She represents the commemorative festivities that San Enrique is known for. 

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SILAY



The costume is inspired by the well known, Princess Kansilay.

She is the legendary warrior princess whom Silay City got its name. She is embraced with the femininity of the princess, along with bravery and strength. She holds unparalleled beauty, blended with the character of courage.
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SIPALAY

The costume is inspired by the guardian of Saway.

She is known as the jewel of the sugar island. She is characterized with the demure and fierce aura of a female, through the essence of a domestic cat. 

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TALISAY


Her costume is inspired by the goddess Inaginid, 
She is one of the "Trinity" of Visayan war gods. She is also invoked as the goddess of war and poison. She is the muse celebrating the victory of Kapitan Sabi.

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TOBOSO

The costume is inspired by the goddess, Sequana.

She reigns over the waters of Toboso. A strong symbol of their ancient culture and the precious elements of everyday survival. She promotes the different splendors of the ocean.

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VICTORIAS


The costume is inspired by the deity of nature, Victoria.

She represents their sweet green city and shines just like their glistening sugar. Their heroine is wrapped in armor, symbolizing the city's strength in the local industries. She also captures their iconic Angry Christ church and carabao sundial.

Credits: Team Acidz 
Photo: Elbert Pasoy

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

The Miss World Philippines 2014 to Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Crossover Beauties

As I breezed through the list of the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Final 40 candidates, I noticed not one, not two nor three but four Miss World Philippines (MWP) alumna (i) who made it to Binibini this year. And oh, by Miss World Philippines I just didn't mean MWP but MWP 2014.  One of them wasn't lucky enough to place, the other one was a semi-finalist. On the other hand, two of them were runners-up to the eventual winner Valerie Weigmann. 

Let's take a look at these cross-over beauties and what they have to bring to the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 pageant.




MWP 2014 Candidate No. 18 - Ruffa Nava
Ruffa Nava, at 21, represented Iloilo City in MWP 2014. While standing at the height of 5'9" an advantage, MWP was her first national pageant stint and her nerves must have gotten the better of her. She didn't place in the finals but was prodded by some fans to try again. She took it positively but took the time to train with KF camp and bounce back after two years, not in another edition of MWP but in Binibining Pilipinas 2017. 




Fans predict a Bb. Pilipinas Globe placement, but right now, for me it's a Top 15 placement for Nava.






MWP 2014 Candidate No. 17 - Kimberly Pajares

At 24, Kimberly Pajares represented the province of Bataan in MWP 2014. While considered as a plain jane, she proved her worth by making it to the Top 13. Her number assignment in Binibining Pilipinas is 33, while her co-candidate who shares the same last name who is a front-runner Dindi Pajares was assigned the number 22. Would the name-recall be an advantage to Kimberly? Let's see.

My early prediction for her? Maybe a Top 15 placement.



MWP 2014 Candidate No. 20 - Nilda Ibe (2nd Princess)

Another 5'9" KF beauty is Nilda Ibe who was 2nd Princess in MWP 2014. She represented Tarlac and her hometown fans was quite proud of her achievement and her performance during the interview portion. Just like Ruffa Nava, she devoted two years of training with KF and seemed ready to give Aces and Queens beauties a run for the crown.


My predictions for her, a Top 15 placement, or a runner-up the most if she gets lucky.




MWP 2014 Candidate No.  7 - Rachel Louise Peters (4th Princess) 

Rachel Peters was adjudged Fourth Princess in MWP 2014, the least ranked in the Top 5. What was the reason why she got the least ranking? She lost her composure during the Interview Portion (not really an interview but a prepared speech). It must be the nerves as well. But knowing that she is a mestiza, for sure, she has very good communication skills. Perhaps, that's one thing that KF Camp has given much attention after her MWP 2014 interview blunder.



Although at 5'9" like Nava and Ibe, her lean physique makes her appear taller than the two. For me she's a cut out for the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 title.

Four crossover beauties from Miss World Philippines 2014 who did not join any other national pageant until Binibining Pilipinas 2017. A lot of things in common which leaves the pageant fanatics to wonder. Is this, for them, a reunion, or a rematch?

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Stefanowitz Out From Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Final 40 Candidates

Just a few minutes after news broke that former Miss Earth Air 2012 Stephanie Stefanowitz made it to the Top 55 of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2017 screening, a lot of pageant fans got excited about the idea of another successful back-to-back-crossover win from Miss Earth Philippines to Binibining Pilipinas title. The last time it happened was in 2001 courtesy of Carlene Aguilar.






However, in the next twenty-four-hours, pageant fans' excitement turned into disappointment upon not seeing Stefanowitz' name in the list of Final 40 candidates. How did that happen? What are the underlying reasons why Stefanowitz' sure-win Binibining Pilipinas 2017 crown-bid ended that early. Pageant fans thought of the politics going on inside Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., the organization behind the Binibining Pilipinas pageant as the main reason. Why? Stefanowitz and most of Miss Earth Philippines beauties are from Kagandahang Flores (KF) camp. On the other hand, it's arch-rival beauty camp Aces and Queens led by Jonas Gaffud is behind Megan Young's Miss World 2013, Pia Wurtzbach's Miss Universe 2015, and Kylie Versoza's Miss International 2016 win. Some of these Aces and Queens beauties sat as members of the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 screening committee. Oh, did I say I smell politics during the deliberation?

Well, anyways, here's the list of the Final 40 candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas pageant.


1. Ana Patricia Asturias
2. Leitz Camyll M. Ang
3. Jessica M. Ramirez
4. Dane Felisse R. Marasigan
5. Mae Lanie Chan
6. Arienne Louise Braga Calingo
7. Maria Gail Devora Tobes
8. Gabriela Patricia M. Ortega
9. Katarina Sonja A. Rodriguez
10. Joselle S. Mariano
11. Kristi Rose D. Cequeña
12. Rachel Peters
13. Maria Camille P. Manalo
14. Jennyline Carla F. Malpaya
15. Vanessa N. Saliba
16. Juliana M. Kapeundl
17. Ma. Bejieleen T. Nama
18. Thoreen D. Halvosen
19. Sarah Jireh C. Asido
20. Arah A. Salientes
21. Beatrice O. Valente
22. Mae Liezel J. Ramos
23. Larah Grace Lacap
24. Clarice Marion E. Villareal
25. Chanel Olive V. Thomas
26. Nelda C. Ibe
27. Christagale Borja
28. Ruffa Nava
29. Angelique Celine L. De Leon
30. Jamaica Elysse D. Ambal
31. Karla May R. Manongsong
32. Dindi Joy Pajares
33. Kimberly L. Pajares
34. Maria Angelica A. De Leon
35. Sirene Sutton
36. Charmaine F. Elima
37. Jehza Mae Huelar
38. Elizabeth Durado Clenci
39. Kristel N. Guelos
40. Sammie Anne L. Legaspi


It seems that controversy always hounds the Binibining Pilipinas pageant every year. There's no way of knowing what else will shock or excite the pageant fans as the events unfold in this year's edition of the pageant. 

Monday, February 27, 2017

Stephany Stefanowitz, A Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Candidate

The month-long preparation for the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Pageant screening is close to its end. From 95 hopefuls, the number was trimmed down to 55 as of Monday, February 27, 2017. Another round of screening, this time more on the communication skills of the candidates will be conducted to further downsize the number to forty --  the usual number of contestants in the finals.


While the mix is composed of new faces and pageant repeaters, one thing that got the pageant fans excited is Stephany Stefanowitz who once wore a Miss Philippines sash in an international competition, specifically Miss Earth 2012.

Miss Earth 2012 First Runner Up Stephany Stefanowitz


Stefanowitz was a front-runner in the Miss Earth 2012 pageant and was just a step closer towards being crowned the winner. She is the second Miss Earth Philippines titleholder to transition from Miss Earth to Binibining Pilipinas, the first being Carlene Aguilar who was the first Miss Earth Philippines (2001) and eventually Binibining Pilipinas World 2005. 

Still a long way to go before the pageant finals, but as early as now, pageant fans are excited with the turn-out of events in this year's edition of the most prestigious national pageant in the country, the Bb. Pilipinas.

Here are the rest of the this year's hopefuls for one of the Binibining Pilipinas 2017 crowns.

Angelique De Leon
Rachel Peters
Beatrice Valente
Henna Kaizelle Cajindig
Nelda Ibe
Angelika Dela Cruz
Michelle Guianan
Maria Gail Tobes
Charmaine Elima
Jamaica Ambal

Henna Santos
Thoreen Halversen
Felysse Marasigan
Sarah Acid
Kimberly Pajares
Christa Borja
Kristie Rose Sequena
Larah Grace Lacap
Mae Lanie Chan
Jannie Ali-poon

Joanna Intal
Camille Manalo
Jeanena Mae Rafer
Katarina Rodriguez
Catherine Cudiamat
Elizabeth Clenci
My Howell
Jennyline Carla Malpaya
Jean Tumang
Stephany Stefanowitz

Clarice Villareal
Kristel Guelos
Gillian Elaiza Colcol
Outgoing Arrah
Dindi Pajares
Julian Kapuendel
Jehza Huelar
Maria Angelica De Leon
Sarah Margarette Joson
Gabriela Ortega

Camille The Leitz
Sirene Sutton
Sarah Bona
Ruffa Nava
Ana Patricia Asturias
Benjielyn Nama
Joselle Mariano
Paulyn Cordero
Sammie Ann Legaspi
Chanel Olive Thomas

Calingo Aryan
Jessica Mae Ramirez
Mae Ramos
Vanessa Saliba
Carla Manongpong

Hopefully, this year's edition would be spared of controversy hounding the pageant in the past like disqualification of a front-runner a few days before the pageant finals. 

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Kenya At Its Best

Kenya may be a small country in the continent of Africa. However in the world of pageantry, it made sure it gets distinguished on the winners map. Well, not only that it holds the record of the only African titleholder in the Miss Earth history courtesy of Winfred Omwakwe in 2002, Kenya made a remarkable achievement of a back to back finals placement in 2016 Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. Oh, did I say that Misses Kenya are the last African woman standing in both pageants?

Whilst Kenya was introduced to the Big Four (4) pageants in as early as 1960 (Miss World) it's annual representation have been on and off. But the recent back-to-back placement of Misess Kenya is a blunt warning from them that in the next few years, Misses Kenya would be a force to reckon with.

Let's take a look at history as to how Kenya fared in the Big Four pageants from the get-go. The order is based on the highest placement a Miss Kenya has ever achieved in Big Four pageants.


Miss Earth 2002 Winfred Omwakwe

Among the Big Four pageants, it's only in Miss Earth that Kenya consistently sends out a representative. Since its inception in 2001, Kenya only missed representation in 2008 and 2013. As to its highest placement thus far? Oh, it's the take-over win of Winfred Omwakwe from the dethroned winner Dzejla Glavovic from Bosnia Herzegovina. While technically tied with Tanzania's Miriam Odemba (Miss Earth Air 2008) in terms of highest placement for Africa in Miss Earth, her assumption of the crown, title and responsibilities from the dethroned winner made her as the only Miss Kenya to hold a Big Four title and the only African titleholder in the history of Miss Earth.


Miss Kenya International 2015 (2nd Runner Up) Eunice Onyango

Kenya only managed to send three representatives to the pageant since it started in 1960. It debuted in 2006, missed the following years and returned in 2010. It skipped the succeeding four years thereafter and came back with a bang in 2015. Eunice Onyango's almost-skin-head appeal gave the mestiza frontrunners a run for their money. Eunice set a record of the highest placement from Kenya in the Miss International pageant as Second Runner Up and by far the highest placement for Africa since Tunisia's Ibticem Lahmar's First Runner Up win in Miss International 1996. Considering Miss International's alleged discriminatory standard in choosing its winners - with no African titleholder in 56 years -- the organization must have seen something different in Onyango or Kenya for that matter which made her the only African representative to achieve a Top 5 placement in the new millenium.



Miss World Kenya 2016 (4th Runner Up) Evelyn Njambi Thungu

Whilst African beauties always do good in the Miss World stage -- or perhaps because of the Miss World platform perceived to be favoring candidates from third-world countries -- Miss World Kenya 2016 Evelyn Thungu gave a stellar performance alongside frontrunner Catriona Gray from the Philippines. As a matter of fact, prior to Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle announcement as the eventual winner, it was with Thungu that pageant fans saw a threat to Gray for the crown.  

As to its placement history in Miss World, Kenya first sent its first representative in 1960. However, it was only in 1984 that a Miss Kenya placed in the Top 15 courtesy of Khadija Adam Ismail who was also conferred the Continental Queen for Africa title.  It also emerged as Continental Queen for the years 1988, 1990, and of course in 2016.


Miss Universe Kenya 2016 (Top 6) Mary Esther Were

Kenya first sent Susan Waruguru Kahumba as its first representative to the Miss Universe pageant in 1987. It skipped representation for a number of years, but  in those years where there was a representative, a Miss Kenya was hardly noticeable. Oh, not in the case of Evelyn Were who would have advanced to Top Three and eventually snagged the title of Miss Universe 2016 alongside Haiti's Raquel Pellisier had she not buckled during the question and answer portion in the Top 6. She was asked a very challenging question, a politically-flavored one which is always critical and again challenging considering the twenty-second time allowance. On a personal note, she was able to pull off a very good answer which should have qualified her in the Top 3. 

Overall, Misses Kenya have shown a promising improvement in their performances in the Big Four pageants. They are starting to make their presence felt. If their now-you-see-me-now-you-don't representation gets addressed by their national franchise-holders, the world won't be surprised if another Big Four pageant crown would be put into their representative's head.
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