When I stop to think about 2011 and the all the victories and awards the Philippines garnered in International Pageants, it takes my breath away. Imagine – all of the winners in our major pageants won recognition abroad! To stun the world with our Filipina beauties is quite an exciting honor!  Here is my personal list of best (and worst) Beauty Queen stories for 2011.

It’s not a complete list, mind you, so if there is ANYTHING I might have missed, please leave a comment at the end of the article and tell me what Beauty Queen story from last year rocked your world!

The Four Fabulous Filipinas who Rocked My 2011 – from Top Left clockwise – Shamcey Supsup, Gwendoline Ruais, Danica Magpantay and Athena Imperial

1) DANICA MAGPANTAY BECOMES THE FIRST EVER FILIPINA TO WIN THE FORD SUPERMODEL OF THE WORLD CONTEST!

Danica Magpantay, the daughter of Filipina Supermodel Lala Flores (now a pro-make-up artist) brought us the first exciting news of the year by winning the Ford Supermodel title on January 22, 2011! On that day, Danica Magpantay became the first-ever Filipina to win the prestigious modeling contest. She is now based in New York, working for Ford Models.

2) CORY QUIRINO TAKES OVER MISS WORLD PHILIPPINED FRANCHISE FROM BPCI

January 2011 ushered in a shocking revelation – after 19 years of being under Bb. Pilipinas, the Miss World Franchise was suddenly in the hands of TV Celebrity and Beauty Expert Cory Quirino! Many Pinoy Pageant fans welcomed the change of leadership but those of us loyal to BPCI felt the pain of losing the Franchise. I was caught in the middle – feeling bad since my heart belongs to BPCI but feeling excited because I knew that Cory Quirino would breathe in new life and bring new blood to the Miss World Philippines beauty pageant.

Miss Quirino proved herself to be a formidable beauty queen maker when her first winner – Miss Philippines World 2011 Gwendoline Ruais romped off with the 1st Runner-up Title in the Miss World 2011 beauty pageant held in the UK!

3) BEAUTY QUEEN AND ACTRESS PILAR PILAPIL SURVIVES KNIFE ATTACK!

Beauty Queen and Actress Pilar Pilapil

On April 14, 2011, Pilar Pilapil (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1967) was apprehended by two men while she was entering her car, stabbed and then left for dead in the Antipolo area. Pilar Pilapil managed to crawl through dense bushes and rough terrain to seek help from a stranger. The story was shocking and even more so when police revealed that Pilar Pilipil’s own sister-in-law could be the mastermind of the attack. Click here to follow updates on Pilar Pilapil’s case.

4)  MISS EARTH 2008 KARLA HENRY SURVIVES STABBING INCIDENT!

Karla Henry, Miss Earth 2008

It was a bizarre year of attacks on our beloved beauty queens; Karla Henry became the year’s second beauty queen victim of a stabbing incident. An incident that almost took her life. Thankfully, Karla Henry was rushed to the hospital in time and doctors were able to fix her up after surgery. I had the opportunity to visit Karla Henry and bring her some flowers at the hospital where she was recovering. Click here to read the story.

5) SHAMCEY SUPSUP PLACES 4TH IN MISS UNIVERSE 2011 WITH HER TSUNAMI WALK!

And we all thought Venus Raj’s major major 4th Runner-up win in last year’s Miss Universe could not be topped! Here comes Shamcey Supsup with her eye-popping Tsunami walk in the Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant! She took it one step higher and grabbing the 3rd Runner-up sash. Shamcey outdid pageant powerhouses USA and Venezuela, I am SO proud to say!

6) DIANNE NECIO WINS INTERNET VOTE AND BECOMES FINALIST IN MISS INTERNATIONAL 2011!

Dianne Necio, Bb. Pilipinas International 2011

Dianne Necio fought hard and won the Internet Vote award in Miss International 2011. It is not clear though if winning the Internet Vote gave her an automatic berth in the Top 15. Nevertheless, it was a great honor for Dianne Necio and those who voted for her online! A great honor for the Philippines too

7) GWENDOLINE RUAIS PLACES 2ND IN MISS WORLD 2011, BECOMING THE 2ND FILIPINA TO ALMOST WIN THE TITLE!

Evangeline Pascual did it in 1973, Gwendoline Ruais did it again in 2011! Although the Philippines has never won the Miss World title, these two women proved that victory is not an impossible dream for our Filipinas! Gwendoline Ruais’ 1st Runner-up victory also underscored the genius of beauty expert Cory Quirino who took over the franchise of Miss World Philippines in January 2011. It was also sweet vindication – Gwendoline Ruais joined Bb. Pilipinas 2010 but was left out of the semi-finals Top 5, a painful experience for her and her family. Now, with her Miss World 1st Runner-up status, the pressure is on for Miss Cory Quirino to find another Filipina who will shine in 2012!

8) ATHENA IMPERIAL WINS ELEMENTAL TITLE IN MISS EARTH 2011!

Although her victory was a controversial one, ABQ was thrilled for Athena Imperial when she entered the Top 5 of Miss Earth 2011. It is remarkable how she defied the stereotype that beauty queens must be tall. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, she  represents the ‘petite’ Filipina who stays humble but battles it out to the end, thankful for what blessings she receives. So proud of Athena,  goddess of power and beauty!

9) ISABELLA MANJON WINS THE MISS CHARITY AWARD IN THE MISS TOURISM QUEEN INTERNATIONAL 2011

Isabella Manjon, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011

Isabella Manjon gave the Philippines some wonderful post-Christmas news! She won Miss Charity, one of the special awards in Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 held in Xi-an, China on December 27, 2011. Click here to read all about the whirl-wind preparations Isabella Manjon had to go through for the pageant!

10) DIANA SUNSHINE RADEMANN WINS MISS SPEC PERSONALITY IN MISS TOURISM INTERNTIONAL 2011

Even on the last day of 2011, the Philippines shined brightly when Diana Sunshine Rademann won

Diana Sunshine Rademann, 1st Runner-up Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011

the Miss Spec Personality award in the Miss Tourism International 2011 in Malaysia! Diana Sunshine Rademann was Mutya ng Pilipinas’ 1st Runner-up this year, but due to schedule problems with their two main winners, Mutya ended up sending Diana. Read my article on her here!

BEAUTY QUEENS WHO ALSO DID THE PHILIPPINES PROUD!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – won Miss Internet Popularity in Miss Bikini International 2011 and entered the semi-finals of the contest which was held on September 27, 2011 in Qing Dao, China.

Czarina Gatbonton – in October 2011, the former Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 won 2nd Runner-up in Miss Humanity International 2011 beauty contest held in Barbados!

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R.I.P.

The year 2011 also saw the passing of two beauty queens who are loved by Filipino pageant fans -

AMPARO MUNOZ, MISS UNIVERSE 1974

Amparo Munoz, Miss Universe

On February 27, 2011, Amparo Munoz,  Spain’s one and only Miss Universe (who was crowned in Manila in 1974) had passed on at age 56 after a long battle against an unspecified cerebral disease.

Filipinos love Amparo Munoz since she stayed behind in the Philippines after the Miss Universe 1974 was over. She filmed a movie here with our very own Miss Universe 1968 Gloria Diaz. It’s titled “Hayop sa Ganda” and I’ve been wondering how to translate that title for the benefit of my foreign readers. The closest I can think of is “Animalistic Beauty”…  LOLOL!  Just teasing Yo tengo MUCHO MUCHO respeto para Amparo Munoz y Gloria Diaz!

EVA EKVALL, MISS UNIVERSE 2001, 3RD RUNNER-UP

Eva Ekvall, Venezuelan Beauty Queen and Cancer Warrior

Pageant fans across the globe received some terrible news days before Christmas 2011. Eva Ekvall, Miss Venzuela 2000 lost the battle against breast cancer at the age of 28. Even more heartbreaking is that she left behind a little 2 year old daughter and a loving husband who posted a photo on Twitter showing his hand holding hers, resting on the hospital bed. The caption on the photo, “Always together… I love you wife.”

To my dear dear readers – if there is anything I missed in my list, please drop a note in the comments section, I would appreciate hearing about the beauty queen stories that rocked your life!

Once again, I found myself captivated by the beauties that opted to display their talents during the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show at the Ali Mall on Feb. 24, 2012! Thank God my puppy Broyles recovered from a Corona Virus really fast or else I would have been forced to puppy sit him and miss out on the Talent Show.

My ultra-favorite was Katrina Jayne Dimaranan who captured my heart with her swanky singing style. I’m expecting her to win Miss Talent.

Here is what I witnessed:

#4 Jane Hidalgo doing a bellydance

First Talent Contestant: Binibini # 4 Jane Hidalgo – Bellydance

A great first number to wake up the sleepy afternoon crowd!  Jane Hidalgo is a graceful dancer AND delicious to look at. She had abs that made me wish she were in a Bikini so I could see the rest of her muscle definition. I love the toned look in women but in Jane’s case she hovers between toned and soft, something I find VERY feminine.  Jane Hidalgo also has a dark exotic look that combines well with the mysterious bellydancer image. IMHO, this one’s got a big chance of making it into the semi-finals of the pageant proper. And that’s saying quite a lot since she tried out but did not make it into last year’s Bb. Pilipinas final roster of beauty contestants.

Can’t wait to see more of Jane Hidalgo in Bb. Pilipinas 2012. AS IN!

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#8 Nicole Schmitz doing the Salsa

Second Talent Contestant : Binibini #8 Nicole Schmitz – Salsa Dance

When Nicole Schmitz stepped out onto the stage in her gold salsa outfit I thought, “Wow, she looks so South American.”  Maybe it was the make-up or the way she moved but she looked like a Miss Panama or Miss Argentina to me. Which is odd since she’s a German Pinay born in Australia.

Anywhooo, Nicole Schmitz was kind enough to explain the dance to the audience so that we understood the story behind it. I like the way she speaks, very educated and with a quiet kind of self-confidence.

Then out popped a salsa dude who danced with her.  You could tell that all he does in life is dance. Nicole Schmitz, on the other hand is a new student to Salsa and has  been practicing it for a year now. Over that span of time she has been able to develop a Latina type of grace that you need to have if you want to get anywhere in the world of Salsa.

Hoping Nicole Schmitz outdoes her own semi-finalist performance when she competed in Bb. Pilipinas in 2007. Click here to see her pageant experience and other beauty titles.

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#10 Jillean Camille Orbina singing Torete

Third Talent Contestant : Binibini #10 Jillean Camille Orbina : OPM Song

Jillean Camille Orbina happened to choose a song (Torete) that was sung by a good friend of mine (Acel Bisa) so I got a kick out of that! I made a mental note to tell Acel about it; I am certain she will be extremely flattered.

Jillean Camille Orbina has a lovely voice and an even lovelier smile. Choosing Torete was a good idea since everybody in Ali Mall watching the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show knew it so they could all sing along including me. Jillean’s voice quality is similar to that of Acel’s – child-like but strong.

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#13 Katrina Jayne Dimaranan sings an Alicia Keys number

Fourth Talent Contestant : Binibini #13 Katrina Jayne Dimaranan : Alicia Keys Song

When Katrina Jayne Dimaranan stepped out on stage in a shining aquamarine gown saying she was going to sing an Alicia Keys song, I was like,  really now, Alicia Keys huh? Lets see if this Pinay chick can really sing a black girl song.

The second she opened her mouth I was put to shame. Then I had to look for my jaw which was a few feet beneath me.

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan. Can. Sing.

And the audience was cheering loudly because I think they were just as surprised as I was. Normally, beauty pageant contestants are gorgeous girls who can sing or dance or act. But in the case of Katrina, she is not just a gorgeous girl who can sing; she IS a singer. A Pinay with a black girl’s voice. No formal training, just lots of practice in church choirs and high school events. And even if Butch Dalisay says the word Amazing is overused, I just have to say: AMAZING!

And if she doesn’t win the Miss Talent I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan is my Top Choice for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2012! I wonder if she will match Shamcey Supsup’s performance last year by winning not just the Miss Talent but also the Universe title. It’s not that impossible…

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#14 Gina Joy Howell plays the piano

Fifth Talent Contestant : Binibini #14 Gina Joy Howell: Piano

It is very rare for Bb. Pilipinas contestants to play the piano at the Talent Competition so it was a joy to see Gina Joy Howell go up to the piano at the side of the stage in Ali Mall and play a piece. I am just a bit ticked off though at the sound system guys because we couldn’t hear the first few bars of her number and then I was even more ticked off because someone did not bother to tune the piano. These two stupid things hurt her performance and it’s too bad because these are simple problems that could have been avoided with a little foresight. But I have to give it to Gina Joy Howell because not once did she frown or look worried about the technical problems. She smiled all the way throughout her performance.

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#23 Goldy Baroa does an Interpretative Dance number

Sixth Talent Contestant : Binibini #23 Goldy Baroa: Interpretative Dance

Good acting is a difficult to display when you are all alone on stage in tights with an empty basket. Okay, I’m just teasing I did enjoy the interpretative dance act of Goldy Baroa who is backed by a bit of acting experience – she was the lead actress in a UK short film titled “Pysche”. I am totally envious and would love to do a short film me-self one day!

Basically, Goldy’s dance was about how children, who were once a blessing to their parents, can suddenly turn into monsters. At least that’s what I understood. Goldy Baroa has the grace of a Filipina and a very expressive face and if she decides to take acting further I think she’ll do quite well.

Click here to find out what Miss Earth special award Goldy Baroa won when she joined that pageant in 2007.

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#26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes presents a tableau of talents in reporting, singing, poetry reading and dancing

Seventh Talent Contestant : Binibini#26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – Reporting, Dance, Singing and Poetry Reading

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes got the audience responding when she asked three times in declamatory fashion: “Do you know who I am?”

The audience kept saying, “No.” It was FUNNY!

But I think everyone started taking her seriously after she showed off her first talent – Reporting. ABS-CBN should consider hiring her for entertainment coverage. Then she went into a song, then the delivery of a poem and finally, a dance number. It was a very unique presentation of talents that kept me wondering what she was going to do next.

Being in this pageant is vindication for Angelee Claudett delos Reyes: last year, when she tried out for Bb Pilipinas she failed to make it into the final set of contestants and was reportedly the only girl among the castaways who was brave enough to cry in public. But last year was not entirely bad for this girl; after the Bb. Pilipinas rejection, she went on to join and win Miss Slimmers World Bikini Philippines. In the international competition she did the Philippines proud by winning the Miss Internet award and also making it into the semi-finals.

Click here to read more about Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

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#28 Marie Irisha Arcenas sings an Ella Fitzgerald number

Eighth Talent Contestant : Binibini#28 Marie Irish Arcenas – Christina Aguilera song

Marie Irish Arcenas looked like a mannequin from the 1920s as she sang a bluesy number – a pleasant surprise for blues fans if there were any in the audience! I also appreciate the effort she put into her costume. Anything with feathers is always interesting!

This contestant is cute as a button with a lovely voice to boot. But the one thing that caught my eye…  correction: TWO things…  were her eye-popping legs! If there were a best legs award, Marie Irish Arcenas would surely be one of the choices, just look at her Vastus Lateralis! That’s the muscle above her knee on her outer thigh. What SHAPE! My eyes are green with envy!

Oh, btw, I hear this Cebuana has her own clothing and accessories line… now THAT’s talent!

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#29 Annalie Forbes sings Hey Big Spender!

Ninth Talent Contestant : Binibini#29 Annalie Forbes – Jazz Song

It is unfortunate that the last two contestants in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show had similar numbers and outfits – it kind of dilutes the strength of their performances but what can you do? It happens every now and then and you’re forced to compare. BUT, I’m not going to compare their performances.

Instead, I will compare their legs, LOLOL!

Yes, the legs of Annalie Forbes also caught my eye and she is in the running for my personal award of Bb. Pilipinas Best Legs 2012. Scroll up to the girl above to see the legs of her main competitor.

Voice-wise, Annalie Forbes sounds like a lounge singer simply because she IS a professional lounge singer and has performed in several fancy-schmancy 5-star hotels in Metro Manila. Annalie Forbes also has smooth moves – she interacted with a chair while balancing on silver deadly weapons on her feet which looked like shoes but I wasn’t sure. LOL!

ABQ's Top Twelve in 2012!

I should have come out with my list long ago but I had to go thru surgery to remove a couple lumps and that sidelined me for two and half weeks! But I’m back in the game and ready to share my two cents on the beauty contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2012. My criteria is pretty simple – I choose the girls whom I think the judges will choose. So it’s more of a guessing game for me rather than a judgement of beauty. GETS MO? Lol

In Numerical Order my Top 12 in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012, and the reason why I like them, are:

1)  Bb. #1 Karen Gallman for her classic Mestiza beauty. Click here to read more about this fiery femme!

2) Bb. #4 Jaine Hidalgo for her enchanting Filipina charm. Click here to read more about this dusky darling!

3) Bb. #7 Patricia Lae Ejercitado for her Doll-like features. Click here to read more about this magnificent mannequin!

4) Bb. #8 Nicole Schmitz for being the quintessential beauty with brains. Click here to read more about this brainy beauty!

5) Bb. #9 Mary Jean Lastimosa for her bombshell curves and looks. Click here to read more about this sultry siren!

6) Bb. #10 Jillean Camille Orbina for her about-to-bloom qualities. Click here to read more about this gorgeous goddess!

7) Bb. #13 Katrina Jayne Dimaranan for being really pretty in whatever she does. Click here to read more about this vivacious vamp!

8) Bb. #15 Elaine Kay Moll for her modern Maria Clara mien. Click here to read more about this lovely lady!

9) Bb. #18 Janine Marie Tugonon for her sultry, bubbling-under appeal. Click here to read more about this beautiful ballerina!

10) Bb. #26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes for being the Jinky Pacquiao in this batch. Click here to read more about this voracious vixen!

11) Bb. # 29 Annalie Forbes for giving a face to the words ‘pert’ and ‘vivacious’. Click here to read more about this seductive songbird!

12) Bb. #30 Sherlyn Gonzales for the lovely symmetry of her face. Click here to read more about this bewitching babe!

Those highlighted in RED are my Top 3. I heard that there will be a 4th title given out and I’m not sure if that’s true. If it is, then I have to admit that I can’t seem to choose just one more girl. My Top 4 spot is a tie between Patricia Lae Ejercitado, Elaine Kay Moll and Janine Marie Tugonon.

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Click here to see my Darkhorse Collection – My list of girls who might just shock unsuspecting Bb. Pilipinas fans with a greater than expected performance on Coronation Night, April 15, 2012!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

Bb. #26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – This Bb. Pilipinas 2012 contender is not just a favorite of mine; I am sentimentally attached to her  because of a fun afternoon we shared last year (2011)  at a restaurant for an interview. Moreover, I will not ever forget the Cheesecake she decimated right before my eyes. Then when I saw her again at the post-dinner event of the Talent Show of Bb. Pilipinas 2012, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes was walking around with a fully-loaded plate. How can she keep those curves on a macho appetite?

Click here to see the res of ABQ’s Top 12 Picks in Bb. Pilipinas 2012!

Another macho attribute she has is a never-say-die attitude that I find impressive because I’m the total opposite. After she failed twice to make it past the initial screenings of Bb. Pilipinas, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes gave it one more shot this year (2012) and finally made it into the list of official candidates. And if she wins one of the titles, she’ll be completely vindicated!

Then I saw her on stage during the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Press Presentation I was very pleased with what I saw. Angelee Claudett delos Reyes owned the stage thanks to her resilience and tremendous experience in pageant competition. I’m betting that in this batch of Bb. Pilipinas beauties, she has joined the most beauty pageants. Click here to read my story on Angelee Claudett delos Reyes when she was Miss Bikini Philippines 2011 – I list down all her pageant experience in that blog post. Click here too, to see what Talent Angelee Claudett delos Reyes presented in the Talent Show.

In the Look-Alike department, Angelle Claudett delos Reyes could pass for the twin sister of actress Mariel Rodriguez. Agree or disagree?

Angelee vs Mariel

#26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes - 5'7" - 24 years old - Congress needs to outlaw those CURVES!

Angelle Claudett delos Reyes can eat like a horse!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes at the Parade of Beauties

Found the photo above on Events2Images, it comes with a wonderful feature on Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, click here!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes - Slimmers' World Miss Bikini Philippines 2011

I have the honor of being a pre-pageant judge at the Slimmer”s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2012 as I type this post… and even MORE honored to be seated next to the radiant Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, Best In Evening Gown winner and semi-finalist at the recently concluded Bb Pilipinas 2012 beauty pageant.

If you’re wondering why she’s wearing such a grand crown, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes is the reigning Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines (2011) winner! I SO think a beauy like her deserves a crown like that!

My biggest question for her – How are you doing after the Bb Pilipinas 2012 Beaury Pageant? Many expected you to enter the Top 5 -

“Grace under pressure!! Sobra!!!”

How did you feel about US Ambassador Harry Thomas teasing you about “answering the question even before asking it”? Some of your supporters were offended.

“O lang aa akin. I didn’t feel bad about it kasi i didn’t take it negatively.”

So are you joining Bb Pilipinas again next year? Or any of the other pageants like the coming Miss World Philippines or next year’s Miss Earth?

“Hindi pa ako sure. I’m thinking of focusing sa work muna but my pageant trainer Rogil really wants me to try again. Lets see what happens…”

Well, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes is 24 years old so she still has a couple years left to try for one of the Big 4 Crowns – Universe, International, Earth or World.

Do you think she should try again? Which pageant do you think she should join? Share your thoughts with me and I’ll share mine!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes’ official website photo at 2012 Supermodel International

When Angelee Claudett delos Reyes competed at the Bb. Pilipinas 2012, I thought that that was going to be the last time I see her in a beauty pageant. At the time, she entered the Top 12 and even won the Best in Gown award. A month or so later, I saw her at the Miss Slimmer’s World 2012 Bikini Philippines pre-pageant and asked if she was going to compete again, but she was non-commital saying she needed a break.

So when I got the news through Norman’s blog that Angelee Claudett delos Reyes was going to represent the Philippines in the 2012 Supermodel International in Bangkok, Thailand, I whispered a quick prayer in my heart for her to win this one.

You see, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes occupies a special place in my heart and I just don’t know why. Maybe it’s because she is a fighter who has experienced pageant loss and victory in big doses. Maybe it’s because she’s like a kitten and her world is a ball of yarn. Or maybe it’s because she’s sweet and thoughtful and cares about others – like when I wanted to ask some tough questions at the Slimmer’s Bikini pre-pageant but she said no. Claudett wanted to ask the contestants fun questions so that they could shine. So gracious talaga!

With Claudett at the prepageant of Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2012

Click here to see Missosology’s coverage of the 2012 Supermodel International.

But there is one thing I hate about Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – she can eat like a horse and still be worthy of the Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2011 title – grrrrr! It’s not FAIR! The first time I met her, she demolished an entire Cheesecake and then when I saw her again after the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 talent show, she was holding a plateful of Dinuguan and Carbonara. It does not compute how she can eat that and look like this!

She eats like a horse!

But, joking aside, its going to be a tough emotional battle for Angelee Claudett delos Reyes as she deals with the demands of competing in the 2012 Supermodel International AND the recent loss of her Dad, Benjamin delos Reyes, who passed away on August 12, 2012. The interment will be tomorrow, August 28 then Claudett departs on August 30 and will arrive in Poland 2 days later than the other contestants.

But knowing Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, she’s going to dazzle them with her stunning self during day then cry her eyes out for her Dad at night before she sleeps. Claudett, my condolences to you and your family. I know that this competition is dedicated to the memory of your Father so I’m wishing you the best and praying that your mourning will be turned into a crowning event!

Bring it home, Claudett!

After the successful years of VenusRaj (2010) and Shamcey Supsup (2011) who woulda thunk that Philippine beauty queens could do even better in 2012? Janine Tugonon certainly showed us a thing or two at the Miss Universe 2012 Holiday Edition giving us ANOTHER amazing year of victory. And now that 2013 is here, lets hope that our snowball continues to thunder past the competition!

But first, lets take one more look at the year 2012 before we bid it goodbye. Here are the highlights and headlines of last year for Adventures of a Beauty Queen:

THE TOP WINNERS OF 2012:

1) JANINE TUGONON OF THE PHILIPINES PLACES 2ND IN MISS UNIVERSE 2012!

Janine Tugonon of the Philipines in her competition gown at the Miss Universe 2012 Holiday Edition

Although Janine’s powerful answer and venomous Cobra Walk should have won her the crown, USA got it instead. In the end, Janine Tugonon‘s star shined the brightest when online trending showed that people were talking about her fantastic performance in the Q&A and questioning the results in the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant.

2) RIZZINI ALEXIS GOMEZ WINS MISS TOURISM INTERNATIONAL 2012!

Rizzini Alexis Gomez on the night she won Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 2012

After being excluded in the winners’ circle in Miss World Philippines 2012, Rizzini Alexis Gomez went on to win the Mutya ng Tourism 2012 title. THEN on New Years Eve 2012, Rizzini gave us the Miss Tourism International 2012 crown and now has bragging rights to say that Miss Venezuela is her 1st Runner-up. “

3) STEPHANY STEFANOWITZ WINS 1ST RUNNER-UP IN MISS EARTH 2012!

Stephany Stefanowitz is 3rd from the left.

In spite of the criticism she received over her physique (some thought she was flabby-thin), Stephanie Stefanowitz shined bright in Miss Earth 2012 and almost won the pageant. But the Miss Earth 2012 crown went to the Czech Republic instead with Steph donning the Earth-Air Elemenetal sash (which is considered by pageant fans to be the 1st Runner-up title). I must mention that accusations of favoritism continue to hound our Philippine representatives in Miss Earth and will continue to do so everytime we place because the pageant is founded by Filipinos.

4) ELAINE KAY MOLL WINS 3RD RUNNER-UP IN MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2012!

Elaine Kay Moll, 3rd Runner-up, Miss Supranational 2012

It was a pleasant surprise when Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-up Elaine Kay Moll suddenly received the news that she was going to represent the Philippines in the Miss Supranational 2012 in Poland. And she didn’t disappoint! Elaine came home with the 3rd Runner-up sash and a fabulous victory/birthday party at Gateway Suites.

Sharp-eye observers have noticed that in recent public appearances, Elaine Kay Moll has been wearing a sash that says Bb. Pilipinas Supranational while the 2nd Runner-up Ali Forbes is now sporting a sash that says 1st Runner-up. Seems like the Supranational is now an official Bb. Pilipinas title!

5) AYELEE DASALLA NABS 2ND RUNNER-UP HONORS AT THE MISS HUMANITY 2012

Ayelee Dasalla, 2nd Runner-up Miss Humanity 2012

Ayelee Dasalla,  formerly an obese teenager, proves that if you put your mind to it, you can lose AND win bigtime! Aside from her 2nd Runner-up placement, Ayelee Dasalla also won the People’s Choice Award in the Miss Humanity 2012 beauty pageant which was held in Barbados.

6) PINOYS ALSO WIN BIG IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS!

Manhunt International 2012 winner June Macasaet (left) and Mr. World 2012 1st Runner-up Andrew Wolff

ABQ normally covers only Female Pageants but after Pinoy hunk June Macasaet won the Manhunt International 2012 in Bangkok last November and Rugby Player Andrew Wolff of the Philippines Volcanoes won 1st Runner-up in Mister World 2012 in the UK a couple weeks after, this blog author will now be keeping an eagle eye on the guys…

7) FILIPINO TRANSGENDER KEVIN BALOT WINS MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2012!

Filipino Kevin Balot is the most beautiful transgender in the world!

Well, well, well… it seems like it isn’t just the girls and boys doing well in pageants; even Pinoy trannies are bringing home the bacon. Gender bender Kevin Balot (who looks nothing like a Kevin) won the Miss International Queen 2012 in Pattaya last November. The one thing I like about this pageant? They make it clear that people born as girls can’t join. In fact, you HAVE to prove that you were born a boy. I so appreciate the clarity of their rules.

8) MISS WORLD 2012 FINALIST QUEENIERICH REHMAN GETS INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT!

Queenierich Rehman, Miss World Philippines 2012

Even before the coronation night of Miss World 2012, our representative to the pageant, Queenierich Rehman caught the attention of the international press with her classy beatbox number during the Talent Show of the pageant. Queenie Rehman also did us proud by entering the Top 15 of Miss World 2012, the Top 5 of the Talent Show and Top 40 of the Beach Beauty fast track.

9) PINAYS WHO MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALS IN INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTS

Nicole Schmitz (left), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (top right) and Bea Santiago (bottom right)

***Nicole Schmitz, the Philippine representative in the Miss International continued our winning streak by entering the Top 15 of the beauty pageant which was held in Okinawa.

***Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, who failed to win a Bb. Pilipinas title in 2012 went on to represent the Philippines in the 2012 Super Model International in Bangkok after she was handpicked for the competition. Angelee, who is an ABQ favorite entered the Top 10 and won the coveted Best in Gown award! Good job grrrl

***Bea Rose Santiago also brought honor to the Philippines after she entered the Top 10 in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2012 which was held in China. I believe she would have placed higher if the Philippines and China weren’t fighting over territories in the Philippines Sea.

10) PINAYS WHO WON SPECIAL AWARDS ABROAD

Joy Castillo Pasidis (left) happens to be the mentor of Joy Marie Gangan (right). Both won top model honors in their respective pageants. Both share the same first name!

***Joy Castillo Pasidis showed us the right way to strut one’s stuff on the catwalk – she won the Top Model Award in the Mrs. Universe 2012 beauty pageant that was held in Rostov, Russia. She went on to teach the girl beside her in the photo how to walk like a winner, and it sure paid off!

***Joy Marie Gangan, the protege of Joy Castillo Pasidis showed off her “Gangan Style” by grabbing the Top Model Award in the Best Model of the World 2012 competition held in Turkey last December.

***

OTHER HEADLINES THAT ROCKED OR SHOCKED ABQ:

1) Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Contestants Get a Second Chance at the Final Q&A

Ali Forbes answers the question asked by His Excellency Jorge Domecq…

People watching the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 on TV did not get to see this but we in the audience did! Two contestants were given the chance to ‘re-answer’ their final question. Click here to read the story in detail. Leizl Alcantara misheard her question (and so did most of the audience thanks to the thick French accent of the judge who asked the question) while Ali Forbes got stuck and couldn’t finish answering. It was their ‘second chance’ answers that got aired on television. It seems like Bb. Pilipinas wanted to avoid another Janina San Miguel incident.

While some may think this is just a minor minor pageant incident, it did make an impact on other franchises who had their pageants after Bb. Pilipinas 2012. They wisely had the final question written down so the contestant could read it for herself and not get confused by accents.

2) Jewel Lobaton’s Breakup with Hubby – Sen. Koko Pimentel

Sen Koko Pimentel and beauty queen wife Jewel Lobaton

Reading about the breakup of the marriage of Sen. Koko Pimentel and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1998 Lobaton in major newspapers made me sad. But reading the gory details of an alleged third party left a bad taste in my mouth. There are things that hard-news journalists should leave out of their stories. Let the chimis writers write about the chismis.

Last I heard was that Jewel Lobaton was seeking an annulment so that she could move on with her life.

3) Transsexual Jenna Talackova is Allowed to Compete in Miss Universe Canada 2012

Jenna Talackova – long legged transexual breaks into the Miss Universe Canada 2012 pageant

In April 2012, the pageant world found itself in an uproar with the emergence of Jenna Talackova, a transsexual fighting for acceptance as a candidate in the Miss Universe Canada 2012 beauty pageant.

Jenna, who was once a boy called Walter, was first dismissed from the pageant after officials discovered that she had a sex change. But Jenna was subsequently re-instated as a contestant after fighting tooth and nail against the ban. Donald Trump jumped into the fray announcing that if she won the Canada title, she would be allowed to compete in the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant. Although she did not win, Jenna Talackova did make it into the Top 12. With her success in being accepted as a candidate in Miss U Canada, I wouldn’t be surprised if this 2013 we’ll be seeing another transsexual try to break into what was once the exclusive domain of natural-born women.

4) Miriam Quiambao’s Alleged Anti-Gay Comments

ABQ Author, Joyce Ann Burton (left) with Miriam Quiambao at a JIL Conference where she talked about her controversial Tweets

The Jenna Talackova controversy soon enough became a hot topic in Manila. Talk shows everywhere were asking the question: “Do you agree that transsexuals should be allowed in Miss Universe?”

That question led to the huge Miriam Quiambao fracas on Twitter. Miriam made some controversial Tweets on homosexuality after guesting on a Boy Abunda talk show on transgenders. The backlash against her was so strong that the Miss Universe 1999 1st Runner-up had to back off and apologize.

In a Tweet to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual) Community she said:

I’m sorry LGBT. Perhaps I was too harsh with the words I used. Will do my best to be more sensitive. #respect #nobodysperfect #grace

Aside from the Tweetapology, Miriam Quiambao also gave a public apology and was eventually forgiven by many in the LGBT community. ABQ had the chance to chat with her about the issue a few weeks after it exploded and she humbly admitted that she didn’t use the right words and as a result had offended many. Here is what I wrote in defense of Miriam Quiambao after that meeting.

5) Gwendoline Ruais’ Near-Walkout

Cory Quirino (left) and Gwendoline Ruais (right)

Thanks to the cool-headed Cory Quirino, a big blow-up between the camp of Miss World 2011 1st Runner-up Gwendoline Ruais and TV5′s production staff was averted. Cory, who is the current franchise holder of Miss World Philippines handled the volatile situation like a bomb expert. The true winner in this scuffle? Cory Quirino! Click here to read more about it!

6) Rebel Beauty Queen Maita Gomez Passes On

Maita Gomez

In July 2012, when everyone was focused on the death of Comedy King Dolphy, very few noticed the passing of Miss World 1967 Maita Gomez. She is controversial for going underground to join the rebel movement in the Philippines after living it up as a beauty queen, fashion model and socialite. Up to her last days on earth, she continued to fight for the rights of women as a leader in Gabriela. I made an online shrine for Maita Gomez, click here to get there and see photos from her beauty queen and rebel days.

7) Lara Quigaman Weds Actor Marco Alcaraz

Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in her weeding gown by Veejay Floresca wedding gown

One of the most beautiful weddings this year belonged to our Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman who finally tied the knot with boyfriend Marco Alcaraz. Lara wore a fabulous blushing wine gown by Veejay Floresca that made her look slim inspite of her 6 month baby bump. The two quietly got married months before the big wedding which was held on Kuh Ledesma’s events garden in Tagaytay.

8) Dindi Gallardo Sues Dark Knight Creator

Who is scarier? Frank Miller and GF Kimberly Cox or Pinay Beauty Queen Dindi Gallardo?

In October 2012, Former Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1993 Dindi Gallardo came out with startling accusations against her employer Frank Miller, the creator of Batman: The Dark Knight. Dindi says that he and his girlfriend Kimberly Cox treated her like crap or maybe I should say, guano. But it looks like the former Filipina beauty queen is going to come out the victor in this legal tussle. Abangan!

9) No International Pageant for Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan?

ABQ (left) with the lovely Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

ABQ is more than just disappointed over the news that Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 winner Katrina Dimaranan is not competing internationally. The scuttlebutt is this: the Tourism pageant she was supposed to compete in got scrapped. I’m hoping that it just got delayed but so far, there’s NO news on it.

I love Katrina Dimaranan and hope that Bb. Pilipinas will find an international pageant for her, preferably one with a Talent Show (Katrina sings like a nightingale). What makes the situation even sadder is that 1st Runner-up Elaine Kay Moll got to compete in Miss Supranational 2012 (she place 4th.) It’s sad when a title holder doesn’t compete abroad but a Runner-up does. No offense to Elaine, I’m so happy they sent her to Supranational but I’m going to say it again, sayang naman if they don’t send Katrina Dimaranan to in international competition specially with that tight body she worked so hard to achieve!

10) Homecourt Winners in Top 3 Pageants! Booooooo!!

Home Court Winners – USA’s Olivia Culpo (left), Japan’s Ikumi Yoshimatsu (top right) and China’s Yu Wenxia (bottom right)

In a weird coincidence, the host countries of our Top 3 Beauty Pageants deemed their own representatives as the winners. 2012 turned out to be the Year of the Home Court Girls…

-Miss World 2012 which was held in China was won by China (Yu Wenxia).

-Miss International 2012 held in Japan was won by Japan (Ikumi Yoshimatsu).

-And Miss Universe 2012 held in the US was won by the USA (Olivia Culpo).

-Miss Earth 2012 was the only BIG pageant that bucked the trend: it was held in the Philippines but the Philippines didn’t win. But we did make 1st Runner-up!

***

So, that’s ABQ’s Round up of the year 2012, a most exciting 365 days for Pinoy pageant fans. Le’s pray that 2013 will bring more accolades for our beauty queens!

If there is anything I forgot to include in this list, please leave a comment below. Happy New Year to you all!

One of the fun things about beauty pageants are the cocktail parties!!! Miss Philippines Earth 2013 just had a “Fun Moments with the Earth” cocktail party at the poolside of the F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City. To the lovely Lorraine Schuck, thanks for inviting me! Here are photos taken with my fantastic HTC 8x Windows 8 phone which features a great 8 megapixel camera with an ultra wide-angle lens….

Miss Philippines Earth 2013 contestants – L-R: Fil-Canada (Marie Antoinette Carbon), Bogo City (Mira Mae Dimmerling), Olongapo City (Angelee Claudett delos Reyes), Iriga City (Katherine Dominique Lagrimas) and Nagcarlan (Kimverlyn Suiza)

Beautiful contestants in white, gold and silver filled the poolside with their gorgeous figures and welcoming smiles. Here are some of my favorite girls; aren’t they just gorgeous?

When I walked in the first people I saw were Miss Earth founder Lorraine Schuck and Michelle Bautista (Miss Photogenic Mutya ng Pilipinas 1986). They were with the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Josef Rychtar. I quickly congratulated him because the reigning Miss Earth 2012, Tereza Fajksova is from the Czech Republic.

Ambassador Rychtar was wonderful company! He shared a funny story: Some 4 years ago his embassy received a call from the Miss Earth organizers. They needed a translator for the Czech Republic’s contestant that year. The Ambassador offered his services since he spoke Czech as well as Russian. He ended up serving as translator for 14 contestants from his region. The Miss Earth group ended up inviting him to be a judge that year and they have maintained a close relationship ever since!

Miss Earth founder Lorraine Schuck with Czech Republic Ambassador Josef Rychtar

Blog Author Joyce Ann Burton (left) with Michelle Bautista, Mutya ng Pilipinas Miss Photogenic 1986… she is now married to businessman Noel Tanada…

I was deLIGHTed to find out that the husband of my dear friend Michelle Bautista was the supplier of the gorgeous solar lamps (brand name “TANGLAW”) that were being brandished by all the contestants of Miss Philippines Earth 2013 during the cocktail presentation! Michelle’s hubby, businessman Noel Tanada was busy taking footage of the event. The whole solar lamp thing goes hand in hand with the environmental focus of Miss Philippines’ Earth.

Here are some shots of the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 contestants modeling Tanglaw solar lamps and torches:

I love these solar-powered lights!

Ipil (Athina Karla Chia) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

Zamboanga (Nancy Leonard) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

Legazpi (Casey Ann Austria) and Iriga (Katherine Dominique Lagrimas) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

City of Manila (Alyanna Andrea Amistad) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

Marikina (Maretony Baldoza), Marilao (Caneille Faith Santos) and Misamis Occidental (Krystel Suizo) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

Cebu (Teffanie Lene Llamada) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

Lipa City (Jillian Kristin Deveza) – Miss Philippines Earth 2013

More Miss Philippines Earth 2013 beauties! Surigao City (Joanna Jane Janson), Taguig City (Charmaine Hernandez) and Talisay I think (Maria Eliza Zosa). Behind her is Tanza (Marie Bernadette Meneses)

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur (Jannie Alipo-on) – Miss Philipines Earth 2013

Another fantastic surprise was bumping into Mike and Seline Magpayo, the organizers of my pageant – Miss Young Philippines 1981!!! They are like my second mom and dad. Seline looked ravishing while Mike was his old debonair self. The last time I saw them was maybe some 20 years ago so it was a fantastic reunion…

OMG! Seline and Mike Magpayo – they were the organizers of my Miss Young Philippines beauty pageant in 1981… haven’t seen them in ages! They look AWESOME!

I also had the opportunity to chat with one of the judges during the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant – Italy’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Massimo Roscigno. It turns out that his sexy and gorgeous wife Agnes was my schoolmate at Benedictine Abbey School in Muntinglupa!

Anywhoo… Ambassador Roscigno was the judge who asked Bb. Pilipinas 2013 contestant #34 Grace Apuad what her greatest contribution to her community would be. IMHO, Grace had one of the better answers among the semi-finalists; she said her greatest contribution would be inspiring the youth by modeling her life as an independent woman who finished school even without the help of her parents. The good Ambassador agreed with me that Grace Apuad gave a good answer.

Ambassador Roscigno also shared all these delicious tidbits about what went on during the judging process, however, I am bound by secrecy so I can’t tell you what he said, argh! But the one thing I can tell you is that 3 of the Top 5 in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 were his personal choices. The Ambassador indeed has a keen eye for beauty – he knows how to pick them well, just look at his fabulous wife Agnes!

L-R – Agnes Ventura Roscigno (the ambassador’s wife and my batchmate at Bene), me in the middle and Ambassador Massimo Roscigno of the Italian Embassy in the Philippines

Another good friend I bumped into was Amelia Joy dela Cruz who is Miss Southeast Asia 1993 (she was also winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas Charm in 1990 and a Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner-up in the late 80s). Amelia is now a bag designer!

It was a lovely evening indeed with the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 contestant. I also had a blast sharing stories with old and new friends. Hoping you enjoyed some of the things I shared here! Don’t forget, Miss Philippines Earth 2013 coronation night is happening on Sunday, May 19, 2013, 7pm at the SM MOA Arena… see you there!

L-R – Nagcarlan (Kimverlyn Suiza), Amelia Joy dela Cruz (Miss Southeast Asia 1993), Olongapo (Angelee delos Reyes) and the blogging beauty queen!

My choice for the MPE 2013 crown – Olongapo’s Angelee delos Reyes

The coronation night of Miss Philippines Earth 2013 is tomorrow night, Sunday May 19, 2013 at the SM Arena next to Mall of Asia and here is my list of favorites:

I only have one girl picked out for the crown – Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of Olongapo, one of the most charming pageant veterans I have ever seen! It was easy to make my choice because out of all the contestants, I find her to be the most polished one. She has already competed in international pageants, always placing in the semi-finals. She is best known as the winner of Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2012; Angelee Claudett delos Reyes also won Best in Long Gown at the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 beauty pageant.

This also happens to be her second shot at the Miss Earth title. She joined in 2009 (Sandra Seifert’s year) where she won Best in Talent.

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes’ International Achievements:

Continental Queen of Asia in the Supermodel International 2012

Miss Internet Popularity and semi-finalist in the Miss Bikini International 2011

There is one girl though who could grab the crown from Angelee Claudett delos Reyes and that happens to be her best friend Kimverlyn Suiza of Nagcarlan (altho I find her official headshot for Miss Philippines Earth 2013 to be horrible. It just didn’t do justice to her Maria Clara type of beauty.)

So, Top 1 is Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of Olongapo.

Top 2 is Kimverlyn Suiza of Nagcarlan

Nagcarlan, Laguna – Kimverlyn Suiza

**********************************************************************************************************

The rest of my favorites. I have 13 lovelies!

Bogo, Cabuyao, Ipil, Marikina

Bogo City – Mira-Mae Dimmerling

Cabugao – Jannie Alipo-on

Ipil – Athina Karla Chia

Marikina – Maretony Baldoza

*****

Misamis Occidental, RT Lim, San Manuel, San Marcelino

Misamis Occidental – Kristel Suizo

RT Lim – Glady Sta. Teresa

San Manuel – Lulette Jane Ramilo

San Marcelino – Janine Asanion

*****

Santa Maria, Taguig, Talisay, Tanauan, West Coast Fil-USA

Santa Maria – Bernadette Aguirre

Taguig – Charmaine Hernandez

Talisay – Maria Eliza Zosa

Tanauan – Kristel Guelos

West-Coast FIL USA – Alma Cabasal

MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2013 WINNER: ANGELEE CLAUDETT DELOS REYES!!!

Last year’s Miss Philippines Earth Stephany Stefanowitz crowns Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, our new Miss Philippines Earth winner!

Congratulations to Angelee Claudett delos Reyes for finally achieving her dream of winning a major beauty title: Miss Philippines Earth!!! She was crowned by outgoing queen Stephany Stefanowitz at the SM Arena on May 19, 2013 over 47 other beauties.

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes was my main choice for the MPE 2013 crown from the very start of the earth-friendly beauty pageant. So I am overjoyed that my favorite girl won!

I’ll be uploading coronation photos later so please visit again. This photo on the right was taken during the MPE 2013 Press Presentation at F1 Hotel a few weeks before this post.

Get to know Angelee Claudett delos Reyes better in this article I wrote for her 2 years ago when she was the reigning Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines beauty queen!

And now for the rest of the winners at Miss Philippines Earth 2013…

Winners of Miss Philipines Earth 2013 L-R – Bernadette Mae Aguirre of Sta. Maria (Eco-Tourism), Nancy Leonard of Zamboanga (Water), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of Olongapo (Miss Philippines Earth 2013 winner), Kimverlyn Suiza of Nagcarlan (Air) and Alma Cabasal of West Coast Fil-USA (Fire)

Air – Nagcarlan
Water – Zamboanga
Fire – West Coast Fil-USA
Eco-Tourism – Sta. Maria

*****

Second Set of 5 Finalists Announced:
San Marcelino
Santa Maria
Olongapo
West Coast Fil-USA

*****

First Set of 5 Finalists Announced:
Nagcarlan
Misamis Occidental
San Manuel
Cabugao
Zamboanga

***

I normally avoid late night partying because I hate cigarette smoke and need my beauty sleep. But I just had to attend Angelee Claudett delos Reyes’ Victory Party at Palladium in New World Hotel Makati to celebrate her winning Miss Philippines Earth 2013. I had so much emotional investment in this Olongapo beauty (she was my main choice for the MPE 2013 crown) so I had to go!

Here are a few photos from the party… Enjoy!

Kimverlyn Suiza of Nagcarlan signs her first autograph as Miss Philippines Air 2013 while Miss Philippines Earth 2013 main winner Angelee Claudett delos Reyes and I pose for the cam…

This is what Kimverlyn Suiza was doing in the photo above – signing her first autograph as Miss Air Philippines 2013!

Congratulations to the First Couple of Carousel Productions – Tito Mon Monzon and Lorraine Schuck for a successful Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Production!

ABQ with the brand new Miss Earth Philippines 2013 winner, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – isn’t she just stunningly fab?

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes’ first autograph as Miss Philippines Earth 2013!

With my pageant BFF Zeny Seifert (middle) and her gorgeous daughter Sandra Seifert, Miss Philippines Earth 2009!

With my two other favorties – Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism, Bernadette Aguirre (middle) and Miss Philippines Water 2013 Nancy Leonard (right)

The 2 girls sign their first autograph as Miss Philippines Earth elemental winners!

Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Alma Cabasal (top photo) got nauseated at around midnight but we helped her recover. I was in charge of fanning her, aahaha! Below is Nancy Leonard’s first autograph as Miss Philippines Water 2013.

Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Bernadette Aguirre’s first autograph as an MPE winner!

Party Girls! Back Row L-R – Peachy Veneration, me, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, Kimverlyn Suiza and Amelia dela Cruz. In front of us, is an ecstatic Lorraine Schuck! Congratulations for a successful Miss Philippines Earth 2013 beauty pageant!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes answers her questions at Miss Philippines Earth 2013. Good job grrrl!

Hey you tree-hugging fans of Miss Philippines Earth, please check out my article in Rappler.com. I wrote this really LOOOONG article on why I believe Angelee Claudett delos Reyes won the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 crown and what her chances are when she represents the Philippines in Miss Earth 2013.

And since I’m sucking up to Rappler, please help me by leaving a VERRRY NICE comment on their site!?? AAHAAHAHA! Kapal muhks ko talaga ano? But go lang ng go! I love you all!!!

Click here to get to the article and… don’t forge the nice comment ok? LOLZ!

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Best in Long Gown and a Semifinalist – #26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

Second Set of Bb Pilipinas Special Award Winners and the Top 12:

Miss Photogenic #1 Karen Gallman

Miss PAL and Miss Avon – #9 MJ Lastimosa

Best in Long Gown, my favorite – Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

TOP 12 SEMI-FINALISTS OF BB PILIPINAS 2012:

#30 Sherlyn Gonzales
#16 Liezel Alcantara
#7 Patricia Ejercitado
#29 Ali Forbes
#26 Angelee delos Reyes
#9 MJ Lastimosa
#13 Katrina Dimaranan
#18 Janine Tugonon
#15 Elaine Kay Moll
#14 Gina Joy Howell
#8 Nicole Schmitz
#1 Karen Gallman

Miss Earth 2013 presented it’s lovely international candidates last Thursday (Nov. 21, 2013) at the F1 Hotel’s poolside and here are a few of my observations:

This year’s batch is prettier than last year and I’d like to make special mention that I’m quite happy with the black beauties – almost all of them appeal to me. Besides, it would be refreshing to see an ebony beauty wear the crown on Dec. 7, 2013.

Europe also sent several striking ladies but I can’t help but feel that a Latina will snatch the crown away from power candidate Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the Philippines. The nationalistic side of me hopes it doesn’t happen but the other half is quite open to possibilities. I can be schizo when it comes to my pageant choices, aahaha!

Anyhoo, here are my favorite girls in swimsuit at the Press Presentation of Miss Earth 2013. I picked them not just for their physique but also for their facial appeal, catwalk and posing techniques. But it is in no way my final list of favorites for the Miss Earth 2013 crown…

Note that Bonaire and Cameroon were still en route to the Philippines at the time of the Press Con so they were not part of the program.

NOTE 2: IF YOU CATCH ANY TYPOS OR MISTAKES, PLEASE DROP ABQ A NOTE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION. OR EMAIL ME AT jaedeelight@yahoo.com

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Australia’s Renera Thompson, Austria’s Katia Wagner, Bolivia’s Maria Rene Carmona and Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Vera Kmeta

AUSTRALIA – Renera Thompson of AUSTRALIA sort of reminded me of Angelina Jolie minus the bee-stung lips. Apart from her sculpted physique I so love her glowing tan which is natural, btw,  thanks to her Samoan roots. As an investment advisor, she hopes to encourage other Samoan women to develop entrepreneurial leadership. Another dream of hers is to work on TV as a presenter. Renera is 26 years old and stands 5′ 5¾” (167cms) .

AUSTRIA – Katia Wagner who is from AUSTRIA wore a simple bright coral bikini that accentuated her curves nicely. Loved her fresh face and natural smile but you can’t expect anything less from a dentist and CEO of a nail salon. The 2012 model of Eva Air’s Royal Laurel Class is 25 years old and  5’8″ tall (173cms).

BOLIVIA – Dusky with dimples and a towering frame is how I describe BOLIVIA’s sizzling Maria Rene Carmona. Reneca, as her friends call her, ruled the stage with her NBA height of nearly 6’1″ (185cms). Oh, did I mention that she’s part of the national basketball team in Bolivia? This 18-year-old civil engineering student is in my list of top favorites!

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – The stunning redhead from BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, Vera Krneta took our breath away in her white swimsuit. The 19-year old student has been working hard on her English skills to improve her chances of winning Miss Earth 2013 and if she doesn win, she’ll have to put her plans to study Social Sciences on ice. Vera Krnata stands 5’9″ tall (175cms).

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Canada’s Sofiya Chorniy, Costa Rica’s Mariela Aparicio, Crimea’s Maria Makater, Cote D’Ivoire’s Bintou Traore

CANADA – Fresh as a daisy with her simple styling, Sofiya Chorniy of CANADA didn’t have to do much to impress this author. In case you’re wondering about her name, Sofiya has Ukrainian roots and speaks the language fluently aside from English and French. The 20-year-old is studying Kinesiology and Physical Education with dreams of teaching PE and French to children. She also keeps fit by playing competitive water polo. Sofiya is 5’9″ (175.2 cms) and works part-time as a model.

COSTA RICA – Mariela Aparicio of COSTA RICA was an apparition of beauty as she made her way down the ramp. The choice to wear a a bright green swimsuit trimmed with long fringes made her stand out in this batch. The 5’9″ (175 cms) tanned tigress was Miss Costa Rica International 2011 where she placed in the Top 15. Mariela is 26 years old and is a professional model.

CRIMEA – Though her tresses make you think of the Little Mermaid, all that hair in her face can’t hide the beauty of Maria Makater of CRIMEA. The 18-year-old student of journalism was featured in an MTV of a hiphop group based in Chernigov, Ukraine. Maria’s pageant titles include Queen of Chernigov 2012 and Queen of Flowers 2011. She stand 5’8½” tall (174 cms).

COTE  D’IVOIRE – This ebony queen from the Ivory Coast is a law student who works as a part-time model. For me, this black beauty has a touch of Pinoy flavor which is why I love her. Bintou Traore of COTE D’IVOIRE stands 5’9″ tall (175 cms).

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Czech Republic’s Monika Leova, Ecuador’s Ana Maria Weir, France’s Sophie Garenaux, Gabon’s Filiane Mayombo Koundi

CZECH REPUBLIC – Surprise! Monica Leova of the CZECH REPUBLIC looks more Asian than Czech thanks to her Vietnamese roots. When I saw her I thought, “she’d make a gorgeous TV presenter.” Guess what? The 22-year old beauty queen happens to be a news anchor for TV Prima in her country. Monica, who stands a little over 5’10″ (178 cms) also works as a professional model.

ECUADOR – There’s a bit of Cherie Gil going on for this South American beauty. Ana Maria Weir of ECUADOR has striking face and a set of abs that most of humanity can only dream of. This fashion-model-slash-student competed in the Super Model of the World 2006. She is 25 years old and 5’8½” tall (174 cms).

FRANCE – This is the first ever international pageant for FRANCE’S Sophie Garenaux and still can’t believe that she is representing her country in Miss Earth 2013! The 22-year-old nursing student has a lady-like appeal not unlike that of French Royalty. Sophie stands at 5’9″ (175 cms).

GABON – The heavy-lidded eyes of GABON’s Filiane Mayombo Koundi are what got me first. Then it was the contrast between her golden swimsuit and dark African skin. So sexy! This 19 year old student is a little over 5’6″ tall.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Ghana’s Amabel Klutse, India’s Sobhita Dhulipala, Indonesia’s Nita Sofiani, Korea’s Catharina Choi

GHANA – When Amabel Klutse of GHANA smiles, it’s as if she’s laughing over some secret joke. Although I don’t find her photogenic, she is quite lovely to behold in person which is exactly what happened when I chanced upon her at the NAIA. Click here to read about it. Amabel Klutse is a 21-year-old building technology student who measures 5’11″ (180.2 cms).

INDIA – Hotter than a 42 degree fever, Sobhita Djulipala of INDIA brought more than just her hot curves to the stage – she also brought a pretty cool brain: she’s currently pursuing a post-graduate diploma in business and corporate law. The 5’9″ classically trained dancer is only 21 years of age.

INDONESIA – For me, the representative from INDONESIA, Nita Sofiani  is very “artistahin”; I can almost see her acting in a romantic telenovela on TV. But Nita is actually an event organizer and a make-up artist. She also has a degree in English. The Bandung beauty is 21 years old and measures 5’7½” (171 cms).

KOREA – IMHO, this is one of the beauties to beat in Miss Earth 2013. Catharina Choi (Nunes) of KOREA is one of my bets for the crown. She actually holds the Miss Korea Brazil 2013 title and is part-Brazilian. She could very well be the first dual national to represent the very traditional nation of South Korea in an international beauty contest. Before becoming a beauty queen, Catharina worked in her Mom’s office. She is 23 years old and is 5’8″ (173 cms). Catharina replaces Han Soo-Min in this pageant: a worthy exchange if you ask me!

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Martinique’s Rani Charles, Mexico’s Yuselmi Cristal Silva, Panama’s Johana Batista, Philippines’ Angelee delos Reyes

MARTINIQUE – I thought Rihanna was back in Manila when MARTINIQUE’s Rani Charles stepped out on the platform! Even with her non-beauty-queen punk rock hair, Rani became an automatic ABQ favorite for her sassy syle and eye-catching smile. Oh, she also reminds me of Halle Berry. Rani Charles is 21 years old, a student and measures 5’7½” (172 cms).

MEXICO – It was hard to breath when it was the turn of Yuselmi Cristal Silva of MEXICO. For me she’s got a dash of Bollywood in her beauty. The 5’10″ (178 cms) dreamboat is studying business administration and has been modeling since age 16. She hopes to become a Victoria’s Secret model one day. Yuselmi is 21 years old.

PANAMA -  I don’t often pick this country as a personal favorite so I’m excited to include Johanna Batista of PANAMA in my list of girls who ‘delivered the goods’ during the press con of Miss Earth 2013. Johanna, you might want to know, is a law student who works part-time as a fashion model. She is 21 years old and is 5’7″ (170 cms).

PHILIPPINES – Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the PHILIPPINES has got to have the most unbelievable curves on a woman! Although I hate her for being so curvy, (she makes us all look like sausages) she is one of my choices for the crown! If you want to know more about this 5’7½” Olongapo lass, click on this article that I wrote about her a few years back when she was Miss Bikini Philippines.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Poland’s Aleksandra Szczesna, Reunion’s Christelle Abrantes, Russia’s Olesya Boslovyak, Serbia’s Andjelka Tomasevic

POLAND – Out of the four in this batch, it’s easy to see that Aleksandra Szczesna of POLAND is the most reserved. But holding back seems to work for the 5’9″ fashion model; she’s a favorite of pageant viewers and a dead-ringer for Selena Gomez. Aleksandra who is 20 years old is a student at the University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, a city in central Poland.

REUNION ISLAND – If there was an award for the warmest smile it would certainly go to REUNION’s rep Christelle Abrantes. And for that alone she makes it to this list! Christelle, who is only 19 years old, has put on hold her dream of becoming a nurse to compete in Miss Earth. This animal lover stands 5’7″ tall (170 cms).

RUSSIA – Doesn’t she sort of remind you of Jennifer Garner? RUSSIA’s Olesya Boslovyak is a full-time model and the only one in my list who wore a one-piece at the press con of Miss Earth 2013. She’s gifted in height standing above the competition at 5’11″ (180 cms). In the ME press release she lists her occupation as ‘singer’. She also competed in Super Model of the World 2005 where our very own Charo Ronquillo placed as a runner-up.

SERBIA – One of the flirty-est walkers in this year’s pageant, Andjelka Tomasevic of SERBIA looks like a winner and I’m thinking of putting her on my list of favorites for the crown. She was born in Kosovo and her sister Milica was Miss Kosovo 2011. Andjelka is a tourism student, stands 5’7″ tall and is 20 years old.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Singapore’s Vanessa Hee, South Africa’s Ashanti Mbanga, Spain’s Cristina Martinez, Sweden’s Denice Andree

SINGAPORE – I really thought that the slightly lop-sided smile of Vanessa Hee of SINGAPORE looked really cute… not so beauty-queen-like but it could work. Vanessa Hee was Miss Singapore Seventeen 2008, an FHM SOL-diac Top 12 finalist in 2011 and was voted into Female Magazine’s 2012 list of “50 Gorgeous People” in Singapore. She used to be a bird trainer at the Jurong Bird Park but now works as a cabin crew member. She is 25 years old and stands 5’5″ (166 cms).

SOUTH AFRICA – Loved the blue flower on her bikini top! Ashanti Mbanga of SOUTH AFRICA brought a special kind of sweetness with her on stage along with her towering height of 6′ (182 cms). Ash, as she is fondly called, is 24 years old and completing her education in transport economics. Her goal is to pursue a political career in the transport sector of South Africa and maybe even become minister one day.

SPAIN – This green-eyed brunette is a top fashion model in Valencia and has posed for prestigious names in the circuit. Cristina Martinez of SPAIN, juggles her modeling career with her studies in marketing and administrative management. She also works as a part-time host. Cristina Martinez is 22 years old and is 5’10″ tall (177 cms).

SWEDEN – Loving the girl from SWEDEN! Denice Andree is a fitness freak and works as a physical therapist and nutritionist. When not sweating in the gym, the 5’10″ (178 cms) beauty works as a model. Denice also keeps a  blog that talks about her everyday live, the PT school where she trains students and her Miss Earth 2013 journey. Check it out by clicking HERE! (It’s in Swedish guys and gals so use Google Translate…)

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Tanzania’s Clara Noor, Thailand’s Punika Kunsuntornrat, Turkey’s Ezgi Avci, Ukraine’s Anastasia Sukh

TANZANIA – When Clara Noor of TANZANIA sailed out on stage, my co-blogger who runs “The Beauty of Almost Everything” kept saying that she looked like the Sphinx. I couldn’t have agreed less. With her hair folded over like an Egyptian headdress and her look as mysterious as the Saharan desert, Clara piqued our interest. Even more mysterious is that there’s very little information on the Mwanza native in her Miss Earth bio or online. If I get a chance, I’ll try to ask her a few questions…

THAILAND – After my recent 3-week mission trip to Thailand, I was eager to see that nation’s rep to Miss Earth 2013 and I’m happy to say that she didn’t disappoint! Punika Kunsuntornrat of THAILAND came out on stage like a fierce tigress with her tresses sleeked back in a wet look. The 5’9″ (175 cms) Miss Pattaya Motor Show 2013 is studying agriculture in a Bankok university. She’s 21 years old.

TURKEY – A newbie to the world stage of pageants Ezgi Avci of TURKEY finds herself more comfortable on a volleyball court. The 5’10″ (179 cms) delight is a volleyball player at Florida Tech University. Her goal is to get into TV as an anchor once she’s done with her studies. I like this 21-year old babe for her natural and fresh beauty.

UKRAINE – Wow, it seems like this country is always making it into my list of favorites.  UKRAINE’s Anastasia Sukh is one of the youngest contestants in Miss Earth 2013 at 18 years old. She is replacing the equally beautiful Natalia Varchenko; no reason has been given for the change but if anyone knows why, leave a comment please! Anastasia Sukh is a student and stands 5’10″ (177 cms) tall.

 

ABQ’s Swimsuit Favorites – USA’s Nicolle Velez, Venzuela’s Alyz Henrich, Zambia’s Atieno Kabwe, Zimbabwe’s Samantha Dika

USA -This year’s girl from the US is a Hispanic New Yorker who was born in Pennsylvania. USA’s Nicolle Velez, 22 years old, is an accounting grad and is working towards her CPA. The 5’7″ model happens to be a pageant junkie who started joining beauty contests as a child. For me, she’s got an Olivia Culpo thing going on. What do you think?

VENEZUELA – Okay, I hate to say this to all of you who hope that the Philippines will be the big star of pageants this 2013 but Venezuela might steal the show. I adore this vivacious vixen who sashayed all over the stage throwing winks and kisses at the audience. I strongly believe that VENEZUELA’S Alyz Henrich is a contender for the Miss Earth 2013 crown. The 22 year-old Falcón native works as a modeling teacher, holds a degree in Social Communications and can speak Spanish and Italian. She just gorgeous at 5’9″ (176 cms).

L-R Korea’s Catharina Choi (Fire), Austria’s Katia Wagner (Air), Venezuela’s Alyz Henrich (Miss Earth 2013 winner) and Thailand’s Punika Kuntornrat (Water)

Miss Earth 2013 is Venezuela! My pick for the crown!!!
Miss Air is Austria,  Katia Wagner.
Miss Water is Thailand, Punika Kuntornrat.
Miss Fire is Korea, Catharina Choi.

Scroll down for Top 16
Congratulations to all the winners!

**************

The outdoor stage at Versailles Palace in Alabang. Beautiful perhaps for a wedding but a challenging venue for a beauty pageant and a nightmare for journalists and photographers. We could hardly see and get good shots of the contestants without pushing people out of our way. Hoping for a better venue or stage layout next year.

The Miss Earth 2013 beauty tilt opened beneath a drizzling dark night but the damp evening did not dampen the spirits of the audience or the contestants. The opening number featured the girls in their eco-friendly outfits. The self-intro video showcased each contest divided into four regions – Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Loved the hosts Oli Pettigrew and his wife Linda Black who brought an international flavor to the pageant were tres professionnel.

The Miss Earth 2013 contestants waiting for the opening number to start!

After the opening number featuring the contestants in their eco-friendly outfits, Miss Earth Philippines Carla Henry then spent a moment talking about the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. She quoted Nelson Mandela (RIP) and then thanked all the nations who came to our aid.

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry (in white) gives a short speech on Yolanda thanking all the nations as represented in the pageant for coming to the aid of the Philippines when it was at its darkest hour.

Next. A video on Miss Earth 2013 activities that showcased the pageant’s strength – earth friendly projects.
Although the garden of Versailles in Alabang is an uncomfortable outdoor venue for photographers and bloggers (much prefer an indoor place) it was a sight to behold with the Miss Earth contestants on stage surrounded by shimmering pools and exotic foliage.

The judges are introduced. Yey! Lorraine Shuck is on the board along with Sarah Meier and Iza Calzado, three beautiful women I admire.

Top 16 announced:

Some of the contestants as they were called forward as part of the Top 16 circle of Miss Earth 2013…

Austria (my pick)
Turkey (my like)
Korea (my pick)
Chile (me like)
Mexico (my pick)
France (my like)
China
Mauritius
Thailand (my pick)
Spain (my special mention)
Poland (my special mention)
USA (my special mention)
Philippines (my pick)
So. Africa (my pick)
Venezuela (my pick)
Serbia (my pick)

(Hm. Oli Pettigrew didn’t play up on the suspense and just announced the 16th contestant with no drama. I so much prefer it to have drama!)

Serbia’s Andjelka Tomasevic throws her face to the night sky as her name is the last to be called during the announcement of the Top 16. A pensive Russia meanwhile stares blankly.

The Top 16 contestants at Miss Earth 2013 wave to the audience…

Swimsuit competition now with the Top 16 in glittery aqua green bikinis by Ricky Abad.

The Swimsuit Competition of the Top 16 winners in Miss Earth 2013 begins…

Here are some of the Top 16 Miss Earth semifinalists parading in their Ricky Abad bikinis that are to die for! Top row L-R – Serbia, Spain, Turkey and South Africa. Bottom row L-R – USA, Chile, Philippines and Mauritius.

I have to say choreography is bad for photographers seated in the media section hoping to get publishable shots of the girls. By the time they come close to our area, their backs are turned to us. Rats! The hubby had to go force his way and push people around just to get a good spot for photos. Hoping that this doesn’t happen again in the next Miss Earth pageant. And thanks to my hubby Ron for being forceful even if his true nature is gentle.

At this point, I must mention that Ricky Abad outdid himself with these fashionable bikinis adorned with sheer shawls. Kudos to you, my friend!

King of Hearts David Pomerantz serenades the girls…

Now the girls are back on stage, the Top 16 as well as the rest of the contestants all in long gowns for a serenade by the crooning minstrel we love so much in the Philippines – David Pomerantz.

The Long Gown Competition

The Long Gown Competition of the Top 16 in Miss Earth 2013

Austria – White, simple gown with glittery accents. Backless with beads dangling at her back.
Turkey – Love the gown. Mermaid na aqua green with silver accents.
Chile – White lacy.
Korea – Yellow mustard with pleats. Can’t make up my mind if I like.
Mexico – Blue tinged sequiny qown. Like fish scales.
France – Crimson and lovely. But looks like a red version of Korea’s gown?
China – Sheer and sexy. Silvery blue with white train.
Maritius – Gold and gorgeous.
Thailand – Another red gown. With an elegant pleats, beads and long train.
USA – Silvery white serpentina.
Poland – Beige and very feminine. Lacy at the bottom.
Spain – Dark glittery gown.
Philippines – Long sleeved white number. Don’t like her all covered up :’(
So. Africa – Stunning in bright green. Fab!
Venezuela – Pearly beaded gown. She’s on the rocks. Gorgeous! Best gown for me!
Serbia – White and simple. Too simple I think. Its like a bad rip off of Venezuela’s gown, sorry to say.

I’ll be coming up with a more detailed post on my thoughts on the Top 16 gowns.

The Long Gown Competition of the Top 16 in Miss Earth 2013

Announcement of Top 8

(Combined scores of swimsuit and gown)
Austria
Korea
Mexico
Thailand
Poland
Philippines
Venezuela
Serbia
(They are all in my forecasted list of favorites while Poland is my special mention, yehey!!!! Click here to read my forecast written just hours before the pageant.)

The Top 8 at Miss Earth 2013 – L-R – Austria, Mexico, Poland, Venezuela, Serbia, Philippines, Thailand and Korea

The Question and Answer segment

The girls have 30 secs to respond.
(I won’t write down the full QnA but only what my fingers can handle.)

Austria – Iza Calzado asked the Q on best invention ever. A – there are many but Solar energy is best. (Shakey voice but good answer.)

Korea – Q by Sarah Meier – There’s all kinds of discrimination but which is the worst kind for you? A – Any kind of discrimination is bad. (To the point. Good answer.)

Mexico – Q – Whats the biggest risk you ever took in your life? A with help of translator – Joining this pageant! Its for a cause and a way to teach public about environment. (Nice answer, swak!)

Thailand – Q – Aside from climate change what is the biggest threat to mother earth? (Thailand opened in English apologizing for her poor English then used a translator.) A – Human behavior. It affects whole world. (She went overtime and I wonder if they get minus points for doing that. Anyway, it was a good answer.)

The first four Miss Earth contestants during the Q and A segment…

Poland – Q – Why does God allow natural disaster? A – Because God wants to show people how to … Love together, (she struggled through her answer because, as the hosts mentioned, she didn’t speak English well. Nevertheless she attempted to answer in English and while I could understand what she wanted to say, she couldn’t explain it. I kept saying they should give her more time given her handicap.)

Philippines – Q from Lorraine Schuck – Its been a month since Yolanda. How do u think mother earth feels now? A – Sad, I wrote a song about it. It’s a wake up call. We must care for each other and the environment. (Best answer overall for me! Delivered with confidence and conviction.)

Venezuela – Q – How does eco-tourism contribute to the protection of thr environment? Translator – Because we people are responsible for the destruction of nature. We need to be aware of mother earth, save the earth. (Hmmm… Didn’t really answer the Q. Disappointed.)

Serbia – What ways can a woman be defined as an earth warrior?  A – Beauty is not just physical its what we have inside. We need to care for each other. Share happiness. Beauty should be inside and out. (She went overtime. Shakey voice. But hats off for attempting to answer in English even if she isn’t fluent.)

The next four Miss Earth 2013 contestants during the Q and A…

Next. Miss Earth 2012′s Yereza Fajksova’s farewell walk. Then another serenade by David Pomerantz of the Top 8. Then the announcement of the winners!

Miss Earth 2012 Tereza Fajksova says her goodbyes to all her supporters… although she is no longer the reigning queen of the Earth, she remains queen in hearts forever…

The ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS!

Miss Earth 2013 is Venezuela! My pick for the crown!!!
Miss Air is Austria,  Katia Wagner.
Miss Water is Thailand, Punika Kuntornrat.
Miss Fire is Korea, Catharina Choi.

Because many were rooting for Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the Philippines, it seemed like a letdown when Venezuela was announced the winner. The journalists in my section felt that the Philippines’ answer was the best one out of all 8 and I totally agree. I’ll be writing more about this in another post however, I just want to make it clear that Venezuela was my choice for the crown but not seeing the Philippines as one of the runners-up made me feel sad even if my favorite girl won the crown. In my heart I rejoice for the beauty of Alyz Henrich our new Miss Earth 2013 queen!

The memeber of the press rush up to the winners as soon as they form their winners’ tableau. L-R Korea’s Catharina Choi (Fire), Austria’s Katia Wagner (Air), Venezuela’s Alyz Henrich (Miss Earth 2013 winner) and Thailand’s Punika Kuntornrat (Water)

Congratulations to Carousel Productions and to Team Miss Earth for another successful edition of the Miss Earth beauty pageant!!!

Here are more photos of the post-pageant celebration:

Post-pageant celebration! Miss Earth 2013… Top left photo is me with Venezuela, top middle with Katia Wagner of Austria (Air), top right with Miss Earth 2102 Tereza Fajskova, bottom left with Zeny Seifert, Crimea and Ukraine (two of my favorites that didn’t enter the Top 15, middle bottom I’m with Miss Earth Philippines 2009 Sandra Seifert who hardly needs makeup to look glamorous, middle right I’m with Korea and bottom right with Thailand. GORGEOUS WINNERS!

I am not sure if members of the audience or TV viewers caught that precious moment when Miss Philippines Earth Angelee Claudett delos Reyes approached newly crowned Miss Earth winner Alyz Henrich to congratulate her. There was so much hullaballoo going on after Alyz was crowned that no one really seemed to notice.

But I was witness to it and it broke my heart so badly because I knew just how much Angelee wanted that crown. But even in the middle of her broken dream she had the grace to concede defeat and embrace that rival that caused it.

There’s Anglee Claudett delos Reyes (red circle) approaching Alyz Henrich of Venezuela (yellow arrow).

Two days after the pageant I asked Angelee Claudett delos Reyes what she said to Miss Venezuela and this is what she texted me:

I approached her and said “Felicidasciones!” (hope I spelled it right). I learned that’s how they say congratulations in Spanish (from Ms.Colombia). I respect Miss Earth Foundation and all the people behind Miss Earth Pageant so I believe that the result they announced really had a justifiable basis and that Ms.Venezuela is deserving enough together with the three other queens. We are all women of the earth and as I told them when I welcomed all the candidates, WE MAYBE IN A COMPETITION BUT WE HAVE ONE COMMON RESPONSIBILITY WHICH IS TO USE OUR BEAUTY TO EFFECT CHANGE AND MOVE PEOPLE TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT. That hasn’t change whether we get a crown or not.

After hugging the winner Miss Venezuela, Angelee Claudett delos Reyes congratulated all the elemental winners. She’s in white with her hands spread out…

In spite of that kind message from Angelee, I still can’t get over my disappointment that she did not even make it as an elemental winner (runner-up).  Specially since she had the STRONGEST and BEST answer in the Q&A portion among the Top 8 contestants!

The question was about what she thought mother earth felt in light of the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  In a nutshell, Angelee said that mother earth was most likely sad. She mentioned that she even wrote a song about it. Angelee ended by stressing how important it is to care for people AND the environment.

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes right after her Q&A.

For me, she had the best answer overall because it was to the point and delivered with confidence and conviction. Based on the strength of her answer, I thought she had an elemental crown in the bag. Absolutely sure she had it! But when all the winners were announced I was left stunned that the Philippines was left behind.

Could it have been a political decision not to let her into the Top 4 since the Philippines has been getting a lot of flak for consistently placing high in Miss Earth because it is a pageant owned and founded by Filipinos? Or maybe the ME leadership did not want people saying she won because of the sympathy vote due to Yolanda?

Or could it be because she got low scores for her gown?

I do not know how the last round was scored or if politics was involved but the only problem I saw with Miss Philippines on coronation night was her long-sleeved gown with swags. It just did not flatter her to be so covered up. The gown was nice but not for this pageant. She should have been in a sexier number where we could see her arms, shoulders, curves and maybe some leg. Besides, she was wearing a very similar gown when she won Miss Philippines Earth earlier this year, look below.

Angelee’s gown at Miss Philippines Earth 2013. Looks very similar to what she wore in Miss Earth 2013.

But EVEN if the gown was not the most flattering I still believe Angelee Claudett delos Reyes deserved an elemental crown. Venezuela was actually my choice to win and I was happy that she won but Angelee going home without a crown dampened my joy that night so I left Versailles Palace with mixed feelings, happy for Venezuela but heart-broken for Angelee.

But at least I have that moment captured on camera and in my heart when the Philippines went forward to congratulate Venezuela. Angelee truly showed that she deserved a crown that night for her sportsmanship, statesmanship and humility.

God bless you Angelee, I will always admire you for your beauty and strength in the midst of brokenness. Thank you for fighting the good fight!

Me and My Lunch Mates – L-R – Lorraine Schuck, Zeny Seifert, Me, Kai Magsanoc and Raymond Golez

LORRAINE, FRESH FROM A US TRIP WITH DAUGHTER

It was a joy to hang out with Lorraine Schuck (Exec VP of Carousel Productions) and my dear pageant bffs – Zeny Seifert who is the mom of beauty queen Sandra Seifert, Kai Magsanoc of Yahoo Phils and Raymond Golez of Sash Factor. We all had a brief tête-à-tête and discovered that Lorraine had just flown in from the US! She went straight to Solaire from the airport to oversee the Presscon of Miss Philippines Earth 2014. WOW, now that’s STAMINA!

Lorraine says she was in the US to support her daughter who was representing the Philippines in an international debating cont

st for law students. Although her daughter’s team didn’t win, Lorraine said they reached runner-up level. Not bad!

DIANE CERVANTES, RECOVERING FROM ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

I also asked her the latest on elemental queen Diane Cervantes who was shot in the head by an unknown assailant but miraculously survived. Read the story here.

According to Lorraine, Diane is out of the hospital and recovering quite well but is experiencing memory lapses. News reports say she was shot in the head thrice. During her stay at the UST hospital, Diane was reportedly under tight guard due to concerns that the attack could have been politically motivated and that another attempt on her life could be made.

KIMVERLYN SUIZA HAD LORRAINE’S BLESSING TO JOIN BB PILIPINAS

I finally gathered the courage to ask Lorraine Schuck about Kimverlyn Suiza, last year’s Miss Philippines Air winner (1st Runner-up). You see, Kim resigned from MPE to join Bb. Pilipinas but unfortunately did not even enter the Top 15. A terrible disappointment for this blogger and for many pageant followers.

Hard to imagine how this beauty did not enter the semi-finals… Kimverly Suiza at Bb. Pilipinas’ National Costume competition. Photo from Rappler

Photo from Rappler, click here for more.

According to Lorraine she gave Kim her blessing and allowed her to resign. Lorraine says, “I always support the girls if it’s something that will be good for their careers. So I was very very sad when Kim didn’t enter the Top 15.”

Since Kimverlyn had resigned, Lorraine and the MPE team moved Nancy Leonard to the Air position, Alma Cabasal to the Water title and then bumped up semi-finalist Athina Chia (representing Ipil) into the Fire position (3rd RU). Bernadette Aguirre, meantime, retained her Eco-Tourism sash.

Below is can see Athina Chia in red, the new addition to the Top 5 MPE 2013 winners’ circle:

Athina Chia (FIRE) is at the far left in the red gown. Next to her is Nancy Leonard (Air), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (MPE 2013), Alma Cabasal (Water) and Bernadette Aguirre (Eco-Tourism) – all at the Prescon of MPE 2014 in Solaire

Halfway thru the kuwentuhan at our table, the 49 Miss Philippines Earth 2014 contestants joined us and the pressfolk at the Eclipse Cafe in Solaire. Here are some of the beauties that I captured on my lens:

Queens form 2013 – Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (right) with MPE Water 2013 Alma Cabasal

Warm smiles from Phoebe Estoconing of Tampilisan (left) and Jennifer Kaye Allegro of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur

These pretties were tucked away in one corner:  (Who is the girl on the far left? Can’t see her sash…) Anna Czarinah Buenviaje (Malinao, Albay), Margie Alatan (Zamboanga City), Mary Laveryn Naluz (Las Pinas)

Carmen Baena representing the Filipino community in Melbourne, Australia answers a few questions…

The feline beauty of Kaycie Lyn Fajardo of Agoncillo, Batangas

They share the same last name: Jenn Kristel Gonzales of Mariveles, Bataan (left) and Cainta, Rizal rep Maria Jenny Feliz Gonzales.

Tanauan’s Diane Querrer being interviewed by a press member

Cuties! Jashmin Lyn Dimaculangan of Cainta (left) and Jodimay Megan Zervoulakos of Taguig

So pretty! Ma. Bencelle Bianzon representing Duenas, Ilo-ilo

Gorgeous gal from San Francisco – Rizza Belen Diaz! She eats CAREFULLY!

Press-favorite Jamie Herrel of Cebu City

Adorable in her floppy sun hat! Leslie Ann Pine of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Diane Querrer of Tanauan (left) with Davao City’s Janelle Tee… with a photobomb waiter in the background, aahahaha!

Three lovelies in a row: Crystal Star Aberasturi of Liloan, Cebu (left), Melanie Christine Balagtas of Sydney, Australia (middle) and Angelie Crizelle Ocampo of Sta. Rita, Pampanga

A smile from heaven! Joselle Mariano of Trece Martires, Cavite

The sultry Pia Pialago, TV reporter turned pageant babe.. representing Dalaguete, Cebu

A head-turner! Dumaguete’s Kimberly Covert!

Top contenders in MPE 2014 – Jamie Herrell of Cebu (left) and Bianca Paz (right). Will they be the last 2 women standing on coronation night?

Fabulous! Monique Manuel of Dinalupihan, Bataan and Diane Querrer of Tanauan…

What a sweetheart! Cesdianne Daung from Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay

Beauties on a break… Marjorie Acuna of Gerona Tarlac ((left) and Melissa Isabelle Arganda from Pateros, MM

Ma. Teresa Ocampo, a dusky babe from Laoag with one of my favorite pageant photogs…

One of the tallest girls in MPE 2014, Christine Angel Alvaira of San Nicolas, Batangas

Her smile is the cutest! Mary Laveryn Naluz…

A stunner from Daraga, Albay – Patrixia Sherly Santos

L-R Korea’s Catharina Choi (Fire), Austria’s Katia Wagner (Air), Venezuela’s Alyz Henrich (Miss Earth 2013 winner) and Thailand’s Punika Kuntornrat (Water)

Miss Earth 2013 is Venezuela! My pick for the crown!!!
Miss Air is Austria,  Katia Wagner.
Miss Water is Thailand, Punika Kuntornrat.
Miss Fire is Korea, Catharina Choi.

Scroll down for Top 16
Congratulations to all the winners!

**************

The outdoor stage at Versailles Palace in Alabang. Beautiful perhaps for a wedding but a challenging venue for a beauty pageant and a nightmare for journalists and photographers. We could hardly see and get good shots of the contestants without pushing people out of our way. Hoping for a better venue or stage layout next year.

The Miss Earth 2013 beauty tilt opened beneath a drizzling dark night but the damp evening did not dampen the spirits of the audience or the contestants. The opening number featured the girls in their eco-friendly outfits. The self-intro video showcased each contest divided into four regions – Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Loved the hosts Oli Pettigrew and his wife Linda Black who brought an international flavor to the pageant were tres professionnel.

The Miss Earth 2013 contestants waiting for the opening number to start!

After the opening number featuring the contestants in their eco-friendly outfits, Miss Earth Philippines Carla Henry then spent a moment talking about the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. She quoted Nelson Mandela (RIP) and then thanked all the nations who came to our aid.

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry (in white) gives a short speech on Yolanda thanking all the nations as represented in the pageant for coming to the aid of the Philippines when it was at its darkest hour.

Next. A video on Miss Earth 2013 activities that showcased the pageant’s strength – earth friendly projects.
Although the garden of Versailles in Alabang is an uncomfortable outdoor venue for photographers and bloggers (much prefer an indoor place) it was a sight to behold with the Miss Earth contestants on stage surrounded by shimmering pools and exotic foliage.

The judges are introduced. Yey! Lorraine Shuck is on the board along with Sarah Meier and Iza Calzado, three beautiful women I admire.

Top 16 announced:

Some of the contestants as they were called forward as part of the Top 16 circle of Miss Earth 2013…

Austria (my pick)
Turkey (my like)
Korea (my pick)
Chile (me like)
Mexico (my pick)
France (my like)
China
Mauritius
Thailand (my pick)
Spain (my special mention)
Poland (my special mention)
USA (my special mention)
Philippines (my pick)
So. Africa (my pick)
Venezuela (my pick)
Serbia (my pick)

(Hm. Oli Pettigrew didn’t play up on the suspense and just announced the 16th contestant with no drama. I so much prefer it to have drama!)

Serbia’s Andjelka Tomasevic throws her face to the night sky as her name is the last to be called during the announcement of the Top 16. A pensive Russia meanwhile stares blankly.

The Top 16 contestants at Miss Earth 2013 wave to the audience…

Swimsuit competition now with the Top 16 in glittery aqua green bikinis by Ricky Abad.

The Swimsuit Competition of the Top 16 winners in Miss Earth 2013 begins…

Here are some of the Top 16 Miss Earth semifinalists parading in their Ricky Abad bikinis that are to die for! Top row L-R – Serbia, Spain, Turkey and South Africa. Bottom row L-R – USA, Chile, Philippines and Mauritius.

I have to say choreography is bad for photographers seated in the media section hoping to get publishable shots of the girls. By the time they come close to our area, their backs are turned to us. Rats! The hubby had to go force his way and push people around just to get a good spot for photos. Hoping that this doesn’t happen again in the next Miss Earth pageant. And thanks to my hubby Ron for being forceful even if his true nature is gentle.

At this point, I must mention that Ricky Abad outdid himself with these fashionable bikinis adorned with sheer shawls. Kudos to you, my friend!

King of Hearts David Pomerantz serenades the girls…

Now the girls are back on stage, the Top 16 as well as the rest of the contestants all in long gowns for a serenade by the crooning minstrel we love so much in the Philippines – David Pomerantz.

The Long Gown Competition

The Long Gown Competition of the Top 16 in Miss Earth 2013

Austria – White, simple gown with glittery accents. Backless with beads dangling at her back.
Turkey – Love the gown. Mermaid na aqua green with silver accents.
Chile – White lacy.
Korea – Yellow mustard with pleats. Can’t make up my mind if I like.
Mexico – Blue tinged sequiny qown. Like fish scales.
France – Crimson and lovely. But looks like a red version of Korea’s gown?
China – Sheer and sexy. Silvery blue with white train.
Maritius – Gold and gorgeous.
Thailand – Another red gown. With an elegant pleats, beads and long train.
USA – Silvery white serpentina.
Poland – Beige and very feminine. Lacy at the bottom.
Spain – Dark glittery gown.
Philippines – Long sleeved white number. Don’t like her all covered up
So. Africa – Stunning in bright green. Fab!
Venezuela – Pearly beaded gown. She’s on the rocks. Gorgeous! Best gown for me!
Serbia – White and simple. Too simple I think. Its like a bad rip off of Venezuela’s gown, sorry to say.

I’ll be coming up with a more detailed post on my thoughts on the Top 16 gowns.

The Long Gown Competition of the Top 16 in Miss Earth 2013

Announcement of Top 8

(Combined scores of swimsuit and gown)
Austria
Korea
Mexico
Thailand
Poland
Philippines
Venezuela
Serbia
(They are all in my forecasted list of favorites while Poland is my special mention, yehey!!!! Click here to read my forecast written just hours before the pageant.)

The Top 8 at Miss Earth 2013 – L-R – Austria, Mexico, Poland, Venezuela, Serbia, Philippines, Thailand and Korea

The Question and Answer segment

The girls have 30 secs to respond.
(I won’t write down the full QnA but only what my fingers can handle.)

Austria – Iza Calzado asked the Q on best invention ever. A – there are many but Solar energy is best. (Shakey voice but good answer.)

Korea – Q by Sarah Meier – There’s all kinds of discrimination but which is the worst kind for you? A – Any kind of discrimination is bad. (To the point. Good answer.)

Mexico – Q – Whats the biggest risk you ever took in your life? A with help of translator – Joining this pageant! Its for a cause and a way to teach public about environment. (Nice answer, swak!)

Thailand – Q – Aside from climate change what is the biggest threat to mother earth? (Thailand opened in English apologizing for her poor English then used a translator.) A – Human behavior. It affects whole world. (She went overtime and I wonder if they get minus points for doing that. Anyway, it was a good answer.)

The first four Miss Earth contestants during the Q and A segment…

Poland – Q – Why does God allow natural disaster? A – Because God wants to show people how to … Love together, (she struggled through her answer because, as the hosts mentioned, she didn’t speak English well. Nevertheless she attempted to answer in English and while I could understand what she wanted to say, she couldn’t explain it. I kept saying they should give her more time given her handicap.)

Philippines – Q from Lorraine Schuck – Its been a month since Yolanda. How do u think mother earth feels now? A – Sad, I wrote a song about it. It’s a wake up call. We must care for each other and the environment. (Best answer overall for me! Delivered with confidence and conviction.)

Venezuela – Q – How does eco-tourism contribute to the protection of thr environment? Translator – Because we people are responsible for the destruction of nature. We need to be aware of mother earth, save the earth. (Hmmm… Didn’t really answer the Q. Disappointed.)

Serbia – What ways can a woman be defined as an earth warrior?  A – Beauty is not just physical its what we have inside. We need to care for each other. Share happiness. Beauty should be inside and out. (She went overtime. Shakey voice. But hats off for attempting to answer in English even if she isn’t fluent.)

The next four Miss Earth 2013 contestants during the Q and A…

Next. Miss Earth 2012’s Yereza Fajksova’s farewell walk. Then another serenade by David Pomerantz of the Top 8. Then the announcement of the winners!

Miss Earth 2012 Tereza Fajksova says her goodbyes to all her supporters… although she is no longer the reigning queen of the Earth, she remains queen in hearts forever…

The ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS!

Miss Earth 2013 is Venezuela! My pick for the crown!!!
Miss Air is Austria,  Katia Wagner.
Miss Water is Thailand, Punika Kuntornrat.
Miss Fire is Korea, Catharina Choi.

Because many were rooting for Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the Philippines, it seemed like a letdown when Venezuela was announced the winner. The journalists in my section felt that the Philippines’ answer was the best one out of all 8 and I totally agree. I’ll be writing more about this in another post however, I just want to make it clear that Venezuela was my choice for the crown but not seeing the Philippines as one of the runners-up made me feel sad even if my favorite girl won the crown. In my heart I rejoice for the beauty of Alyz Henrich our new Miss Earth 2013 queen!

The memeber of the press rush up to the winners as soon as they form their winners’ tableau. L-R Korea’s Catharina Choi (Fire), Austria’s Katia Wagner (Air), Venezuela’s Alyz Henrich (Miss Earth 2013 winner) and Thailand’s Punika Kuntornrat (Water)

Congratulations to Carousel Productions and to Team Miss Earth for another successful edition of the Miss Earth beauty pageant!!!

Here are more photos of the post-pageant celebration:

Post-pageant celebration! Miss Earth 2013… Top left photo is me with Venezuela, top middle with Katia Wagner of Austria (Air), top right with Miss Earth 2102 Tereza Fajskova, bottom left with Zeny Seifert, Crimea and Ukraine (two of my favorites that didn’t enter the Top 15, middle bottom I’m with Miss Earth Philippines 2009 Sandra Seifert who hardly needs makeup to look glamorous, middle right I’m with Korea and bottom right with Thailand. GORGEOUS WINNERS!