Category Archives: Beauty Pageants

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The Talented Ones

via bb.pilipinas official

via bb.pilipinas official

Last week, during the Valentines – 12 girls from the pool of 40 hopefuls in this year’s pageant were selected to present their talent at the Farmer’s Plaza Activity Center. So for you to witness the said event, I collected videos of the girls I could find on youtube. Enjoy!

Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa via izyl nazareno

Binibini No.37 Vanessa Saliba via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.27 Hannah Ruth Sison via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.12 Sara Jireh Asido via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.32 Jeslyn Santos via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.7 Aiza Faeldonia via Ted Claudio

Binibinin No. 3 Joanna Romero via Raffa Indo

Binibini No.14 Emma Mary Tiglao via Raffa Indo

Upon watching these videos, I find myself enchanted with Aiza Faeldonia and Mary Jean Lastimosa. They exude such grace and stage presence! While I love Angelique De Leon’s routine being the most original!

So who should win Best In Talent on March 30?

*I am missing Shauna Curran video  right here but I will update the list as soon as I found the video*
Credits to the owners as indicated.

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The Repeaters

A pageant repeater is someone who competed previously in the same pageant but went home without a crown and is trying her luck once again. That is the case with the seven girls in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas edition. These girls aren’t that succesful in clinching a crown or they almost got it but for some reason, their stars didn’t align that year so they are back with a vengeance and more wisdom hopefully in order to fully realized what they missed the first or second time around.

Diana Arevalo tried it out in 2009 and 2011

Diana Arevalo tried it out in 2009 and 2011

Diana came to the spolight during the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas, a batch that elected some of the tallest winners in years. She made it as one of the finalists. In 2011, She was posed to win one of the crowns (or so I thought) but that year was the year of the game changer – the year that Shamcey easily toppled her competition and Necio, a repeater from the previous year was heavily favored to win despite her height disadvantage. This year though, Diana’s armed with a different aura and is so ready to battle it all for the crown!

Ladylyn Riva was everywhere!

Ladylyn Riva was everywhere!

Ladylyn was Miss Casino Filipino and Miss Resort World first runner-up 2011 and finalist in Miss Bikini International 2013. Now these aren’t exactly high-caliber pageants but these surely gave her some confidence to try it for the last time this year after failing to advance to the semis during the 2011 edition.

Mary Jean Lastimosa's last chance at the Binibini!

Mary Jean Lastimosa’s last chance at the Binibini!

Whether you like it or not, Mary Jean or MJ is still one of the biggest threat for the newbies. This returnee who won second runner-up to Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and a finalist in 2012 won’t let go that easy until she snatch one of the crowns. One of her Achilles heel in 2012 was the question and answer and I believe that this year, she has mastered everything to win it all. It’s all or nothing for her since this is her last hurrah to win a national pageant.

The repeaters from last year's Golden Edition. (L-R) Hannah Ruth Sison, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Parul Shah, Noelle Ellore Punzalan

The repeaters from last year’s Golden Edition. (L-R) Hannah Ruth Sison, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Parul Shah, Ellore Punzalan

All of these girls except for Hannah (shockingly excluded) all made it to the semis last year with Pia even hailed as the lone runner-up. They are all back for another try and hoping against hope that they will deliver this time and be part of the 51st edition of the Binibining Pilipinas queens!

The Official Candidates Of The Binibining Pilipinas 2014!

Their faces and names are already posted in different sites and some of them are already creating enough buzz and hype but it’s the final night on March 30 that matters the most.  So after weeks of grueling screening process, callbacks and all – the over 100 applicants of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas were trimmed down to 40! I’ve to say how impressed I am with the quality of the candidates this year. There are a lot of fresh faces who are all very much qualified to win any of the crowns as well as the repeaters who are more ready and more beautiful this time! So here are our Top 40 in groups of 5…

Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra

Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra

Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran

Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran

Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza

Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza

Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago

Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago

Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa

Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa

Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan

Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan

Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago

Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago

Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo

Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo

*names in bold are the repeaters 
photos via bbpilipinasofficial

The Comeback Goddess: MJ Lastimosa

So it’s CONFIRMED! Mary Jean Lastimosa or better known as MJ will be participating in the upcoming Binibining Pilipinas  pageant. As I mentioned previously, this would be MJ’s third attempt to clinch a Binibini crown after snatching second runner-up during the 2011 edition and  a semifinalist placement in 2012. I’m hoping that this time, MJ will be able to maintain the momentum leading up to the big night.

too premature but I can't help it. via MJ Lastimosa's FB

too premature but I can’t help it.
via MJ Lastimosa’s FB

I’m no expert when it comes to beauty pageants but having watched the years that she initially joined, I’d like to advise her not to over-think when it comes to answering questions from the judges. She should be more relax and more confident because I know that she can really do it! And this time, I’m hoping that the stars and the whole universe will aligned in her favor!

Goodluck MJ!!!

Is Third Time’s A Charm For MJ Lastimosa At The Binibining Pilipinas 2014?

too premature but I can't help it. via MJ Lastimosa's FB

too premature but I can’t help it.
via MJ Lastimosa’s FB

There is no confirmation yet as to the rumors going around the blogosphere but  Mary Jean Lastimosa (Binibining Pilipinas 2011 2nd runner up and 2012 Binibining Pilipinas semifinalist) looks like  she’s really preparing to give pageants just one more go. With the news of her transferring into another beauty camp from Aces and Queens to its rival Kagandahan Flores, the most popular girl from the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas season is gearing up to battle it out one last time. The only question now is if she’s going to join the Binibining Pilipinas this year and replicate what Maricar Balagtas did who went on to finally win a crown after her third attempt at the 2004 Binibining Pilipinas and  represented the country for Miss Universe at Quito, Ecuador. Some observers and forumers have polarizing opinions about her “supposed”  / “rumored” plans of joining saying that she should give Binibini a rest and just try other pageants such as Miss World Philippines or Miss Philippines Earth. They may have a point but your blogger thinks that she should give it one last go this year. For one, the Binibini adjusted the age limit to 26 which made her very qualified to join. Second, I think she still has it. I mean, she’s gotten better since the 2012 pageant and I believe that more than anything else, she is still very much at her prime! Mary Jean for me embodies a multiracial beauty that the Miss Universe organization or Miss Supranational organization would appreciate. If and when she decides to join Binibini this year, I’d give her my 100% support.

MJ Lastimosa

Go MJ! Reach for your dreams and become the brightest star in the universe!

Miss World 2013 Megan Young: People Asia’s People Of The Year

Miss World 2013 Megan Young tops the list of People of the Year by People Asia in their 14th anniversary edition. Young made history this year as the first Filipina to snag the Miss World beauty title in the beautiful city of Bali in Indonesia.

Megan Young in People Asia

Other notable “People” on the list includes Nora Aunor, Kuh Ledesma, Chot Reyes and Cory Vidanes to name a few.

Who are 2013 People Of The YearBe sure to check this out!

Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago Wins Miss International 2013!!!

Bea Crowning Moment

Just like what I predicted, Bea just added another honor to our country as the newly crowned Miss International! I knew it the moment she was crowned during the national pageant! We’re so proud of you Bea!!

Miss International 2013!

Miss International 2013!

Congratulations Bea!!

My Miss International 2013 Final Predictions!

A couple of days from now, Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan will crown her successor and the new Miss International in the culmination of  one of the “Big Four Pageants” in the beautiful country of Japan. With that being said, 67 girls are having a blast exploring Japan – Tokyo in particular where the pageant will host its finals at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall. And as per usual, I will let you see my final predictions in a Christmas- themed list this time 🙂

13-1515. Lorena Hermida of Colombia – Colombian’s beauty are always the ones to watch out for in this pageant. Their last win was the historical win of Jeymmy Vargas becoming the first delegate of color to win the said pageant. This time, they are sending an exotic beauty and a top 15 isn’t impossible of a task for her.

14. Chonticha Tiengtham of Thailand – Another stunner from Thailand. After their successful bid at the recently concluded Miss Earth 2013 where Punika Kulsoontornrut was proclaimed Miss Earth Water,  the Thai delegation hopes to keep the ball rolling ending the year with a bang. Chonticha is a beauty – real oriental beauty!

13. Andrea Neu of the United States Of America – I love Andrea. I think her beauty is a very interesting one. The country does not really send strong delegates in this pageant but I think Andrea has what it takes to make the semis.

10-1212. Katarzyna Oracka of Poland is yet  another stunning goddess from Poland. This country has been very consistent this year in sending beyond beautiful delegates but for some reason, they are leaving each pageant crown-less. I hope Katarzyna could end this “curse” but if she end up entering the semis – that’s not bad at all then.

11. Carmen Munoz of Dominica Republic – I love how she’s always looking fresh in every photo ops. She’s just 21 and her youthful vibe could end her vying for one of the 15 precious slots in the semis.

10. Araceli Carrilero Martínez of Spain is a shoo-in for the semis. This Albacete native does know how to work the camera and charm the locals. I won’t mind if she places higher than a semifinalist.

7-99.  Ashley Beth Perez of Puerto Rico – In the mold of Monic Perez and the mystery of Bodine Koehler, I see a beacon of hope for Puerto Rico. She’s a Miss International prototype and this kind of beauty won’t be wasted here.

8. Lucero Montemayor of Mexico – The organization has some kind of adoration to every Mexican delegates and this babe won’t be an exception.

7. Cristina Alves Da Silva of Brazil – Another favorite of the organization. I placed her at 7th because I feel that they are looking this year for personality and she’s a bit quiet for me. Let’s see…

4-66. Eleonore Lilja of Sweden and 4. Sigrún Eva Ármannsdóttir of Iceland – c’mon now. Who could resist the beauty of these two? They may even snatch the crown, I dunno why they’re at my 4th and 6th place – perhaps I just don’t want to jinx them. LOL

5. Elián Herrera – She’s a Miss Venezuela. End of discussion.

1-3

2nd Runner-up – Nathalie den Dekker of the Netherlands – I love this girl! I was even rooting for her during the Miss Universe 2012 and I think she’s ready to grab one of the crowns this year! I’m glad she didn’t give up right away.

1st Runner-up – Elma Segzdaviciute of Lithuania. Now if there’s one girl who’s becoming a threat for the crown, it has to be this girl. Elma is just 18 and her demeanor says so. After winning the Miss Photogenic earlier in the pageant, the target is now on her. Another Miss International prototype. If she’ll deliver come finals night  –  deal’s done.

And my Miss International winner this year (still my prediction peeps) is none other than my home-girl, Bea Rose Santiago! Bea by far is the most ready amongst the Binibining Pilipinas queens this year. And she’s the last one to have the opportunity to grab that one last crown for the Philippines (let’s discount the Miss Tourism International since it’s happening during the new year’s eve – _@)

Bea’s beautiful – CHECK! She’s articulate and smart – CHECK! She’s interesting – CHECK! She’s got the sash – CHECK! And interestingly, she was adjudged by none other than the President of the Miss International Organization during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night so everything seems to be going in her favor. I’m not complacent though. An upset similar to what happened last year from Miss Japan could very well be the case for Bea – oh yeah and a really bad styling – ask Nicole Schmitz.

The Search Is On For The 2014 Binibining Pilipinas!

BBP 2014 is on

In the midst of Bea Santiago’s campaign in Japan to grab the fifth Miss International crown for the Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas Organization just announced today the start of their search for next year’s Binibining Pilipinas queens. This year’s edition has been highly successful so far after the win of Mutya Datul in Miss Supranational, the semifinals inclusion of Cindy Miranda in Miss Tourism-International and the third runner-up finish of Ariella Arida in Miss Universe with Bea Santiago touted by pageant experts to place considerably well on next week’s Miss International finals.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Philippine rep in any of these pageants, then it’s your chance to be part of the elite group of Binibining Pilipinas queens and submit your application ASAP!

Bea Rose Santiago’s National Costume At The Miss International 2013!

credits to the owner

credits to the owner

I don’t know about you guys but this doesn’t sit well with me – not at all. It could’ve been a great terno if only she removes the fan and the hideous head dress. I still believe in Bea though. She’s really doing well in Japan 🙂