Malaysian model Sheena Liam was adjudged the winner of the second cycle of the modeling reality show, Asia’s Next Top Model. Liam bested 15 other finalists for the title including Filipino models Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez as runners-up.
Sheena
With her win, Sheena will be receiving a three-month contract with Storm Model Management in London, the chance to appear in a spread and on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore and Malaysia, a cash prize from FOX International Broadcast, a Subaru XV car, and the chance of becoming the new face of TRESemmé for one of their 2014 campaigns.
So there you have it folks! Sheena battled all the odds to win it all!!! Congratulations as well to our homegirls Katarina and Jodilly!
After twelve weeks, the competition is now down to three girls battling it out to be this season’s Asia’s Next Top Model. Sheena is the girl who could give you good pictures but not good enough to clinch the top spot of any shoot from the past episodes. So are we up for a mediocre finish from this driven Malaysian model or is she ready to give it all for the final show and deliver a stunning photo and topple the competition? Katarina on the other hand have shown that she’s not only the face of the competition but she could also be a threat for the title by delivering some outstanding shots that catapult her on top getting two first call-outs that ultimately led her to the finale. Is she peaking a little too late or will Katarina battle it out like there’s no tomorrow and prove to everyone that she’s really the right gal for the title? Or is it going to be fellow Filipina finalist Jodilly, whose height, runway skills and sunny personality be the formidable force that will hinder the dreams of the other two to win the coveted title? Delivering outstanding photo after another, Jodilly’s versatility did not go unnoticed in the competition by receiving two best photo award and winning some of the challenges. Will this be enough for this sweet gal from the Philippines to win it all or are we still up for more come final showdown?
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see up-close the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas queens as they were presented to the press people at the Balay, Araneta Center. I could say that this batch is truly something from the runners-up to each and every crowned winner. They all have their own aura that set each other apart. The event was also attended by the Queens of 2013 who gave their message of support and encouragement to the new title holders.
I wasn’t able to ask any questions because they mainly focused on the bigger media peeps. So let me just share with you some of the pictures I took from yesterday’s event.
Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 lookig like a goddess!
from L-R: Yvethe Santiago – Bb.Pilipinas – Supranationa, Kris Tiffany Janson – Bb.Pilipinas – Intercontinental, Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Bb.Pilipinas – International and Parul Shah, Bb.Pilipinas-Tourism
Here are the 2013 queens giving out their message of support and encouragement.
The 2014 Queens With reigning Miss International Bea Santiago and Miss Supranational Mutya Datul
I’ve seen second runner up Hannah Ruth Sison several times now and I now wished that she style herself like this! What a beauty!
The Kagandahang Flores Queens with their mentor Mr. Rodgil Flores
girls: is it over yet? nope darlings, it’s just starting! lol
With the TV Press
snippets: Ara Arida and Mutya Datul
sidenotes: Mutya Datul signing autograph and her fascinating crown!
I have a feeling that this batch will even be more successful than their predecessor! Goodluck girls! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Who would’ve thought that the day would come that each one of these girls are all going to be Binibining Pilipinas crowned queens? Ofcourse the three are already winners from this batch, (Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Shamcey Supsup, Binibining Pilipinas International Diane Necio and Binibining Pilipinas Tourism Isabela Manjon) then a year later, Janine Tugonon (1st runner-up) was crowned Miss Universe Philippines whereas the 2nd runner-up Mary Jean Lastimosa who also participated went home empty handed. This year though, it’s still very fresh to us since it just happened last Sunday when Lastimosa finally grabbed the Miss Universe Philippines title. What a beautiful batch indeed because all of ’em are winners!
I am very glad to announce that my blog was chosen to be amongst the 10 bloggers / websites selected to participate at the 2014 Binibining Pilipinas Winners Press Conference! I’m just really stoke right now and I can’t wait to meet them up-close!
paddylastinc was chosen along with raulgatal.blogspot.com as the most in-dept pageant blogs. Big thanks!!!
Be sure to watch out for my post after the press conference 🙂 My big thank you again goes to Binibining Pilipinas Organization!
Stage / Production: I thought the stage was quite elegant. I love that it did not overshadowed the contestants and the cylinder / tube props looked really great live and on TV! A-
Hosts: Upon learning that Xian Lim will be back to host the event, I was initially disappointed because I thought he did poorly during his 2012 stint. This time though, I was pleasantly surprised because he’s not one bit annoying. He brought with him enough charm to woo the live audience and this year, it went smoothly for him. Good job Xian!
Anne Curtis was of course the darling of the crowd last night. She’s very charming and SO VERY, EXTEMELY BEAUTIFUL! She even belted “Alone” off air while the judges were having their deliberation of the winners. The audience just totally loved her!
On Venus, Shamcey and Janine: Venus is definitely now a pro in hosting. She did extremely well and looked every inch of a beauty queen! It’s a wonder why until now she’s still in competition form! Just amazing! Shamcey on the other hand was beautiful as ever but she sounded too scripted and too hurried. When Janine first appeared, there was a unanimous opinion in our row that she looked unkempt – it must be the hair though. Her second number though was rather alluring and she made it all up from her disastrous first styling. Overall, the three girls did really well.
Opening Number: The opening number which includes the intro of hosts Xian and Anne and of course the introduction of the contestants reminds me so much of the 2011 Miss Universe pageant – it must be the color coding of their outfits.
The Swimsuit Competition: One word – BRAVO. Madam Stella really step up this time around (this I believe totally impressed Miss Universe president Paula Shugart and co.) The ladies are wearing expensive looking swimsuits inspired by the festivals in the country. I love that they were divided into four groups showcasing four different festivals from the Philippines.
The Evening Gown Competition: Oh I just love this part! This is where the eventual winners really stood out! My favorite gowns are from Parul Shah, Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. The “White Gown” myth also got into us and made us a bit nervous. Oh, I also love that this segment was super fast!
Best in Swimsuit: I was so happy that finally, MJ was awarded this well deserved title. In 2011 and 2012, I thought she was robbed big time – now, “the body” of the competition was rewarded justly.
Best in Evening Gown: I really thought that this award was just a toss up between Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. Bianca was awarded the title which I think was pretty fair.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Announcement of Top 15: Pia, MJ, Bianca, Yvethe and Kris were already shoo in for the semis followed closely by Parul, Tiglao and Lehmann. The rest are surprises for me and it was with sadness that Diana Arevalo and Kim Suiza failed to make it into the semis – esp Suiza because she looks absolutely ravishing last night!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Question and Answer portion:
Laura Lehman was asked for her favorite city that best represents her and she answered Armsterdam. I thought it was a cute answer but it could’ve been better if she chose something close from home. Ya’ll know what I mean right?
Pia Wurtzbach was very charming in answering her question but I’m firm in my belief that she would’ve made it had she answered the question in English (even though she was asked by Angara in the vernacular.)
Mary Jean Lastimosa – well, what can I say? Like her answer, the girl was very much composed upon answering her question. She gave it her all and the audience just loved it, even reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler who asked the question looks very impressed!
Bianca Guidotti‘s answer was very short and lacks conviction. After her turn, I immediately pegged her for a runner-up finish but clearly, her charm was undeniable in delivering her thoughts.
Nichole Manalo faltered and received an awkward applause from the audience.
Parul Shah was very studied and calculated which I think works well for her.
Yvethe Santiago was really mesmerizing on screen and in person. Her answer along with Lastimosa, Shah and Janson were the clear stand outs!
Kris Janson’s answer was very heartfelt that even host Anne Curtis teared up. I love her spontaneity. I guess what I didn’t like about her last night was her make up which made her looked tired.
Hannah Sison gave a decent answer but she was trying a bit too hard to be charming. Nevertheless, she look so polished last night.
On Emin: He’s quite a charmer and his songs aren’t that bad.
On regining Miss Universe Gabriela Isler: Oh, the crowd just loved her! She’s very pretty and tall! She’s for the record the third Miss Universe titleholder I’ve seen in my life after Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran.
The Announcement Of Winners
2nd Runner-up: Hannah Sison – my friend who’s with me (Rey) and I predicted this and we believe that the judges got it right.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
1st Runner-up: Laura Lehmann – I was a bit nervous because of some rumors floating in the net that Lehman was the matriarch Stella Araneta’s favorite to win the MUP crown. I’m glad that she didn’t win it because she needs more polishing. She look so pretty though!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Tourism: Parul Shah after her performance through the night deserved a crown and I was really hoping that she’ll get this one and she did!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Supranational: I predicted Yvethe Santiago to win this title and my intuition was right! Now, we’ve a pretty good chance of nailing a back to back win in Miss Supranational!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental: As the first recipient of this title, Kris Janson made history last night after delivering a good performance and clinching this minor title. I was rather relieved when she was called because it means bigger chances for MJ to win the MUP title!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas International: Initially, I was not happy Guidotti even won a crown. I was expecting Pia to clinch this but I’m just glad she did because I figured that she and Bea have some similarities. This could really work well for her. Plus, her personality’s too contagious! You gotta love a girl with a very positive personality!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
>that shot when MJ was tearing up almost broke my heart. She must be thinking that she’d lose again since Pia Wurtzbach was still in contention. Lo and behold, her name was call the 2014 Miss Universe Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When she was announced the new Miss Universe Philippines, I felt like crying and hyperventilating! I was shouting for joy at the top of my lungs! Finally, my girl did it and she was rewarded for all her hard work and determination! MJ finally harvested the fruits of her hard labor – it’s been a long and winding road for her but it’s all worth the wait!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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RUNNER UP NO MORE
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 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
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
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 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.
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.
Numero 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!
Second 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.
Third 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.
Fourth 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.
Last 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.
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.
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.
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