The First Press Con of the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Winners!

No one can cover a Binibining Pilipinas event better than a former Binibining Pilipinas Universe (1985) herself, Ms. Joyce Ann Burton-Titular.

Adventures of a Beauty Queen

More gorgeous photos of our newest Bb. Pilipinas queens! All of them taken during their first press conference as beauty queen winners. The press conference was held at the Balay in Cubao today at 3pm. Here’s what I saw at the event…

Hannah Ruth Sison, Bb. Pilipinas 2014 2nd Runner-up

Hannah Ruth Sison was the first to be called out. The 2nd Runner-up of Bb. Pilipinas is a favorite of this blogger and I had her pegged for a crown. But 2nd Runner-up is a great honor and will give her priceless training then she can join again if ever. But if she goes for another round, she’ll have to do it next year since she’s already about to age out at 25. I love this Makati lass for her expressive eyes!

Laura Lahmann, Bb. Pilipinas 2014 1st Runner-up

Stunning in white, Laura Lehmann is the 1st Runner-up in the…

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Philippines sure to sustain winning streak, maintain powerhouse position with newly-crowned queens

Last year’s feat was amazing for Filipino beauties. The Philippines is, so far, the only country that placed in all major contests worldwide winning three crowns in a single year.

2014 Binibinis (from left): 2nd Runner-Up Hannah Ruth Sison, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Queen International Parul Shah, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Kris Tiffany Janson, Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa, Bb. Pilipinas International Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Yvethe Marie Santiago and 1st Runner-Up Laura Victoria Lehmann

Mutya Johanna Datul bagged the Miss Supranational crown, the first for the country and for Asia, early in September in Belarus.

Megan Young clinched the Miss World title held in Indonesia, the first for the Philippines in the pageant’s 63-year history, later on the same month.

Ariella Arida placed 3rd Runner-Up in the Miss Universe held in Russia in October, the fourth consecutive year the Philippines landed in Top 5.

Angelee Delos Reyes was in Top 8 in the Miss Earth held in the Philippines in November.

Until the holding of Miss International in Japan in December, the #1 beauty powerhouse position was being contested between the Philippines and Venezuela, as its delegates were proclaimed Miss Universe and Miss Earth.

But with Bea Rose Santiago’s win, clinching the fifth Miss International crown for the Philippines, there’s no doubt that, indeed, Filipinas are collectively the most beautiful and talented women in the whole world.

2013 Filipina titleholders: Miss International Bea Rose Santiago, Miss World Megan Young, Miss Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul and Miss Tourism International 2013/14 Angeli Dione Gomez

In between the major contests, Annalie Forbes placed 3rd Runner-Up in the first Miss Grand International held in Thailand which was won by Miss Puerto Rico. Koreen Medina placed 3rd Runner-Up in the Miss Intercontinental pageant held in Germany, won by Miss Russia.

Ending 2013 and starting 2014 was the win of Angeli Dione Gomez in the Miss Tourism International contest held in Malaysia on New Year’s Eve. She succeeded Rizzini Alexis Gomez. It was a back-to-back win for the Philippines in the 17-year-old pageant rooted in the neighboring Southeast Asian country.

(See related story in this blog–Beauty powerhouse Philippines ends 2013 with a big bang, starts 2014 with aplomb https://arloc888.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/beauty-powerhouse-philippines-ends-2013-with-a-big-bang-starts-2014-with-aplomb/)

The challenge for the Philippines this year is how to sustain its winning streak. Not only Filipinos had been anxious who’s going to represent the country in various contests, but the focus of beauty aficionados around the globe turned to the country for the holding of Binibining Pilipinas 2014.

Will the Misses Philippines this year be as good as the Misses Philippines last year?

They are, based on the results:

Miss Philippines Universe is Mary Jean Lastimosa (#25). Her third try for a crown finally paid off and it’s the prime title.

Bb. Pilipinas International is Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti (#22).

Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, making history as the first to wear the crown, as BPCI got the franchise of Miss Intercontinental this year, is Kris Tiffany Janson (#13).

Bb. Pilipinas Supranational is Yvethe Marie Santiago (#35).

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Queen International is Parul Shah (#4).

Ending up as First Runner-Up and Second Runner-Up respectively are Laura Victoria Lehmann (#11) and Hannah Ruth Sison (#27).

MJ Lastimosa being crowned by Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler and Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges that include Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez among others, in a glittering ceremony at the Araneta Coliseum on March 30.

(Watch the crowning moment of the new Filipina queens here: http://youtu.be/uVIIVyca8mQ)

From hundreds of applicants, 40 were chosen as official candidates. Then they were narrowed to Top 15.

Rounding up the semi-finalists circle were Julian Aurine Flores (#1), Joanna Angelica Romero (#3), Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (#8), Emma Mary Tiglao (#14), Zahara Mae Soriano (#16), Mae Liezel Ramos (#19), Kenneth Santiago (#20) and Nichole Marie Manalo (#23).

Special Awardees: Best in National Costume – Kris Tiffany Janson; Best in Talent – Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Miss Friendship – Racquel Kabigting; Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice – Ladylyn Riva; Miss Avon – Yvethe Marie Santiago; Miss Photogenic – Kris Tiffany Janson; Best in Swimsuit – Mary Jean Lastimosa; Best in Long Gown – Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti; She’s So Jag Award – Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Miss Philippine Airlines Award – Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Miss Cream Silk Award – Yvethe Marie Santiago.

The iconic poster of this year’s Grand Coronation Night

Hosting the affair were Xian Lim and Anne Curtis, anchored by Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup and Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-Up Janine Tugonon.

It was Gabriela Isler herself who asked MJ in the Q & A:

“For you, what is the greatest advantage of being a woman?”

Her answer, “The advantage of a woman is being able to compose ourselves, just like here… we’re standing in front of thousands of people, but we try to compose ourselves. Tonight, thousands of people are standing here celebrating the beauty of a woman – and that is the advantage of being a woman.”

Sorely missed in the winners’ circle is Pia Wurtzbach, who was last year’s First Runner-Up. But as MJ showed, there’s always a third chance. Next year, Pia might be Miss Universe Philippines or Bb. Pilipinas International or any of the three other crowns.

The Gold Queens (50th year of BBP) from left: Pia Wurtzbach, Cindy Miranda, Ariella Arida, Bea Santiago and Mutya Datul

As former Bb. Pilipinas Universe and blogger (Adventures of a Beauty Queen http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/) Joyce Burton-Titular said:

“Remember, that a pageant will NEVER define who you are, unless you allow it to. So if you lose, do not call yourself a loser. You are not! At the same time, losing SHOULD make you feel bad, it SHOULD make you go down on your knees and cry. And yet like a good soldier, learn how to carry your battle scars with pride!

“And please, don’t deny yourself a time to mourn. Mourning is part of the healing process. But get back up and find the path that God has set out for you. Whether it be to join again or to move on to something new. Just move!”

Good luck, ladies, continue carrying the banner for the Philippines and womanhood!

 

Brainy and sexy Angelee delos Reyes contends for Philippines’ 2nd Miss Earth crown

Miss Earth is one of the big four pageants in the world–in terms of prestige, number of contestants and media mileage. The pioneers and most prestigious are Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International. A fifth one is Miss Supranational.

The Philippines is, so far, the only country that won all five crowns–2 Miss Universe (Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973), 1 Miss World (Megan Young only this year), 4 Miss International (Gemma Cruz in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979 and Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005), 1 Miss Earth (Karla Henry in 2008) and 1 Miss Supranational (Mutya Johanna Datul, also this year).

Not only is the Philippines a beauty powerhouse in Asia; it is by far the only country that placed in the Miss Universe Top 5 the last four years–Venus Raj as 4th runner-up in 2010, Shamcey Supsup as 3rd runner-up in 2011, Janine Tugonon as 1st runner-up in 2012 and Ariella Arida as 3rd runner-up in 2013.

In the new Miss Grand International held in Thailand, Ali Forbes placed 3rd runner-up to Miss Puerto Rico Janelee Chaparro. In the Mister International held in Indonesia, Gil Wagas Jr. was 4th runner-up to Mr. Venezuela.

On December 7, the new Miss Earth will be crowned at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.

The host country is strongly represented by 24-year-old Angelee Claudett Francisco delos Reyes of Olongapo City. A past Miss Bikini Philippines winner, Angelee is also a registered nurse, events host, model, performer and seminar speaker. Along with Miss India, she was presenter for Team Asia in the Environmental Seminar for Miss Earth 2013 participants (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsqj-rX4Igs).

Prior to her Miss Philippines Earth 2013 win, Angelee was with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as Public Information Officer. She composed the song and sang it herself in her eco video for Miss Earth and had already been declared winner of the Miss Eco Tourism special award.

As of this writing, Angelee is running third in Photogenic Voting. She’s also bronze winner in the Preliminary Evening Gown Competition, coming after gold winner  Miss Venezuela and silver winner Miss Nepal. She’s among the Top 5 in her group in the Swimsuit Competition.

Organized in 2001 by Carousel Productions, Miss Earth actively promotes the preservation of the environment. Participants are involved with humanitarian and environmental causes. They also take part in tree planting ceremonies, environmental and cultural immersion programs, sponsor visits and tours.

It used to be that Miss Air was the equivalent to 1st runner-up, Miss Water to 2nd runner-up and Miss Fire to 3rd runner-up but with the elements being of equal importance the organizers declared the runners-up to be of equal ranking starting in 2010.

There are still three other pageants left for this year whereby the Philippines has also strong chance of winning the crowns–Miss Intercontinental 2013 in Germany on December 14 (Koreen Medina), Miss International in Japan on December 17 (Bea Rose Santiago) and  Miss Tourism International 2013 in Malaysia on December 31 (Angeli Dione Gomez). Reigning Miss Tourism International is Filipina Rizzini Alexis Gomez. There’s hope that it will be a back-to-back win for the Philippines.

To vote for Angelee and other Miss Earth 2013 candidates, click or copy paste the following:

Photogenic Voting Page Link: www.statictab.com/n7pd2mc
Eco-Beauty Voting Page Link: www.statictab.com/5cygtvw

Photos courtesy of Miss Earth.

Congress cites Miss World Megan Young, Miss Supranational Mutya Datul

After jubilant celebrations in the country’s financial district last Friday and her hometown Olongapo City on Saturday, and TV guestings on Sunday, Miss World 2013 Megan Young was cited both by the Upper and Lower Houses of Philippine Congress on Monday then met President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang Palace.

Congress Passed House Resolution 350, introduced by Cavite Representative actress Lani Mercado Revilla, an official resolution “Congratulating Megan Lynne Young for winning the Miss World 2013” title.

Megan was joined both by Miss World Organization Chair Julia Morley and Miss World Philippines franchise holder Cory Quirino in all occasions.

In her speeches, Megan always thanked the Filipino people for their support and reception.

“I promise to not only represent Miss World over the coming year, but also my Filipino brothers and sisters as I embark on this wondrous journey to bring hope to the many people who need our help in the Philippines and around the world,” she said.

The US-born beauty, whose father is American and whose mother is Filipina, moved to the Philippines when she was 10, joined a reality show on GMA 7 and was among the top 6. Her lackluster TV career made a turn when she joined Pinoy Big Brother on ABS-CBN and became a VJ (video jock). Just as everything was on a standstill, she joined Miss World Philippines, won most of the special awards and the right to represent the country in Bali, Indonesia.

Her triumph sealed the Philippines’ quest for the elusive blue crown when she was named Miss World 2013 on September 28. In the 63-year history of the pageant that originated in London, Megan is the first Filipina and the first Southeast Asian to win the title.

On September 6, 22 days before Megan was crowned Miss World, a Filipina was proclaimed Miss Supranational in Minsk, Belarus. Mutya Johanna Datul, a 21-year-old charmer from Isabela, beat more than 80 candidates from all over the globe and is also the country’s and Asia’s first titleholder of the Europe-based beauty competition.

Likewise, on Monday, Mutya was cited by Congress and met President Aquino in Malacanang. The resolution was authored by number one senator-elect Grace Poe Llamanzares.

Megan Young’s win ends Miss World drought for the Philippines

A Miss World crown at last!

That’s what Filipinos all over the world exclaimed when Megan Young was crowned Miss World 2013 in Bali, Indonesia Saturday night.

The 23-year-old beauty from Olongapo City bested delegates from other 126 countries in a pageant broadcast live via satellite starting at 7 p.m. Most beauty pageant aficionados watched  the show via live streaming thru the Internet or thru postings on Facebook. The delayed broadcast was aired on GMA 7 three-and-a-half hours later.

The actress-VJ was among the Top 20 preliminary candidates until it was whittled down to 10. She was running 6th overall, but when scores in the challenges were summed up, she emerged 1st, being the Top Model winner, and 4th or 5th in the other categories. Her answer to the common question why she’s worthy of the title sealed her quest for the elusive Miss World crown.

This is the first time a Filipina won in the 63-year-old beauty pageant organized by the Morleys in Great Britain. Gwendolyn Ruais was first runner-up to Miss Venezuela in 2011. In 1993, actress Ruffa Gutierrez was second runner-up. In 1973, Evangeline Pascual was first runner-up, who was supposed  to take the crown and title when Marjorie Wallace was dethroned, but was not able to travel back to England due to hectic schedule.

The Philippines has two Miss Universe titleholders–Gloria Diaz  in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973. Four Filipinas have won the Miss International title–Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez and Princess Lara Quigaman. Just recently, Mutya Johanna Datul was proclaimed Miss Supranational in the Europe-based beauty pageant. She bested more than 80 candidates coming from all over the globe that competed in Minsk, Belarus.

In her native tongue, Megan Young thanked the whole nation, particularly those who supported her in her bid for the Miss World crown.

Mabuhay ka, Megan Young! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!