Category Archives: Beauty Pageants

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: My Top 15 Final Hot Picks!

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Ainjely Manalo

Ainjely Manalo

15. The appeal of Ainjely reminds me so much of Nicole Marable and Imelda Schweighart (Binibining Pilipinas contestants in 2012 and 2013 respectively.) I’m saying this because like the two mentioned, Ainjely’s beauty is a fresh one that easily attract its audience. I just feel that she’s still too raw to win any of the crowns.

Diana Arevalo

Diana Arevalo

14. I’ve always been a big fan of Diana eversince her first Binibini stint and in 2011, I thought she should’ve placed higher. With her third time joining the pageant, I still find her extremely charming  and more beautiful. Something was missing though, her spark was nowhere to be found. It is with great sadness that I’ve to place her this low on my list but just the same, I’m still a fan.

Ladylyn Riva

Ladylyn Riva

13. From the very start of the competition up to this point, Ladylyn has shown a pretty consistent performance. She’s actually prettier than her 2011 stint and I now feel that she has matured – both physically and intellectually. Indeed, she’s got the goods but does she have the guts to take it to the next level? Methinks still not this time.

Vessica Sambo

Vessica Sambo

12. I always admire a girl who is proud of her roots and I think this trait is what is so charming about Vessica. I love that she’s feisty yet looks extremely feminine. This girl has a  big future ahead of her and I’m looking forward to see her competing more. She still has a lot to learn for a Binibini tilte but she’s getting there.

Parul Shah

Parul Shah

11. Parul Shah is such an unforgettable name. Had Parul not stumbled during her Q&A last year, she could’ve been one of the crowned golden Binibinis. Alas, she was “eradicated” from the contention and came back this year “more ready.” She is by any aspect a contended but for some reason, Parul somehow lost her charm and look likeable which I believe is far more important than a great answer to the Q&A.

Ednornance Agustin

Ednornance Agustin

10. With a unique name and a towering height, Ednornance isn’t just a mere model material. I feel that that given the right styling and personality development, she could easily annihilate any beauty competition. Not this time, though.

Racquel Kabigting

Racquel Kabigting

9. Racquel for me is a better version of Jennifer Barrientos. What’s more is that she’s way taller than our 2008 Miss Universe representative. This gives me hope for her that when she’s ready to take the national title, she could easily win the international crown – in time.

Angelique De Leon

Angelique De Leon

8. With a polarizing beauty much like Janine Tugonon, Angelique is set to pull some trick comes finals night. I’ve a feeling in my guts that she’d do well on the 30th. Disregarding that, Angelique for me is unquestionably beautiful!

Nichole Manalo

Nichole Manalo

7. The third Manalo sister pulling all the stops to win a crown isn’t that impossible a job. She’s tall, beautiful and smart enough to clinch a title. After impressing me during the primer, I placed her easily on my upper tier but considering the duration of the pageant, I just have to place her conveniently outside the crown contention. She may have her sisters to back her up and has very good potentials to win on her own merits, I still feel that she could only go this far, atleast for now.

Bianca Guidotti

Bianca Guidotti

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RUNNER UP NO MORE

Pia Wurtzbach

Pia Wurtzbach

Pia conveniently benefited from her Binibining Pilipinas training last year as the lone runner up from the golden edition. She seemed more ready and won’t settle for anything less this time. A stunning mestiza at its core, it is justifiable to award her the debuting title of Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental.

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FROM HEAD TO TOE

Joy Diaz

Joy Diaz

Joy Diaz may very well be crowned the Binibining Pilipinas – Tourism Queen International for she possessed an impressive academic background that goes well with her international appeal. From head to toe – Joy can totally deliver when needed.

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BACK TO BACK SUPERIORITY

Yvethe Santiago

Yvethe Santiago

After Mutya Datul’s historic win last year as the first Filipina and first Asian Miss Supranational, I think it is only natural that we send another head turner that is as superior as that of Mutya. With that in mind, Yvethe Santiago (whom I picked  during my 1st and 2nd hot picks as my Miss Universe Philippines) became my final choice  not because I feel that she won’t do well in Miss Universe but because I feel that after Mutya, we shouldn’t easily let go of the Miss Supra crown if we could easily get hold of it again. A back to back win would be an easy job for Yvethe, no doubt.

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BEAUTY WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

Kris Tiffany Janson

Kris Tiffany Janson

It’s very easy to say that Kris Janson is the Miss International prototype that we’ve had in years from our delegates. This maybe true but keeping that aside, Janson without question maybe the most conventionally beautiful contestant this year. A superior beauty that you cannot fault in any way. If Bea won the hearts of Tokyo with her speech and elegance, Kris can wow them with her sheer beauty and cultured eloquence.

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THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE UNIVERSE

Mary Jean Lastimosa

Mary Jean Lastimosa

Mary Jean Lastimosa or MJ as she was fondly called never ceases to amaze her fans with her tireless smile in every event of this year’s edition. This is MJ’s third try to win a crown and her perseverance is more impressive than any other repeaters this year. MJ has more competition, no doubt, to win the most coveted crown but I feel that she’s up there and would never let go of what she’s holding on right now without clinching that title. MJ clearly did not diminish as a front runner and she’s bound to finish her last hurrah for the crown, all smile because she knows that after all the heartbreaks and disappointments, she’d still end up successful. After all, she’s still the brightest star in the universe.

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images courtesy of Jag Jeans, OMPB and Binibining Pilipinas.

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: My Fourth Hot Picks!

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So I’m basing my fourth hot picks from the primer that I’ve watched last Sunday adding to their respective performances (sic) thus far all throughout the competition. As usual, I will only be focusing more on the five ladies whom I thought delivered and have shone through with their personality and overall presentation.

MJNumero Uno. MARY JEAN LASTIMOSA. In 2012, MJ was thought to win one of the crowns but went home empty handed. This time around though, I’m betting on her big time for she’s smashing the competition in all angles! She’s well-versed this time around and she’s calmer if I may say. Out of all the 40 girls that were presented during the primer, MJ was the clear stand out!

NicholeSecond Best. NICHOLE MANALO. The youngest from the famous Manalo sisters. I’m not really the biggest fan of Nichole not because I don’t find her beautiful but I just initially thought that there are better girls than her but during the primer, she just wowed me with her TV presence! The girl was very telegenic on TV and looks every inch of a beauty queen if I may say so.

YvetheThird Best. YVETHE SANTIAGO. My dear, dear Yvethe reminds me of my all time favorite Filipina beauty queen Venus Raj. It could be because she also hailed from Bicol and has won the Miss Bicolandia. Nonetheless, this beauty is the beauty of someone who shouldn’t be ignored anywhere. She’s conversant, she’s got a commercial and yet could transform into a fierce amazonian beauty. During the primer, I just got worried that she kinda look a bit studied but that isn’t really bad at all. She just have to maintain her consistency.

KrisFourth Placer. KRIS JANSON. I’m officially a fan of Kris Janson. After watching her speak more and be impressed by her, my initial thought was that she’s more suited for Miss World. Her personality is so calm, her demeanor so charming and her beauty’s undeniable. This girl could easily win one of the crowns, that’s for sure.

JoyLast But Not The Last – Number Five. JOY DIAZ. She’s very natural and conversant in English which I supposed was her first language. She’s not pretty pretty but she’s very pleasant to look at and has a very good TV presence. I’m betting heavily on this girl cuz she’s got it.

images courtesy of Jag Jeans.

Flashback Friday – The Girl Who Wanted To Be Miss Universe

via abs-cbn.com
via abs-cbn.com

Ruffa Gutierrez is already a household name in the pageant scene in the Philippines. She was already a popular TV and movie personality when she joined the 1993 Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Ruffa was very vocal about wanting to win the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title. However, it was awarded to Dindi Gallardo, which raised a lot of eyebrows at the time. On the other hand, Ruffa went on to represent the country in Sun City, South Africa, for the 1993 Miss World, where she placed third, behind the eventual winner Lisa Hanna of Jamaica.

via ichu froglet

While Ruffa may not have captured the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title, she dazzled the world with her beauty, poise, and sheer brilliance!

Ruffa, you truly are one of a kind!

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The 10 Best National Costumes!

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In another stunning display of culture and creativity, the 40 candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas took to the runway in their national costumes, each one showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the Philippines. These ten, in my opinion, stood out as the best among the designs created by 40 incredibly talented Filipino designers.

Binibini #4 Parul Shah
Binibini #4 Parul Shah

Designer: Edwin Uy

Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia
Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia
Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany Janson
Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany Janson

Designer: Cary Santiago

Binibini #15 Kimverlyn Suiza
Binibini #15 Kimverlyn Suiza
Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin
Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin

Designer: Jun Lee

Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa

Designer: Kim Gan

Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan
Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan
Binibini #35 Yvette Marie Santiago
Binibini #35 Yvette Marie Santiago
Binibini #37 Vanessa Saliba
Binibini #37 Vanessa Saliba
pictures via binibining pilipinas
*please help me name the designers. thanks!

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: My Top 15 Third Hot Picks!

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With the coronation night fast approaching, the girls are also stepping up big time for the big day! So without further ado, let me present to you my third hot pick for this season of Binibining Pilipinas!

(L-R) Yvethe Santiago, Kris Janson, Mary Jean Lastimosa and Pia Wurtzbach

(L-R) Yvethe Santiago, Kris Janson, Mary Jean Lastimosa and Pia Wurtzbach

 1-4Yvethe is this year’s Miss Consistency. Delivering an enduring power of beauty, grace, and charisma isn’t such an easy task, with 39 other girls vying for the most coveted crown. At this stage of the competition, the Miss Universe Philippines crown is yours to lose, girl.

A two feat Miss International crowning isn’t far behind if Kris will eventually snatch the Binibining Pilipinas International title. She could also easily snatch the Universe crown if she played her cards well. Would it be this one or highest honor? For now, I placed her second.

A frontrunner, an expert, and a stage diva. That’s what we need for an attempt to place well come Miss Supranational 2014. MJ has those qualities, and she’s polished even to grab the most coveted title. For now, though, I have a feeling that Binibining Pilipinas Supranational’s the deserved title for her.

I consider Binibining Pilipinas Tourism the least prestigious, but a title is still a titleThis, however, belongs to a girl whom I feel can do wonders in China. Pia Wurtzbach, the lone runner-up from last year, is the best for this title for now.

(L-R: 5. Angelique De Leon, 6. Ednornance Agustin, 7. Bianca Guidotti, 8. Kimverlyn Suiza, 9. Diana Arevalo)

(L-R: 5. Angelique De Leon, 6. Ednornance Agustin, 7. Bianca Guidotti, 8. Kimverlyn Suiza, 9. Diana Arevalo)

(L-R: 10. Vessica Sambo, 11. Racquel Kabigting, 12. Parul Shah)

(L-R: 10. Vessica Sambo, 11. Racquel Kabigting, 12. Parul Shah)

(L-R: 13. Laura Lehman, 14. Nichole Manalo, 15. Aiza Faeldonia)

(L-R: 13. Laura Lehman, 14. Nichole Manalo, 15. Aiza Faeldonia)

pictures via binibining pilipinas

Flashback Friday – The Girl Who Answered “High Tide Or Low Tide?”

via sashfactor.info

via sashfactor.info

Who could forget Miss Philippines Charlene Gonzales during the 1994 Miss Universe pageant when she was asked by  Bob Goen, “How many islands are in the Philippines?” Gonzales countered, “high-tide or low-tide?” much to the audience appreciation.

Let’s all relive that epic moment in this video

via skiace

 

Gonzales subsequently advanced to the Top 6 with Sushmita Sen of India crowned the 1994 Miss Universe.

Yulia Alipova Is The Winner Of Miss Russia 2014!

Yulia Alipova representing the city of Balakovo became the successor of Elmira Abrazakova as she was crowned the new Miss Russia. Alipova will be representing Russia in both Miss World and Miss Universe this year.

Both reigning Miss World Megan Young and Miss Universe Gabriela Isler were part of the judging panel and assisted in the crowning of the new Miss Russia.

via Raffa Indo·

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: My Top 15 Second Hot Picks!

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BBP Logo Hot Picks 2nd Week

This week, I decided to make a complete Top 15 for my hotpicks since I’ve evaluated all of the 40 girls and I’ve laboriously yet gladly watched their web interviews, videos, and pictures over the week, and I’ve got to say that some of the girls really are stepping up their game! This could easily change once I get the chance to see them in person more, but for now, this is what I came up with.

Universe Santiago

HOT PICK 1: Yvethe Marie Santiago for Miss Universe Philippines

Yvethe has one mission in mind upon entering this competition, and that is to win it all. But her mission is not just to win one of the crowns; it is to win the top plum, which is Miss Universe Philippines. Yvethe could easily do this. She’s got the goods, and the only thing that’s getting in her way at this stage is whether she will be favored by the judges and the organization come finals night or if she chokes during the final question and answer, which seemed to be an all-important factor based on the recent queens wins!

SPOILER: Guidotti, De Leon, Lastimosa

Janson International

HOT PICK 2: Kris Tiffany Janson for Bb.Pilipinas-International

After making my initial hot picks, I felt that I did something wrong by not considering this Cebuana beauty for one of the crowns. I was so wrong for not considering the pageant that clearly has a predictable prototype, and that is Miss International! They want their winners to either be doll-like or someone who exudes sheer elegance. If they can’t get both, the winner must at least have one. Luckily for Kris, she’s got both going for her.

SPOILER: Wurtzback, Nichole Manalo

Lastimosa Supranational

HOT PICK 3: Mary Jean Lastimosa for Bb.Pilipinas – Supranational

Last year, the Miss Supranational organization crowned a “miniature” winner with the face of an angel, and that is our very own Mutya Datul. I can’t see any reason why they won’t do the same if we send a beauty of such high caliber. MJ’s last try may just be the lucky break she’s been waiting for. She’s got the face and sheer confidence that make a room go quiet upon entering it. That makes her much more superior than most of the girls.

SPOILER: Faeldonia, Mary Ainjely Manalo

Manalo Tourism

HOT PICK 4: Nichole Manalo for Bb.Pilipinas – Tourism

With China hosting the pageant annually, I figured that we don’t have a very big chance of winning a crown. But that’s not saying that we shouldn’t send a good candidate. Based on their most recent winners, they want them tall and “meztisa,” and I think Nichole Manalo might just fit the bill.

SPOILER: Laura Victoria Lehmann

BBP PIa

5. Pia Wurtzbach

BBP Bianca

6. Bianca Guidotti

BBP Angelique

7. Angelique De Leon

BBP Aiza

8. Aiza Faeldonia

BBP Ainjely

9. Ainjely Manalo

BBP Eds

10. Ednornance Agustin

BBP Parul

11. Parul Shah

BBP Diana

12. Diana Arevalo

BBP Kim

13. Kimverlyn Suiza

BBP Laura

14. Laura Lehmann

BBP Racquel

15. Racquel Kabigting

pictures via bbpilipinas official fb page and  OPMB Worldwide alterations are for entertainment and depiction purposes only. no copyright infringement intended.

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: Sponsors Visit!

BBP Logo for PaddylastOver the week, the 40 lovely Binibining Pilipinas candidates went on to visit some of the pageant’s sponsors this year and they all looked their best as they posed for the camera – to smile, eat, and mingle with everyone under the scrutinizing eyes of the public and the sponsors!

The 40 candidates of the 2014 Bb. Pilipinas Pageant during their visit at the Philippine Daily Inquirer office. During the coronation night, one candidate will be awarded the Philippine Daily Inquirer Reader's Choice Award.

The 40 candidates of the 2014 Bb. Pilipinas Pageant during their visit at the Philippine Daily Inquirer office. During the coronation night, one candidate will be awarded the Philippine Daily Inquirer Reader’s Choice Award.

 Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Dairy Queen in  Ali Mall


Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Dairy Queen in Ali Mall

 Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Taco Bell Gateway Mall


Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Taco Bell Gateway Mall

Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Pizza Hut Gateway Mall

Bb. Pilipinas Candidates at Pizza Hut Gateway Mall

via bbpilipinas facebook page

Megan Young in Moscow for Miss Russia 2014!

Birthday girl and reigning Miss World Megan Young is currently enjoying her time in Russia as she is about to crown the new Miss Russia on March 1, Saturday during the pageant’s coronation night. Megan will be joined by reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler from Venezuela. Since 2007, the winner of Miss Russia represents her country in both Miss Universe and Miss World.

Megan with Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova  via missosology

Megan with Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova
via missosology

during a press conference, the reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova and Miss World 2013 Megan Young via missosology

during a press conference, the reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova and Miss World 2013 Megan Young
via missosology

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova and Miss World 2013 Megan Young via missosology

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, Miss Russia 2013 Elmira Abdrazakova and Miss World 2013 Megan Young
via missosology