Category Archives: Event

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

BBP Logo for Paddylast

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!

BBP Logo for Paddylast
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.

My 2014 Oscar Final Predictions – My Winners And Spoilers!!

Oscar Trophy - Specials

With the awards season for the films of 2013 culminating on Sunday as the 86th Academy Awards present the Oscar to their respective winners, I’m also coming up (as per usual) with my final predictions for this year’s Oscars.

Best Picture

As much as I’m hoping that Gravity will win this category, I’m still leaning  towards a 12 Years A Slave win not only because it’s winning every precursor award giving bodies prior to the big night but because it’s a total Oscar bait like what I’ve always mentioned. Don’t get me wrong though, I love the film and I feel that it was a well made one but if I were to give it to THE best film of 2013 – Gravity should win this one hands down.

SPOILER: GRAVITY

Best Director

Alfonso Cuaron created a masterpiece with Gravity. Rarely that a director create something that is as powerful as this one. Steve McQueen can win the Best Picture but Cuaron has got this in the bag already.

SPOILER: STEVE MCQUEEN (NOT MUCH THOUGH)

BEST ACTORFrom my review, McConaughey’s rendition in Dallas Buyers Club as the homophobic Texan who became the unlikely hero of the gay community was flawless – it’s like the male Sophieluminescent, one of a kind and truly singular. He’s untouchable here as much as I’d love for Leo to finally get an Oscar.

SPOILER: LEONARDO DICAPRIO

BEST ACTRESSAfter winning a statuette for her supporting role in Aviator, Cate is ready to finally claim what’s rightfully her to begin with (hhmm,  paging Gwyneth.) Her performance in Blue Jasmine was said to be the best of her career and I have to believe that for she won almost all the major award giving bodies for her work in the film. Yay!

SPOILER: SANDRA BULLOCK FOR GRAVITY.

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club 

Leto’s best work to date as Rayon is a groundbreaking performance that only deserves accolades like this one. In this film, Jared Leto proved that he’s special!

spoiler: Barkhad Abdi for Captain Phillips

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave

I’ve only high praises for Jennifer Lawrence but I find Lupita’s performance more memorable and for that alone, I’m giving her this one. Plus, I don’t think the Academy’s ready to give her an Oscar with her winning just last year.

SPOILER: Jennifer Lawrence for American Hustle.

Best Original Screenplay – Her

Best Adapted Screenplay – 12 Years A Slave

Best Animated Feature – Frozen

Best Foreign Language Film – The Great Beauty (Italy)

Best Documentary – 20 Feet from Stardom

Best Film Editing – Gravity

Best Original Score – Gravity

Best Original Song – Let It Go

Best Cinematography – Gravity

Best Visual Effects – Gravity

Best Sound Editing – Gravity

Best Sound Mixing – Gravity

Best Production Design – The Great Gatsby

Best Makeup and Hairstyling -American Hustle

Best Costume Design – The Great Gatsby by Catherine Martin

Best Documentary – Short Subject – Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Best Live Action Short Film – Avant que de tout perdre (Just Before Losing Everything) – Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras

Best Animated Short Film – Get a Horse!

*I submitted this prediction to the 4th Pinoyexchange Oscar Pool (my fourth year of joining! during the first year, I placed 8th, unplaced on the second year and came in at 10th place last year)

for 50 bonus points, after predicting the winners for all 24 categories, the participant has the option to pick ONE PEx Oscar Prediction (listed below) which s/he will think will happen.

PEx Oscar Predictions:

  1. Leonardo DiCaprio will finally win his first Oscar
  2. “Let it Go” will not win Best Original Song
  3. There will be a tie in at least one category
  4. The Best Film Editing winner will not win Best Picture
  5. The Best Director winner will come from the Best Picture winner

Review: Captain Phillips (2013)

Captain Phillips chronicles the hijacking of the US container ship Maersk Alabama by a group of Somali Pirates. Led by Captain Richard Phillips, the film depicted his captivity and the instances that follows his release. Based on A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips himself, the film isn’t as simple as it seemed. There were moments in it that some scenes oddly seemed predictable but due to their intensity, it still gives you that staggering affect of thrill and terror.

Tom Hanks for one delivered a powerful portrayal of someone under the mercy of another man. His interaction with pirate leader Muse (Barkhad Abdi) provided the heart of the film. Scenes that feels human and stretch a keen observation of the difference between two cultures.

Newcomer Barkhad Abdi provided a beautiful acting performance here that deserves respect and accolades. There was a raw approach in it, perhaps because he’s new but whatever it was – he should always make use of it.

This was a well-made film for it adapted a real event with less dramatics but more focus. Tom Hanks yet again proved why he’s still here and Paul Greengrass should be proud of this one because it’s truly a gem to be cited by film reviewers and film makers in the future.

Director: Paul Greengrass
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Catherine Keener, Faysal Ahmed, David Washofsky, Corey Johnson, Chris Mulkey, Yuz Vazquez, Max Martini, Omar Berdouni

Rating: 8/10

*Captain Phillips received six Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

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

 

Happy Birthday Megan Young!

As the first woman from the Philippines to ever win the Miss World title, Megan Young’s name will forever be remembered by every Filipino – “the best pageant fans in the world”

photo used via Megan Young's twitter

photo used via Megan Young’s twitter

Today, the reigning Miss World is celebrating her 24th birthday and what better way to celebrate it than re-living her winning moment as the 2013 Miss World! We love you Megan!!!

via Huy Minh

Watch Mister World 2013’s Full Show!!!

Mr World 2013, Francisco Escobar from Colombia

Mr World 2013, Francisco Escobar from Colombia

Before the coming Mr World 2014 on June, let’s relive the moment when Colombian model Francisco Escobar was hailed Mister World with our very own Andrew Wolff snatching the runner-up position!

The announcement of the new winner! via missworld

The announcement of the winner! (L-R) Escobar and Wolff (Philippines)
via missworld

see the full show via Mr World Org