Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Specials: Who’s Your JAG Denim Queen?

As one of the major sponsors of this year’s edition, Jag Jeans is letting you choose who you think should be this year’s Jag Jeans Denim Queen!

You can vote for your favorite candidate by hitting the LIKE and SHARE button of the official video found on the page timeline of JAG Jeans

Online votes through number of LIKES & SHARES on facebook will aid the brand in choosing which Binibini reigns best in JAG Jeans.

JAG Denim Queen 2018 Award winner will receive P100,000* worth of prizes.

Voting via FB LIKE & SHARE is until March 17 at 12nn.
JAG Denim Queen 2018 will be awarded on-stage during the Coronation Night on March 18 at the Smart, Araneta Coliseum.

Use the following tags for your shares:
Example: #Binibini(number)#JAGDenimQueen2018 #JAGJEANSPH #BbPilipinas2018
@Jagjeans @RealBBPilipinas

Here are my Top 3 favorites amongst the 40 lovely candidates!

Muriel Orais

Catriona Gray

Ena Velasco

Who are your favorites?

 

Cover Reveal: Love in Spades by Charlie Cochet!

Here’s the new cover of this book! I don’t know why it was change but it’s still lovely just the same! ❤

For fans of Charlie Cochet (like yours truly), we’ve a brand new series to watch out for! Love in Spades is the first book of Four King’s Security series which will be coming our way April of this year and here’s its super-amazing and drool-worthy cover!

Right? Right?! I cannot wait to get a hold of this one!!!!

If you want to learn more about this series and the other amazing series from the incomparable Charlie Cochet, you can visit her website: http://www.charliecochet.com/ and sign up to her newsletter to get the latest updates directly from her!

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr: http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

Film Review: Darkest Hour (2017)

Going into this film, I was really just looking forward to watch the transformation of Gary Oldman into former British Prime Minister and historical icon Winston Churchill, and I am telling you, it was just mesmerizing. I didn’t see Gary Oldman in it, and not because of the prosthetics and heavy makeup, but because it felt like he really was Winston Churchill.

This one is going to be a quick review, though, because I honestly didn’t get anything out of the story aside from Oldman’s stellar performance. I mean, let me put it bluntly – it was flat from start to finish. It doesn’t have a defining moment (again) aside from Oldman himself. If not for him, I’d have walked out midway through it.

It was nominated for six Academy Awards, and surprisingly, also for Best Picture, probably because of its technical merits.

Not really for me. 😌

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Director: Joe Wright
Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Ronald Pickup, Stephen Dillane, Nicholas Jones, Samuel West, David Schofield, Richard Lumsden, Malcolm Storry

At the 90th Academy Awards, the film earned six nominations which includes Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design.

Timothée Chalamet’s GQ Cover and Spread for March 2018

Here’s Hollywood newest darling and Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet gracing the cover of GQ Magazine for the month of March.

 

Chalamet is nominated for Oscar’s Best Actor in a Leading Role for his breakout role as the 17-year old Italian boy Elio Perlman in the film adaptation of Andre Aciman’s book Call Me By Your Name co-starring Armie Hammer. He is up against heavyweights Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya.

Will he be able to pull an upset next month? We’ll have to wait and see…

photo via GQ’s Instagram.

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 24 Episode 6 – Queens vs Princesses Photoshoot

So far, this has been the most talked about episode of the season for two reasons: One, because it features RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Queens – the lovely Valentina, the adorable Manila Luzon and the feisty Katya Zamolodchikova and second, because Liberty’s elimination was mired by accusations that she was booted off the show because of her political views.

Brendi K.

Christina

Erin

Jeana

Khrystyana

Kyla

Rio

Sandra

Shanice

Liberty

Err… I personally don’t think so. From the get-go, I thought she was one of the weakest models in the house so I figured that eventually, she would get the boot even earlier than this stage.

She’s lucky she lasted this long to be able to meet Drag Queens for the first time. *rolls eyes*

Call Out Order
FCO – Khrystyana
2. Shanice
3. Jeana
4. Christina
5. Erin
6. Sandra
7. Rio
8. Brendi K.
9. Kyla
10. Liberty – Bye Gurrr

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POTTLE PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND ANTM FACEBOK PAGE

Cover Thursday: Taylor Swift’s White Horse by Drew Jenkinson

This one’s here is one of the oldies but goodies songs of Taylor Swift back when she was still “the old Taylor Swift” and apparently, the dead one now. This is also probably one of my favorite songs of TayTay aside from Tim McGraw. I’ve been watching several covers this week and thought that it’d be interesting to hear a male cover version of it and I think I’ve just found the best one with Drew Jenkinson tweaking the song which I thought made it waaay better! And it was made a decade ago!!!!

I mean, you’re welcome! ❤

My Book Haul from the National Book Store’s #BookBingeBazaar

It was pure bookworm’s heaven last Friday and all throughout the weekend as the biggest bookstore in the country had their first ever Book Binge Bazaar! Books were priced at 75 ($1+), 175 ($3+) and 275 ($5+) pesos only as its most expensive! I mean, whoa!

As expected, bibliophiles from all over the metro flock to SM Megatrade Hall (including yours truly) and got every (well, just a few) single books on their wish lists! It actually took five hours for me to scour the whole bazaar for the books that I’ve wanted!

Here are the titles I was able to score!

and these additional three!

I am super excited to read and reread all of these!!! ❤

 

Film Review: I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya follows the life of figure skater Tonya Harding and her involvement to the attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. It features interviews of the characters in between sequences. Margot Robbie plays the titular role while Allison Janney plays her mother.

There was this one word I thought of after watching this film – riveting. Margot Robbie’s intense portrayal of Tonya Harding is a spectacle similar to the latter’s public persona. Robbie, Janey and Sebastian Stan who plays Harding’s husband did a triumvirate of sublime performances that should be honored and perceived to be their best work to date.

Allison Janey playing Tonya’s vindictive Mother was such a delight on screen. You’d hate her like you didn’t know you could hate someone as much. She’s always in the zone with every scene she was in and it was not the ‘in your face’ kind of thing but in a subtle yet very effective way. Her Oscar nod was a a truly deserved one.

I thought a lot of critics underrated Stan’s performance here but I loved how he reciprocated Robbie’s vulnerability and angst as a struggling figure skater wanting to get the recognition she believed she deserves. Plus, he is utterly charming!

And then we have the biggest revelation of the year – Margot Robbie. She obviously didn’t get an easy role right here but from the get-go, she soldiered on and was simply mesmerizing on screen. Margot Robbie’s phenomenal portrayal of Tonya Harding is one unforgettable performance that deserves more than one Oscar. In the movie, she is REALLY Tonya. The struggle, the pain, the success, the vulnerability and the burst of emotions she was able to convey on screen was a clear testament that Margot Robbie is a force that will only get stronger given the right roles.

Incredibly well-crafted, this movie deserves to be watch by more people and be inspired by this brave this brave Tonya they tried to portray. I’m not sure how accurate they portrayed the events and characters here but Margot Robbie made me like Harding right here in contrast to what I’ve read about her in the past and in her most recent interviews. Regardless, this movie just blew my mind!

Director: Craig Gillespie
Cast: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Cannavale
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The film received three nominations: Best Actress for Margot Robbie, Best Supporting Actress for Janney and Best Editing at the 90th Academy Awards.

Movie Poster courtesy of impawards

Film Review: Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Twice I’ve seen the film on the big screen since its commercial release in the country on January 31st, and twice I’ve been affected by it in such a way that no other films I’ve seen in a while have made such a strong impact. If you’ve not read the book of the same name where the film was so brilliantly adapted by James Ivory, you won’t miss out that much. There are a few deviations from it, but overall, it was an almost faithful retelling of Oliver and Elio’s story—a summer love affair between a seventeen-year-old Italian boy, Elio Perlman, and an American university professor, Oliver, who has been selected to live in Elio’s parents’ home as a guest “resident” while finishing a manuscript for publication.

The number one thing that I’ve noticed while watching the film is how sedate it was. There’s the beautiful landscape of a northern Italian countryside that transports you to its 1983 time period. The relaxed vibe of the film juxtaposed with the heaviness of its plot, mainly Elio’s struggle to understand and accept what he feels towards Oliver.

Timothée Chalamet truly and utterly made me feel what Elio felt. He totally owned Elio’s character—every roll and flick of his eyes, every nuances in his voice, especially when he asked Oliver not to go. I am in so much awe of his brilliance—so young and yet with so much potential.

Chalamet and Armie Hammer had an incredible chemistry here that makes you root for them. The compatibility was there, and all throughout the film, you can feel their characters’ connections.

I’d also like to praise Michael Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of Elio’s father. Mr. Stuhlbarg is beautiful, and his performance is simply sublime. I’m very surprised that Hammer got more acting nominations than him for this film. He was simply delightful to watch.

This adaptation actually made me appreciate the book a little more. I wasn’t that fond of it, mainly because of Oliver, but this version right here made me like him. Hammer made me appreciate his character.

Overall, I believe that this film does not need many dialogues or any major special effects. It’s wonderful as it is. Luca Guadagnino so brilliantly captured the beauty of human emotions in Elio, Oliver, and the rest of its casts. It’s quiet, but it’s so full of life. It prompts introspection and gratitude for our own support systems, mirroring the unwavering support Elio receives. It goes beyond the headline-grabbing love story between two guys, and delves deeper into the profound love present in familial bonds. The film truly deserves all of the accolades it has received.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois

The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Chalamet), Best Adapted Screenplay (Ivory), and Best Original Song (“Mystery of Love”) at the 90th Academy Awards.

Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Specials: Talent Competition – Video Performances!

15 out of 40 Binibinis showcased their dancing, singing and some unique skills yesterday at the Farmer’s Plaza Activity Area for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas Talent Competition. The event was hosted by the uber-enthusiastic reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational Chanel Thomas and the mild mannered Elizabeth Clenci, Miss Grand International 2017 2nd Runner-Up.

The event was jam-packed by pageant enthusiasts and each candidate have their own group of supporters with crowd favorite Catriona Gray getting the loudest cheer!

Here are the ladies videos of the 15 ladies who wowed the audience and the judges present.

photo from Bb. Pilipinas Facebook Page.

Binibini #1 Vickie Rushton looks utterly beautiful playing a keyboard version of Fallin’. (I was unable to video the whole thing but it was very soothing)

Binibini #2 Katherine Ventura sang Marian Carey and Whitney Houston’s When You Believe. It wasn’t perfect but Katherine looks marvelous in her sparkly evening gown!

Binibini #4 Ana Patricia Asturias sang a medley from Sound of Music soundtrack accompanied by his brother on the stage. She dedicated her performance to her Mom.

Binibini #7 Sigrig Grace Flores sang a ukulele cover version of How Far I’ll Go from the movie Moana.

Binibini #8 Shane Quintana Tormes is all decked belting out Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman!

Binibini #14 Samantha Bernardo wowed the judges with her Folk dance/ rhythmic gymnastic presentation!

Binibini #19 Michele Gumabao did a dog trick presentation but her dogs didn’t cooperate. Good thing Michele and her pets were charming enough!

Binibini #20 Catriona Gray tried to speak Tagalog but it was awkward yet charming. I applaud the effort but I’d rather hear her speak in English than a butchered Tagalog. LOL. And as expected, Miss Gray sang wonderfully. I cannot wait to hear more from her after her pageant stint!

Binibini #23 Ena Velasco channeled her inner-Sarah Geronimo dancing to the tune of the latter’s hit song, Tala.

Here’s a Binibini repeater from the golden edition Henna Kaizelle Cajandig (Binibini 27) performing a a folk dance from Mindanao. (please help me correct this description)

Binibini #28 Angelica Corbe performed a an Arab-inspired dance presentation.

Binibini #30 Sarah Margarette Joson was very impressive with her interpretative dance!

Binibini #32 Eva Patalinjug. I’m not exactly a fan of this presentation but I’m loving the exuberance!

Here’s Binibini #36 and 2016 Miss Earth Philippines Loren Mar Artajos belting out One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston.

Binibini #40 Angelie Aubrey Asuncion sure knows how to close a show! What a fantastic voice!

Okay, These are the ‘talented ones’ this year and if I were to give the award for Bb.Talent – I’d give it to either of these three – Samantha Bernardo, Catriona Gray and Angelie Aubrey Asuncion.

Who do you think should win Bb. Talent?

Photos courtesy of Bb.Pilipinas Facebook Page.