The Sound of Violet centers on Shawn, a young male adult with high functioning autism looking for his one true love. At a company party, he meets Violet, whom he invited for a date without realizing that she is working as a prostitute. And through Shawn, Violet saw a glimpse of a hopeful future.
I loved how Shawn and Violet’s relationship develops over time; it’s heart-achingly sweet, and their dynamic is just engaging. There are moments in the book that are very emotional but are not dramatic if you know what I mean. I also adore Shawn’s brother, Collin. I loved his ever-supportive nature towards Shawn. The grandma’s character confused me a bit because she was very likable initially but had a 180 degrees character change that I didn’t get.
Overall, I find this book highly compelling and very enlightening, even though the writing was very simplistic. It talks about such heavy topics – autism and human trafficking. It gives its readers a front-row seat into these worlds that we don’t usually see mixed together. It was in-depth but done with sensitivity. The scenes were fast-paced and read like a screenplay. I truly enjoyed this quick read. Now, I’m excited about the film!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
An advance review copy was provided by the publisher, Morning Star Publishing via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
Paperback, 226 pages Expected publication: September 21st 2021 by Morning Star Publishing Pre-order your copy below:
About the Author Allen Wolf is an award-winning novelist, filmmaker, and game creator. He is also the host of the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast.
His debut novel “The Sound of Violet” has won multiple accolades and is described as “Entertaining, well-paced, and highly visual” by Kirkus Reviews. It is now a major motion picture. (www.TheSoundOfViolet.com)
He has won 39 awards for his games that are available as books, including You’re Pulling My Leg! and You’re Pulling My Leg! Junior. They’ve brought smiles to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
As a filmmaker, Allen wrote, directed, and produced “In My Sleep,” which was released worldwide, won multiple film festivals, and is available on iTunes and Amazon Prime. Hollywood Reporter raved, “In My Sleep never rests, a credit to the tight, psychologically astute pacing of filmmaker Wolf.”
Allen graduated from New York University’s film school. He married his Persian princess, and they are raising two kids together. He enjoys traveling around the world and hearing other people’s life stories. Allen also cherishes spending time with his family, eating chocolate, and visiting Disneyland. See more at http://www.allenwolf.com.
I’ve been so lucky getting to read really good books lately, and Stranded by Sarah Goodwin is one of those books I absolutely enjoyed reading. It has a very simple premise: A reality show/ social experiment type of thing with eight contestants that are to live on a secluded island and try to survive for a year, pretending that the world is ending and they are the only remaining survivors. I mean, what a very interesting scenario!
I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning. Maddy is the protagonist of the story. She had a unique upbringing and lost her parents prior to joining the show. I loved her voice and characterization because she’s very relatable, and she’s not your usual Katniss, Bella, or Hazel Grace; and she’s basically just a socially awkward adult who grew up without any friends at all. I know it may sound weird for me to say that I loved that she is all that prior to meeting the other seven contestants, but it’s just fun to see how she’d overcome all of those things and see her in group dynamics. There were times in the book that I got frustrated and annoyed by her, but in hindsight, her whole demeanor kinda worked with the whole set-up of the ‘game.’
It has a “Lord of the Flies” feel, with the whole power-grabbing, and we see here how wicked people are with the things they’re willing to do in order to survive. See, after their initial rations run out, it became clear that this whole thing was very serious – and it really did turn graphic, I’m telling you. It’s fascinating in a sickening way, and I think this is what makes this book worth reading. I got really into it midway, and I just couldn’t put it down. It’s very engaging, compelling, exciting, frightening, and just a whole lot entertaining.
I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for an exciting and delicious thriller. Absolutely worth your time and dime!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
An advance review copy was provided by the publisher, Avon Books UK via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
Paperback, 400 pages Expected publication: September 16th 2021 by Avon Pre-order your copy below:
About the Author Sarah Goodwin is a novelist who grew up in rural Hertfordshire. She was raised on ‘The Good Life’ ‘Anne of Green Gables’ and ‘Little House on the Prairie’ by her parents, who turned a blind eye to her dabbling in herbal medicine, feminism, eco-warrior ideals and witchcraft. They were understandably unsurprised when she developed the lifetime ambition of building a hut in the woods and living there like a soothsayer.
Her second preferred career, was author.
At Bath Spa University Sarah studied for a BA in Creative Writing and self-published many novels across various genres, including YA magical realism, contemporary women’s fiction, romance and horror.
Sarah graduated in 2014 with an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. After writing several historical novels, she decided to return to her roots and write instead about the wild, the darkness and survival, which led to her coming up with the idea for ‘Stranded’ which would become her first professionally published novel.
Expected Date of Publication: February 15, 2022 Publisher: Fire Drinkers Publishing
My Heart Went Walking is a family story set in the 1980’s Ireland, which follows Una as she navigates life through love, loss and redemption. When Una found herself pregnant at 16, she decided to leave her little hometown, leaving her family behind, and her bestfriend Cullen – the father of her child. Little did she know that this action would cause everyone’s lives to change dramatically.
I’ve been trying to read books from new authors and as I have discovered, it is a kind of a hit and miss for me. This onethough, is definitely a massive hit. Initially, I really thought that this would be a very difficult read given its quite foreboding summary but after reading the first chapter, I found myself just breezing through it.
The story was poignant, bittersweet and very heartwarming. I loved that not only we get the main character’s POV, we also got the POV of the other two characters she’s very much involved with.
I loved Una’s dynamic character. I liked the fact that she didn’t act like a damsel in distress in the situation she unexpectedly found herself into and when she set her mind into something, she’d really go and see it through. I mean, despite her young age, I loved that she’s got the nerves of steel. I wish I had the courage she shad when I was 16.
This is a family story and there’s nothing particularly new about the plot, but I really liked how the author made each character relatable and very human. Una’s sister Ellie is the perfect sister but not annoying in any way. The bond she shared with Una may have been tested, but at times, blood really is thicker than water. I loved that Una’s mom was realistically portrayed as someone who is not perfect but would do everything for her children. There really is no other love like a mother’s love for her child.
I’ve never been to Ireland, but I’ve always been fascinated by the beautiful sceneries I’ve seen on travel blogs and videos and some books set in Ireland which I’ve read in the past, so I guess I was really looking forward to reading more of these beautiful settings which are not too many here. It’s understandable though, because this book is more plot-focused which I appreciate too. That’s just me nitpicking so don’t mind me. Hah!
To sum this up, Sally Hanan’s debut is an absolute gem! The ending was perfection leaving me smiling and feeling so good. I really cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in her next book!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
An advance review copy was provided by the publisher, Fire Drinkers Publishing via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
About the Author Sally Hanan is an Irish import to the US. She made the eight-hour crossing back in the ’90s with a husband and two young children in tow. Since then she has managed to raise her above-average kids, develop a solid addiction to Facebook, and clean up when someone is about to visit.
On a more professional note, Sally has been counseling people for more than twenty years and is a certified life coach and a former teacher at the Texas School of Supernatural Ministry. She also runs a writing and editing business on the side, because she gets bored easily and she loves fixing words as well as people.
I got this from Netgalley a couple of days ago and started reading it yesterday morning and was able to finish it by midnight. This book just sucked me in from the very beginning. I totally devoured it. I seriously could not put it down, and I just had to finish it right away!
He Gets That FromMe has two storylines that weave in and out of the narrative: One is with Maggie Fischer, a young mother who helped out a gay couple as a surrogate in order to afford to go to college, and the other one are the Rigdales, the gay couple who are trying to build a family of their own. But nothing in life is black and white as ten years after the twins were born, the Rigdales and Maggie found out a shocking revelation about one of the twins.
This book just holds the readers’ attention from start to finish because of its well-conceived and deftly drawn characters. It was told through a dual POV — Maggie Fischer and Donovan Rigsdale, and I loved that their voices are so authentic, so vivid that it feels like I personally know them. Even though I couldn’t fully relate with Maggie, I could feel her pain and her anger towards her life and her situation. With Donovan, maybe I am biased because I am a gay man myself, but I feel like I could resonate with him more and that I understood more where he’s coming from. It’s really the emotional complexity and intensity of their situation that really pulled me in.
The writing puts me inside these characters so that I know them and feel them because Friedland wonderfully captures a little of the essence of that humanity in these situations they found themselves in. It navigates two families’ responses to such unintentional incidents along with the resolution that each party could think of in order to resolve it. It wasn’t very pretty that I could tell you, but there is much to be gleaned from it. It’s absolutely engaging with a brilliant structure too!
After finishing it, I sat back and reflected on what its central message was: what family truly means, how far you will go for your child, and that love (this is cheesy) will always lead that way no matter what.
I’d definitely recommend this book. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. There is so much to this book that a short review does not do any justice. I just have to say that this is by far the best book I’ve read so far this year – an absolute must-read!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
An advance review copy was provided by the publisher, SparkPress via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.
Paperback, 256 pages Date of Publication: September 14th 2021 by SparkPress Pre-order your copy below:
About the Author Jacqueline Friedland is the author of award-winning novels Trouble the Water and That’s Not a Thing. A graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School, she practiced as an attorney before returning to school to receive her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in New York with her husband and four children. For contact info, tour dates, and book clubs please visit http://www.jacquelinefriedland.com and Instagram @jackiefriedland
What a fantastic epilogue (?) of the series! It felt like just yesterday when I’d read its first book, Once Upon a Haunted Moor. In this last volume of the ’10th’ book, we get to see yet again the slew of characters we’ve met and fallen in love with since the series’ was released in 2013.
I was trying to read this slowly and in between other books on my TBRlist, but because of the build-up of the events from the last volume, I was also dying to know how they will ever find themselves into the present– into their reality. Who will be the hero this time when both Lee and Gideon are powerless to control this alternate reality they were thrown into. It was just very fascinating how the author was able to intricately connects everything, each character in such powerful scenes that will make you sob and sigh with relief at the same time.
This volume three wraps up the series very nicely, with all the feels that only the likes of Harper Fox could so eloquently conveyed. I’m still hoping that we’ll get more of Gideon and Lee, even a little novella here and there, because this series, for me, is one of the most beautiful works I’ve read from this genre. It’s definitely worth your dime and worth your time.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 245 pages Published May 2nd 2021 by FoxTales
Do check out my review of each book in the series below:
About The Author Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.
Please also note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
First, let me just tell you that I devoured this book in one sitting after receiving a copy yesterday. It’s that engaging and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this is also the debut work of the author! Yay!
This story is basically the gay Notting Hill, and who doesn’t love Notting Hill? I mean, tell me, who doesn’t love Notting Hill??! Right? We got the hipster, anti-social, struggling bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes meeting a C-list American actor Blake Sinclair who’s filming in Soho, and we have a crew of crazy and chaotic side characters!
I loved the series of meet-cute between Aubrey and Blake. There was immediate chemistry between them. The first half of the story was quite engaging and with the right pacing as well. It was told through Aubrey’s perspective only, and I really liked his dry sense of humor, his banter with his friends, and just the way he interacts with Blake. It was just adorable.
Aside from our main characters, I really enjoyed Lily, who’s apparently Aubrey’s best friend and confidante. She’s just very interesting and mysterious at the same time. I’d definitely read a book about her if there’s one in the future.
If I were to nitpick the story, I’d say the scene at the tube station didn’t quite work for me. I won’ spoil it, but the setting of this book is very Gen-Z, right? We have social media, and almost everybody has cellphones, so it’s weird that Blake didn’t even think about the repercussions of his gesture and the way he reacted after it came out; I’m like – surely, he knew that this would come out. Also, the grand romantic gesture of Aubrey flying to New York was a bit cliché, but I love cliché, so that was okay. After that, the whole thing felt just a wee bit rushed. It’s still very much enjoyable, but I wished we’ve gotten more before the time skip in the epilogue.
Overall, this was a very feel-good romance. It has solid characters, the story was very engaging, and it has a happy ending, so I’m one happy bookworm!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Expected publication: August 9th 2021 by Entangled Embrace
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pre-order your copy on the link below:
About Hayden Stone More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He knows which is the business end of a trowel, the horror of the wrong kind of leaves on the track delaying trains, and a bit about ancient ruins. Hayden likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats.
This is the second out of the three volumes of the tenth Tyack & Frayne story. If you’ve not been following the series religiously, you have got to stop reading this volume now because it won’t make sense. You really have to start from the very first book.
I thought this second book was quite interesting. Due to the events from the last volume, Lee and Gideon found themselves in London, albeit not together and living their individual lives in a pandemic, post-Brexit London that is. The whole thing was just disorienting. There was like this magic casted into their universe that resulted to major changes in their lives. It was interesting witnessing the what-ifs and what could’ve been but also a bit confusing because of the intersecting timelines of each character, not just for Lee and Gideon but old characters from the earlier books – it made Inception way easier to decipher.
Here, we get more insights about Gideon’s character being a ‘beast,’ we see Lee’s life pre-Gideon and without Gideon. It’s basically an alternate reality but we also get some answers to some questions, particularly about Gideon as mentioned above.
The first volume ended with a cliffhanger and this one did too, so I think I made the right choice of waiting for the third and final volume to be released. This may not be as engaging as the previous books in the series, but I liked that it’s different and very on-brand and consistent with the tone of the series. The whole paranormal stuff just gotten way over the top and I live for it!
I’d of course recommend this to the followers of the series but please be reminded that you’ve to get the rest of the volumes first!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 164 pages Published August 15th 2020 by FoxTales Publications
About The Author Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.
Please also note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
Young aspiring writer Ginny Anderson and her family are moving into the mysterious Woodmoor Manor to spend the summer. Having recently found out about Agatha Christie, her curiosity towards the mystery surrounding the spooky manor was piqued even more. There, she discover moving mannequins, heard whispers in the dark, and saw weird shadows, among other things, suspecting that she’s the only one noticing these. She also befriended a boy in town named Will to help her investigate and try to solve these mysteries.
This was a very fun book to read. The characters are well-developed, and all are very likable too. I particularly loved the dynamics between Ginny and her older brother Leo. As for the mystery part of the book, I thought it was well-paced within the story. I loved that there’s this creepy atmosphere about the place and even its people. There was no gore in the book since it’s intended for the middle grade, but the author is still very effective in setting the mood here.
If there’s one criticism I have for the book, it’s probably its ending. It just felt anticlimactic for me. I mean, it was happy and all, but I would’ve pushed a bit, and expanded it a bit more. Overall, as a middle-grade novel, it’s absolutely a fantastic read – there’s mystery, great characters, fun and adventures, and just a feel-good ending. It’s easily one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read so far this year.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Paperback, 320 pages Expected publication: September 14th 2021
An advance review copy was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Kids via Netgalley for an impartial review.
Pre-order your copy below:
About the Author Lindsay Currie is the author of spooky middle grade novels. While she’s never experienced anything truly paranormal, Lindsay enjoys researching her city’s forgotten history and learning about the events that shaped the many ghost legends in Chicago. When she’s not reading or writing a mystery novel of her own, Lindsay can generally be found taking long walks with her family, chilling with one of her three dogs, or searching the graveyard for her next antagonist.
Lindsay has two middle-grade novels out currently – THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET, and SCRITCH SCRATCH. Coming soon, WHAT LIVES IN THE WOODS!
My review for the ninth book of the series, Once Upon A Western Shore was posted last May of 2018 and I initially thought that was it for Lee and Gideon but since the series is all about the supernatural stuff, I knew that there’ll probably be more from them down the road, and readers of the series would be glad to know that not only will they be getting one additional book, but three volumes of a very long storyline altogether! I’ve actually had to wait for the last one to drop earlier this year before starting the first volume.
What I loved most about this series is how the author depicted Cornwall with its atmospheric, magical and sometimes dark background to a slew of characters that readers like yours truly came to love since the first book. Harper Fox is a genius when it comes to this. She knows how to properly set the mood of the story and this is consistent all throughout the series.
In this first volume, we see the surface of what’s about to unfold in the future for our beloved couple, Gideon and Lee. The normalcy of their domestic life together with their daughter Tamsyn almost feels like a prelude for the sh!t that is about to go down and I’ve just realized that this is literally what this volume is about. There were warning signs already and I’ve to tell you, the last few books in the series I’ve to read them at daytime because I remember having a nightmare about Bodmin haha, it was so bizarre and it scared the hell out of me. I got the same feeling for this first volume, this creepy feeling about it. I mean, that’s good and all, because it shows just how good Harper Fox is n keeping up with the whole vibe of the story.
If you’ve been following this series, you’d absolutely loved this like I did. If you haven’t heard about it, you’d have 12 books to read through and I’d guarantee that you won’t be regretting it. This is another solid five stars for me.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 230 pages Published April 25th 2020 by FoxTales Publications
About The Author Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.
Please also note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission.
I absolutely loved this edition of Binibining Pilipinas and it may actually be the one of the best editions for me. What’s freaking insane is that it is the first time it was actually televised in real-time! And with no live audience too well…because Covid. Ahem. So, I have to talk about a few things this edition has offered us.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2021 was supposed to be the year 2020 edition but due to the pandemic, it was moved a year later which is the very first time the pageant was not held since it’s inception in 1964. However, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Second Runner-up and was a contestant of the supposed 2020th edition was appointed the Philippines’ representative to the 2020-2021 Miss Grand International earlier this year making her the only title holder to wear a 2020th sash! So many fun facts!
Another first for this edition is its all-female hosts with two former Binibining Pilipinas queens – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and 2016 Binibining Pilipinas Grand International and 2016 Miss Grand International First Runner-up, Nicole Cordoves. Catriona and Nicole not only made a Binibini history last night, they also did an incredible job that it’s hard to imagine them not doing this every single year moving forward!
The Stage: It looks amazing! It was simple and classy looking with its three gigantic led screens! Easier
The Opening: Donning yellow, orange and lime-green cocktails dresses, the girls dances a to a new Binibining Pilipinas song! It was catchy and they all looked absolutely amazing! The introduction was a sight to behold too, showing each Bibibini in their respective National Costumes! It was marvelous! The costumes are simply to die for! Why are we not seeing these kind of costumes in the international level though? Hmmm…
The board of judges are also a batch of impressive panel that includes Rajo Laurel, Maria Garcia, Dioceldo Sy, Benito Bengzon Jr, Pinky Webb, Enrique Gil, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza and the ever-so-beautiful actress Liza Soberano! Can I just say that Liza looked like a goddess last night!
First two set of awards:
Best in National Costume: Nueva Ecija, Marian Ruth Erika Quin
Miss Friendship: Tagum City, Lesley Anne Ticaro Miss Talent: Bocaue, Bulacan, Vianca Louise Marcelo Miss Photogenic: Manila, Patrizia Mariah Garcia Miss Alagang Silka: Angeles, Pampanga, Ma. Francesca Taruc Jag Denim Queen: Masbate, Hannah Arnold Miss World Balance: Olongapo, Alexandra Faith Garcia Miss Ever Bilena: Batangas, Maureen Montagne Miss Piza Hut: Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza Manila Bulleting Readers Choice Award: Batangas, Mica Rosal
Last batch and some major awards:
Bb. Araneta City: Angeles, Pampanga, Maria Francesca Taruc Miss Creamsilk: Batangas, Maureen Montagne
Best in Swimsuit: Valenzeula, Meiji Cruz
Best in Long Gown: Eastern Samar, Gabrielle Basiano
The proceedings was fast! The top 12 were announced right away plus a Top 13th people’s choice voted via the Binibining Pilipinas app, and they paraded in Swimsuit and their beautiful Evening gown! It was such a glorious sight!
My favorites for the swimsuit round are: Maureen Montagne, Hannah Arnold and Meiji Cruz.
As for the Evening Gown, it was obviously Gabrielle Basiano with that presentation that totally nailed the round! Another one of my favorite for this round is Hannah Arnold with her baby pink gown ensemble and Graciella Lehman with her effortless pasarela!
As each finalists is called into the top 12/13, she will deliver a short message about her pandemic experience (this is almost similar to the opening speech in the Miss Universe during its 2018 and 2019 edition)
Here are my on the spot notes last night for each finalists!
Eastern Samar, Gabrielle Basiano – too short, prolly got nervous but very beautiful face.
Manila, Patrizia Mariah Garcia – reminds me of Aya Abesamis. Very simple message. Challenging governance…
Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza – Loved her accent! talks about mental illness is not a sign of weakness, you are heard, you matter – a really thoughtful and relevant message.
Oriental Mindoro, Graciella Lehman – talked about being a cabin crew and to be in the service of fellow Filipinos.
Angeles Pampanga, Francesca Taruc – to be more grateful and appreciate little things in life. Quick. Message was okayish.
Valenzuela, Meiji Cruz (Cat said Venezuela – a cute mistake) – loved her Pinoy accent, very good message. Unity, compassion together we can heal!
Albay, Jashmin Dimaculangan – very on point message!!! talks about Typhoon Ulysses during the pandemic
Cavite, Samantha Panlilio – very good communication skills, her family are from the tourism industry and how in perseverance we can survive this pandemic.
Quezon Province, Patricia Babista – being a frontliner, aims to face a new world with a healthier, braver and kinder human
Rizal Province, Honey Cartasano – loved her styling! regain her purpose thru volunteering in helping her kababayan!
Masbate, Hannah Arnold – As a forensic science graduate she wanted the country to invest on science and prevent another pandemic. Very good.
Batangas, Maureen Montagne – I witness firsthand the true beauty and strength of community. Siargao community pantry, together we can overcome any obstacle. Lovely messaging too! People’s Choice / Fan Vote
Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental – Cinderella Fae Obeñita very good messaging! With her personality, I wonder why she missed the first cut in the first place…
Another segment is an interview with Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago who’s battling a end-stage renal failure and she delivered a lovely message of hope to the girls and to us viewers! Get well soon, Bea!
Can I just talk about how amazing the Evening Gown presentation was? I mean, that’s international level of production! Each girl in the top 13 talks about their chosen gown and the symbolism it represents! So powerful!
Moving on to the ‘dreaded’ Q&A, it’s obvious that a lot of girls were nervous. Overall, I thought they all gave amazing answers! It just boils down to presentation and how confident they are with their answers!
The one that top this segment is surprisingly Miss Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental Cinderella Fae Obeñita. She just sealed her win with that answer!
Winners!
Second Runner-up: Meiji Cruz, Valenzuela
I loved Meiji. She’s such a stunner but I didn’t expect her to place this high after the Q&A but overall, she’s probably in the upper tier of the scoreboard to nab this title.
First Runner-up: Gabrielle Basian, Borongan Eastern Samar
Her Q&A wasn’t that bad. I thought she gave an apt answer to the question even though she faltered a bit. It’s obvious that her performance there affected her overall placement. I thought she’d get one of the major titles if I’m being honest pegging her to win the Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental title.
Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021: Maureen Montagne, Batangas
I really thought that Maureen would either win the International or the Grand International title so I was very surprised that she got Globe! It’s still a crown after all and she very much deserved a crown, regardless of the title! She was unstoppable last night!
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021: Cinderella Fae Obeñita, Miss Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental
As I’ve mentioned above, her gift of gab is her major strength that none of the girls probably expected! She was such a revelation and she should thank her lucky stars that she won the fan vote! Tonight was her destiny fulfilled!
Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021: Samantha Panlilio, Cavite
Samantha is definitely one of the best speakers in this batch and I was also on the lookout for her during the first few months of the competition but that excitement died down as the other girls started to peaked so I was very much surprised that she was named to follow suit Samantha Bernardo in Miss Grand International. Samantha reminded me of the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe prototypes of the early 2000’s. I’m excited to see her transformation on her quest to win the first ‘golden crown’ for the Philippines.
Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 – Hannah Arnold, Masbate
Binibining Pilipinas International 2021: With the Miss Universe pageant no longer affiliated with Binibini, Miss International takes center stage as the premier crown for the most prestigious pageant in the country! Hannah Arnold rightfully and deservedly won this major crown last night with her flawless performance emulating a doll and humble demeanor which the Japanese couldn’t seem to resist! She’d definitely do well in Japan later this year!
Overall, I am just in awe of the level of production, the girls, the hosts, the judges – they just set a new standard on how to stage a pageant in the new normal!
Congratulations, Binibining Pilipinas!
Watch the full show of the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Grand Coronation Night on their official Youtube Channel.
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