Tag Archives: Miss International

The Mikimoto Crown From Kylie to Kevin!

Indonesia has finally clinched one of the four major international pageant titles! Kevin Liliana bested 70 other contestants from around the world and was crowned the Miss International 2017 by the outgoing Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza earlier today at the Tokyo Dome City in Tokyo Japan.

photo from the miss international website

Here is the complete set of Winners:

Miss International 2017: Kevin Lilliana of Indonesia
1st runner-up: Chanelle de Lau of Curacao (Chanelle also competed during the 65th Miss Universe pageant in Manila this year)
2nd runener-up: Diana Croce Garcia of Venezuela
3rd runner-up: Amber Dew of Australia
4th runner-up: Natsuki Tsutsui of Japan

Special Awards:
Best in National Costume – Japan
Miss Perfect Body – Australia
Best Dressed – Indonesia

Continental Queens
Miss International Africa – Ghana – Abigail Martey
Miss International America – Bolivia – Carla Maldonado
Miss International Asia – Korea – Seung Woo Nam
Miss International Europe – United Kingdom – Ashley Powell
Miss International Oceania – New Zealand –Michelle Isemonger

Congratulations Kevin and the rest of Indonesia!

Thank You, Mariel de Leon! #MissInternational2017

Miss Philippines Mariel de Leon may have failed to advance into the Top 15, but I’m still hella proud of my homegirl!!! She was a class act during the whole Miss International competition!
ONE WORD: RESPECT

Mariel de Leon’s Reputation

 

After her comments against the appointment of Mocha Uson to a government post and even after she apologized for it, Mariel de Leon has been villainized by the Pro-Duterte and Pro-Mocha Uson netizens. It was brutal and relentless to say the least. They didn’t care that Mariel will be representing the Philippines in the international stage. They want her to fail. They want her to receive her bad “karma.” They want this “arrogant” beauty queen to get what they thought she deserves – a winning-less participation in the pageant.

Is Mariel really a villain?

She spoke up. It was her opinion. A political opinion that didn’t sit well with those who voted for the current President. They said it was in bad taste. They said a beauty queen shouldn’t be so tactless. Truth be told though, what Mariel said was the the opinion so many of us were afraid to voice out because we’re afraid of the same backlash that she’s receiving until now.

She could’ve worded her opinion differently they say but Filipinos are not stupid. Let’s not dumb down ourselves. Whether she said it differently or not, the meaning will still be the same. Same difference. Same Difference folks.

She is a beauty queen so she should act accordingly. Why put her in a box? She’s clearly an intelligent woman with her own thoughts. She stood her ground and continue to do so. Just how should a beauty queen act? Which standard should they follow? They’re not mere beauties whose job is to smile and look pretty. Why continue to crucify her?

Some were even outrageously calling Mariel the most hated beauty queen ever. I wonder if people remembered Imelda Schweighart last year when she disparagingly compared Duterte to Hitler and badmouthed her fellow delegates after her non-inclusion into the Top 16 of Miss Earth which eventually leads to her resignation. I’m not trying to resurrect an old issue but did Mariel’s ‘infraction’ was too much for these people to give their support? Or even if they are unable to give their support, can they at least stop spewing negative tirades towards her?

Winning back the crown for the second consecutive year is not unheard of; although it’s never happened in Miss International. A runner-up finish would still receive negative critiques from her haters. A win could diminish said critiques but it will still be mired with negativity.

Seriously my fellow kababayan – when will Mariel get her unnecessary vindication?

I am not affiliated with any political parties. I am not part of any beauty camps. I am not a fan of Mariel de Leon. I don’t hate her either. I am just a Filipino pageant fan. Mariel is doing her best to represent our country. For that alone, she has my support.

For me, she’s already ‘vindicated.’ For being a strong-willed woman who does not cowed to her haters, she already earned my respect.

No matter what happens in Japan tomorrow, she would still be my Miss International 2017.

Mariel de Leon’s OOTD at the Miss International 2017!

Miss Philippines Mariel de Leon is such a delectable sight in with this beautiful John Herrera gown!

Classy and Confident!

photos from Mariel de Leon’s Instagram.

Mariel De Leon’s Uphill Battle Towards the Miss International 2017 Crown!

It looks like Mariel De Leon’s road to the Mikimoto crown is going to be a tough one not only because of the beautiful contestants she will be competing against with but also because of the divisiveness of Filipino pageant fans as a result of the controversy earlier this year where she criticized the appointment of Mocha Uson as Assistant Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Since the incident, Mariel has disabled her comments on Social Media, most prominently on her Instagram account to avoid the troll netizens.

I, for one believe that we should support Mariel on her quest because at the end of the day, she’s representing our flag. Besides, she already apologized which I thought was very much unnecessary to start with. Divisiveness on politics is always present but when it comes to our country as a whole, I’d love to say one day that I was proud of supporting our own.

Manny Pacquiao is a bigot but I was proud of what he accomplished in boxing and every single time he steps in the ring. Why can’t we do the same for Mariel? What would it take for you to support our home girl?

Anyway, let’s just hope that all these negative criticisms and lack of support will fuel Mariel’s spirit to give her 101% best in the Miss International competition.

photos are from Mariel’s Intagram account.

Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago Wins Miss International 2013!!!

Bea Crowning Moment

Just like what I predicted, Bea just added another honor to our country as the newly crowned Miss International! I knew it the moment she was crowned during the national pageant! We’re so proud of you Bea!!

Miss International 2013!

Miss International 2013!

Congratulations Bea!!

My Miss International 2013 Final Predictions!

A couple of days from now, Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan will crown her successor and the new Miss International in the culmination of  one of the “Big Four Pageants” in the beautiful country of Japan. With that being said, 67 girls are having a blast exploring Japan – Tokyo in particular where the pageant will host its finals at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall. And as per usual, I will let you see my final predictions in a Christmas- themed list this time 🙂

13-1515. Lorena Hermida of Colombia – Colombian’s beauty are always the ones to watch out for in this pageant. Their last win was the historical win of Jeymmy Vargas becoming the first delegate of color to win the said pageant. This time, they are sending an exotic beauty and a top 15 isn’t impossible of a task for her.

14. Chonticha Tiengtham of Thailand – Another stunner from Thailand. After their successful bid at the recently concluded Miss Earth 2013 where Punika Kulsoontornrut was proclaimed Miss Earth Water,  the Thai delegation hopes to keep the ball rolling ending the year with a bang. Chonticha is a beauty – real oriental beauty!

13. Andrea Neu of the United States Of America – I love Andrea. I think her beauty is a very interesting one. The country does not really send strong delegates in this pageant but I think Andrea has what it takes to make the semis.

10-1212. Katarzyna Oracka of Poland is yet  another stunning goddess from Poland. This country has been very consistent this year in sending beyond beautiful delegates but for some reason, they are leaving each pageant crown-less. I hope Katarzyna could end this “curse” but if she end up entering the semis – that’s not bad at all then.

11. Carmen Munoz of Dominica Republic – I love how she’s always looking fresh in every photo ops. She’s just 21 and her youthful vibe could end her vying for one of the 15 precious slots in the semis.

10. Araceli Carrilero Martínez of Spain is a shoo-in for the semis. This Albacete native does know how to work the camera and charm the locals. I won’t mind if she places higher than a semifinalist.

7-99.  Ashley Beth Perez of Puerto Rico – In the mold of Monic Perez and the mystery of Bodine Koehler, I see a beacon of hope for Puerto Rico. She’s a Miss International prototype and this kind of beauty won’t be wasted here.

8. Lucero Montemayor of Mexico – The organization has some kind of adoration to every Mexican delegates and this babe won’t be an exception.

7. Cristina Alves Da Silva of Brazil – Another favorite of the organization. I placed her at 7th because I feel that they are looking this year for personality and she’s a bit quiet for me. Let’s see…

4-66. Eleonore Lilja of Sweden and 4. Sigrún Eva Ármannsdóttir of Iceland – c’mon now. Who could resist the beauty of these two? They may even snatch the crown, I dunno why they’re at my 4th and 6th place – perhaps I just don’t want to jinx them. LOL

5. Elián Herrera – She’s a Miss Venezuela. End of discussion.

1-3

2nd Runner-up – Nathalie den Dekker of the Netherlands – I love this girl! I was even rooting for her during the Miss Universe 2012 and I think she’s ready to grab one of the crowns this year! I’m glad she didn’t give up right away.

1st Runner-up – Elma Segzdaviciute of Lithuania. Now if there’s one girl who’s becoming a threat for the crown, it has to be this girl. Elma is just 18 and her demeanor says so. After winning the Miss Photogenic earlier in the pageant, the target is now on her. Another Miss International prototype. If she’ll deliver come finals night  –  deal’s done.

And my Miss International winner this year (still my prediction peeps) is none other than my home-girl, Bea Rose Santiago! Bea by far is the most ready amongst the Binibining Pilipinas queens this year. And she’s the last one to have the opportunity to grab that one last crown for the Philippines (let’s discount the Miss Tourism International since it’s happening during the new year’s eve – _@)

Bea’s beautiful – CHECK! She’s articulate and smart – CHECK! She’s interesting – CHECK! She’s got the sash – CHECK! And interestingly, she was adjudged by none other than the President of the Miss International Organization during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night so everything seems to be going in her favor. I’m not complacent though. An upset similar to what happened last year from Miss Japan could very well be the case for Bea – oh yeah and a really bad styling – ask Nicole Schmitz.

Bea Rose Santiago’s National Costume At The Miss International 2013!

credits to the owner

credits to the owner

I don’t know about you guys but this doesn’t sit well with me – not at all. It could’ve been a great terno if only she removes the fan and the hideous head dress. I still believe in Bea though. She’s really doing well in Japan 🙂

Exclusive : Bea Rose Santiago Is Very Ready To Go International!

Reigning Binibining Pilipinas – International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago is my favorite amongst the Binibining Pilipinas golden queens. Not only do I believe that she’s the most ready for her international stint, I honestly think that she could win the fifth Miss International crown for the Philippines! Here’s my short yet juicy online interview with Bea.

Bea looking so elegant and bubbly during the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 season. via binibining pilipinas fb page

Bea looking so elegant and bubbly during the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 season.
via binibining pilipinas fb page

Can you tell us where you grew up and was it always your dream to become a beauty queen?

Bea:  I grew up in Cataingan, Masbate of Masbate City, Bicol then moved when I was 15 to Toronto, Canada. After watching Miriam Quiambao’s Miss Universe pageant, I started dreaming to grow up and become a beauty queen

Binibini No 20 Bea Rose Santiago Glam Shother glam shot released by her camp Kagandahang Flores

Out of curiosity, do you carry dual citizenship having stayed in Canada for so long? I’ve asked this because I would like to know if you have tried joining Canadian beauty pageants before?

Bea: Yes I am dual. My 1st pageant was here in the Philippines 2011 (folks, she won Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities 2011 and represented the Philippines at the 2012 Miss Tourism Queen International becoming one of the finalists) I was a member though of a Can-Fil community of pageant enthusiasts who help me win my 1st national pageant.

Bea During Mutya Ng Pilipinas

You used to be a Model, which do you find easier – being a model or a beauty queen?

Bea: Yes I was signed when I was 17, I find being a beauty queen a lot harder because you become the pride of your country. It is not just beauty and brains anymore because you become a role model, a person where everyone looks up to but also can also relate to.

What are the things that you are doing in preparation for the upcoming Miss International 2013?

Bea:  Well, Binibini gave us a lot of classes that keeps us busy and will help us win like personality development, fitness classes and language classes.

Bea looking insanely divine here  photo taken by Raymon Saldana

Bea looking insanely divine here
photo taken by Raymond Saldana

You are deemed as one of the front runners in this year’s Miss International edition and your name is always on the top 10 lists practically in almost every MI hot picks, do you feel any pressure from all of this? How are you handling the expectations?

Bea: In all honesty, I actually feel motivated and excited. the Philippines always makes headlines and I know they are all waiting for the Binibini’s this year.

Do you check out the MI representatives from other countries? If yes, who do you think would be your biggest competition?

Bea: From time to time I check it. Venezuela is my biggest competition because they won Miss International than any other country.

Elián Herrera is the delegate of Venezuela for this year's Miss International!

Elián Herrera is the delegate of Venezuela for this year’s Miss International!

Given a chance to be dressed up by a Filipino designer for Miss International, Who’s it going to be and why?

Bea: If I were to be dressed by Filipino designers I would love to be dressed by Michael Cinco, Kim Gan, Rene Salud (dressed Melanie Marquez)  Francis Libiran, Carey Santiago and Albert Andrada.

Barely 3 months before the competition, how ready are you if the competition will be held tomorrow?

Bea: I’m very ready.

Who is your favorite Filipina beauty queen?

Bea: My favourite Filipino beauty queen is Margie Moran because she’s a beauty with substance.

Miss Universe 1973, Margie Moran credits to the owner

Miss Universe 1973, Margie Moran
(credits to the owner)

What would you like to say to your supporters and to your critics?

Bea: I love you and thank you for keeping me up to my toes, to not stop, to always make sure I have to always be at my best for the Philippines!

Bea Rose Kiss

Bea’s fight is indeed not only for herself but for the Philippines!

credit to the owners of each image via binibining pilipinas, missosology, saravelasco, raymond saldana, mvlanuevaera

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.