Meet Binibining Pilipinas 2013 No. 5 Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen

Binibini No.5 Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen

Binibini No.5 Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen

Sofia hailed from Antique and is a football player. This Pinay with a latina vibe is 23 and have attended the De La Salle College Of St. Benilde. She once represented both the Philippines and Finland team in football! Pretty impressive! Is she destined to represent our country at the international beauty arena?

photo courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Official FB Page
photographer: Bruce Cassanova

Meet Binibining Pilipinas 2013 No. 4 – Nicole Kim Donesa

At 18, she is one of the youngest contestants this year. Nicole or Ico loves singing Broadway and opera songs. She attended the John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont, California and represents the city of stars – Quezon City. Is she riped enough for the national pageant?

Binibini No. 4 - Nicole Kim Donesa

Binibini No. 4 – Nicole Kim Donesa

photo courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Official FB Page
photographer: Bruce Cassanova

Meet Binibining Pilipinas 2013 No.3 – Zandra Flores

Binibini No.3 Zandra Flores

Binibini No.3 Zandra Flores

Zandra attended the University of Bradford in England and she’s representing the home of the hundred islands  – Pangasinan.  She is 24 and under the tutelage of the beauty camp “Kagandahang Flores” aka KF.  Support Zandra by liking her FB Page HERE.

photo courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Official FB Page
photographer: Bruce Cassanova
Zandra's Glamshot via her beauty camp Kagandahang Flores

Zandra’s Glamshot via her beauty camp Kagandahang Flores

Meet Binibining Pilipinas 2013 No.2 Ma. Bencelle Bianzon

Bencelle or simply  Bence is 23 and is a native of Iloilo City.  She attended the University of Santo Tomas (UST) where Janine Tugonon also graduated. She is a professional model and is a proud Philippine Army reservist! Wow! Attagirl!

Binibini No.2 Ma. Bencelle Bianzon

Binibini No.2 Ma. Bencelle Bianzon

photo courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Official FB Page
photographer: Bruce Cassanova

A very fierce Bence' via her Official FB Page.

A very fierce Bence’ via her Official FB Page.

Meet Binibining Pilipinas 2013 No.1 Ria Rabajante

Binibini No.1 Ria Rabajante

Binibini No.1 Ria Rabajante

Ria is 23 years old and is from Pasig City. She studied at the Assumption College and is a creative photographer. In 2008, this exotic lass joined the Miss Bikini Philippines. Ria has got the beauty and the body to boot – my only concern is her height. I hope someone could clarify her real height. She was said to be just 5’4″ and that’s pretty short for a queen.  Whatever she lacks in height though, I believe that she’d be able to make it up with something else – something that is amazing hopefully.

Ria during the Miss Bikini Philippines 2008

Ria during the Miss Bikini Philippines 2008

photos courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Official FB Page
photographer: Bruce Cassanova

 

My 2013 Oscars Best Dressed – Ball Gowns, Laces And All Things Minimal

Ho! ho! ho! We witnessed yet again another night of glitz and glamour as the 85th Academy Awards came to it’s conclusion last night at the Dolby Theater.  The (my) Oscar fever ain’t over yet though as I am naming my top 10 Best Dressed for this year’s ceremony.

10. Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfriend was looking etherially good a custom made Alexander McQueen gown matching it with Roger Vivier shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Amanda Seyfriend was looking etherially good a custom made Alexander McQueen gown matching it with Roger Vivier shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

9. Sally Field

Sally Field was wearing a red Valentiono ball gown with overdone ruffles along the skirt! I totally loved it!

Sally Field was wearing a red Valentiono ball gown with overdone ruffles along the skirt! I totally loved it!

8. Jennifer Lawrence

Big winner Jennifer Lawrence shines at the red carpet with her voluminous Dior gown which caused her to trip on her way to the stage to receive her Best Actress throphy.

Big winner Jennifer Lawrence shines at the red carpet with her voluminous Dior gown which caused her to trip on her way to the stage to receive her Best Actress throphy.

7. Charlize Theron

Like Lawrence, Charlize also wore a white Dior dress which reminds me of the White dress explosion from last year's ceremony. She still pulled if off though and I'm loving her in this dress!

Like Lawrence, Charlize also wore a white Dior dress which reminds me of the White dress explosion from last year’s ceremony. She still pulled if off though and I’m loving her in this dress!

6. Amy Adams

Amy Adams was wearing a feathery and fluffy Oscar de la Renta gown and she's looking all so marvelous!

Amy Adams was wearing a feathery and fluffy Oscar de la Renta gown and she’s looking all so marvelous!

5. Halle Berry

Halle Berry wearing a black and  silver striped dress custom-made by Donatella Versace especially for her. This is just beyond! Halle needs to get rid of that do but she's just beautiful right?

Halle Berry wearing a black and silver striped dress custom-made by Donatella Versace
especially for her. This is just beyond! Halle needs to get rid of that do but she’s just beautiful right?

4. Naomi Watts

Best Actress nominee Naomi watts was wearing an Armani Prive dress matching it with Neil Lane jewels. She just looked divine and it's impossible to ignore her!

Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts was wearing an Armani Prive dress matching it with Neil Lane jewels. She just looked divine and it’s impossible to ignore her!

3. Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart was in a very beautiful Reem Acra gown who walked the red carpet in crutches. The actress apparently had her foot cut on glass two days before the big O. With or without the crutches, Kristen is rocking this look effortlessly!

Kristen Stewart was in a very beautiful Reem Acra gown who walked the red carpet in crutches. The actress apparently had her foot cut on glass two days before the big O. With or without the crutches, Kristen is rocking this look effortlessly!

2. Stacy Kiebler

Stacey Kiebler looked perfect in black and silver gown from Naeem Khan's enviable 2013 fall collection. This girl sure knows how to walk the red carpet! She's made it again this year :)

Stacey Kiebler looked perfect in black and silver gown from Naeem Khan’s enviable 2013 fall collection. This girl sure knows how to walk the red carpet! She’s made it on our list again!

♦♦♦

NUMERO UNO – ULTIMATE BEST DRESSED!

JESSICA CHASTAIN

She may have lost the big prize to Jennifer Lawrence but she clearly outstaged the Best Actress winner at the red carpet. Jessica was looking oh-so-good in a sequined Armani Prive nude gown. This girl's flawless! She's definitely my ultimate best dressed!

She may have lost the big prize to Jennifer Lawrence but she clearly out-staged the Best Actress winner at the red carpet. Jessica was looking oh-so-good in a sequined Armani Prive nude gown. This girl’s flawless! She’s definitely my ultimate best dressed!

photos via ©zimbio

My 2013 Oscar Predictions!

Tonight is the biggest night in Hollywood as stars converge in Dolby Theater for the 85th Academy Awards. Last year was a very good year in films and the battle for tonight would validate the selected few who will get to win the Oscars and have their name written in the Oscar history book. With that being said, the competition is as stiff as last year when Meryl Streep and Viola Davis battled it out for the Best Actress category with the former winning her third statuette.

As for this year, like what I’ve been doing for the last couple of years – I’d be presenting my predictions / thoughts in certain categories with the THINK  and WANT format or Think / Want / Should Win format or Winner / Spoiler blah blah.

Here they are…

Best Picture

Argo

THINK / WANT / SHOULD – Argo is arguably the one to beat tonight with its unprecedented accolades left and right. The Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and the BAFTA hailed it as their Best Picture and I cannot imagine the Academy not following through and not recognizing the film despite the controversial snub of its director Ben Affleck.

SPOILER: If the Academy will snub this film just to be different, the award may go to Lincoln or Life Of Pi.

Best Director

It should only be between Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee

It should only be between Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee

With Ben Affleck getting no love from the Academy, I’ve this feeling that the Oscar will go to either Steven Spielberg or Ang Lee – both are previous winners. With this, I think it’ll be Steven Spielberg simply because I kinda think that (on a personal level) Spielberg’s direction was much better than the Life Of Pi of Ang Lee.

SPOILER: Ang Lee for Life Of Pi

Best Actor (LOCKED)

Daniel Day Lewis masterfully portraying Abraham Lincoln

Daniel Day Lewis masterfully portraying Abraham Lincoln

Think / Want / Should / No Spoiler: British actor Daniel Day Lewis is one of the favorites of the Academy having won two Oscars already. With his beyond impressive portrayal of Abe Lincoln, DDL could easily walk away with his third win – a well deserved win at that.

Best Actress

A Scene from Silver Linings Playbook

A Scene from Silver Linings Playbook

Now this is one of the most awaited categories of the night. Everybody thought Jennifer Lawrence had this already in the bag until Emmanuelle Riva’s name pops in and even snatching the BAFTA from JLaw. This could be a very interesting upset if the Silver Linings Playbook actress will go home empty handed after tonight.

THINK: Jennifer Lawrence – given the that American voters dominates the Academy, I should think that JLaw will get this.

 Emmanuelle Riva

WANT and SHOULD  /SPOILER: Emmanuelle Riva – her moving portrayal in Amour is beyond. This is her first nomination and was touted to be the oldest to get the nod for this category. Not for sentimental reason because Miss Riva’s 86 but because I believe that she actually deserved it more than Jennifer.

Best Supporting Actress (LOCKED)

Anne Hathaway in one of the most heart wrenching scene of Les Mis

Anne Hathaway in one of the most heart wrenching scene of Les Mis

No one – as in no one can beat Anne Hathaway tonight. Her portrayal of the ever so distraught Fantine in Les Misérables is perfection. The dynamic of her emotions as she sings the theme of the song has sealed her Oscar destiny. It’ll be such a shocker if Sally Field would snatch this one from her.

Best Supporting Actor

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz

You cannot go wrong with Christoph Waltz when it comes to being cynical and all and Tommy Lee Jones have proven her worth a long time ago. I should think that it’s only between them and I’m betting towards Waltz winning this. Atleast I think the Academy have voted for him.

TLJ

SPOILER: Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln

Best Original Screenplay

Think / Want / Should – Amour

Best Writing Adapted Screnplay

Think / Want  – Lincoln

Should – Argo

Best Animated Feature

Think / Should / Want – Brave

Best Editing

Think/ Should/ Want – Argo

Best Original Score

Think/ Should/ Want – Life Of Pi

Best Original Song

Think/ Should / Want  – Adele for Skyfall

Best Visual Effects

Think/ Should/ Want – Life Of Pi

Best Sound Editing

Think/ Should/ Want – Life Of Pi

Best Foreign Film

Think/ Should/ Want – Amour

Best Production Design

Think/ Should/ Want – Les Miserables

Best Make Up And Hair

Think/ Should/ Want – Les Miserables

Best Costume Design

Think/ Should/ Want – Les Miserables

‘have not seen any of the short film / documentary categories so I opted to leave them alone instead of merely guessing! I hope the deserving winners would win tonight! ‘till next year!

Review: Beautiful Creatures (2013)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I did not have high expectations prior to seeing this film. I just actually heard about its film adaptation this year, but I’ve been seeing the book of the same name since about a year ago, and I’ve had no clues about it at all. It turns out, though, that the film is highly entertaining and very different from what people have been saying about it being the next Twilight.

Beautiful Creatures is centered on Lena (Alice Englert), a teenage caster (witch) who is about to choose between good and evil once she turns 16. She transferred to a new high school from a town her ancestors founded and met the charismatic Ethan White (Alden Ehrenreich), who immediately fell for her, and her dilemma about being claimed and falling for the young boy complicates the whole thing.

As far as the story goes, I thought it lacked originality but nevertheless presented a very unique approach to its execution. The leading actors, for one, are just magnificent on screen. Ehrenreich and Englert are both natural, and you’d care for their characters if this movie had a franchise. The rawness and subtlety of their acting deviate from Twilight and the like. Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, Emmy Rossum, and Viola Davis gave the two newbies excellent support, which I have to give to the producer for putting up an excellent cast. In addition, the soundtrack and scoring are just divine!

Overall, the film injects such charisma into its characters that you’d actually ask for more of it. The commitment of the two leading actors may have been overshadowed by the film’s mediocrity, but the mere essence of their love is there—Lena and Ethan are indeed beautiful creatures.

Rating: 8.5 / 10 

Director: Richard LaGravenese

Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Emma Thompson

@Ali Mall, Feb 22, 2013 LFS – 190

The Chosen Ones – The 50 Official Candidates Of Bb Pilipinas 2013!

The search is very much on!

The search is very much on!

As of this writing, the official candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas 50th edition  have just been revealed as the girls went through their final screening at the Gateway Suites in Araneta Center, Cubao today.  It was reported that more than 200 ladies applied for this year’s golden anniversary of the pageant but only the 50 girls are lucky enough to get the chance to win the opportunity of representing the Philippines in Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Supranational  / Miss Tourism Queen International.

These are the names of the ladies who made the 50 Official Candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas!

1. Ria Rabajante

Ria Rabajante is the lovechild of Mirriam Qiuambao and Janine Tugonon - She could be the darkhorse of this competition!

Ria Rabajante is the lovechild of Mirriam Qiuambao and Janine Tugonon – She could be the darkhorse of this competition!

2. Ma. Bencelle Bianzon
3. Zandra Flores
4. Nicole Kim Donesa
5. Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen
6. Yvette Chantal Mildenberger
7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales
8. Abbygale Monderin
9. Katherine Anne Enriquez
10. Anna Carmela Aquino
11. Ana Carmina Antonio
12. Camille Carla Nazar

13. Charmaine Elima

Charmaine Elima is the reigning Miss Mandaluyong and is one of the heavy favorites as well for having that "universal" appeal - I personally would'nt mind having her as Janine's successor.

Charmaine Elima is the reigning Miss Mandaluyong and is one of the heavy favorites as well for having that “universal” appeal – I personally would’nt mind having her as Janine’s successor.

14. Mary Rose Pujanes
15. Pia Wurtzbach

A stunning beauty is a stunning beauty. I could easily see Pia Wurtzbach clinching that Bb.Pilipinas - International title!

A stunning beauty is a stunning beauty. I could easily see Pia Wurtzbach clinching that Bb.Pilipinas – International title!

16. Joanna Cindy Miranda
17. Carin Adrianne Ramos
18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor
19. Hannah Ruth Sison
20. Bea Rose Santiago

The very tall and luscious Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003 deadringer Bea Rose Santiago...Will she step on the same stage where Amelia won the first Miss Universe title for her country?

The very tall and luscious Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003 dead-ringer Bea Rose Santiago…Will she have the chance to step on the same stage where Amelia won the first Miss Universe title for her country?

21. Lourenz Grace Remetillo
22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan
23. Leona Paula Santicruz
24. Cassandra Naidas
25. Merry Joyce Respicio
26. Anna Fernandina Buquid

Anna Fernandina Buquid is one of the heavy favorites at the moment for her towering height!

Anna Fernandina Buquid is one of the heavy favorites at the moment for her towering height!

27. Vania Valiry Vispo
28. Mercegrace Raquel
29. Pauline Quintas
30. Maria Theresa Gorgonio
31. Maria Angelica De Leon

Maria Angelica de Leon got her bloodline from her celebrity parents - Christopher De Leon and Sandy Andolong. Would she be able to make it with her own merit? I think the girl's got tons of potential!

Maria Angelica de Leon got her bloodline from her celebrity parents – Christopher De Leon and Sandy Andolong. Would she be able to make it with her own merit? I think the girl’s got tons of potential!

32. Cindy Abundabar
33. Parul Shah
34. Grace Yann Apuad
35. Theresa Marie Fenger
36. Angel May Villafuerte
37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay
38. Mariz Ong
39. Mutya Johanna Datul
40. Jan Helen Villanueva
41. Ariella Arida
42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo
43. Rhea Nakpil
44. Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom
45. Imelda Schweighart
46. Amanda Noelle Navasero
47. Aiyana Mikiewicz
48. Angeli Dione Gomez
49. Herlie Kim Artugue
50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

photos courtesy of OPMB Worldwide. No copyright infringement intended.

The Winner Of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 Is Jessica Amornkuldilok!

Jessica's Winning Cover Photo For Harper's Bazaar

Jessica’s Winning Cover Photo For Harper’s Bazaar

She maybe the oldest amongst the contestants of the first cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model but she also proved to be the best as well! Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand was hailed the Next Top Model of this side of the world after  impressing the judges week afte week and even Top Model creator herself and former supermodel Tyra Banks during the show’s finale.

Here’s Jessica’s Asia’s Next Top Model photojourney!

J1J2J3J10J9J8J6J4J5J7

Congratulations Jessica!  Make Asia proud!