Review: Manhunt International 2017 - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Male pageants are sprouting every year like mushrooms and each one of them tried to be different in their advocacy and in their presentation but one thing is sure everybody is moving heaven and earth to give us a spectacular show. Manhunt International 2017 is no different. The finals was made two days ago and they have a new set of winners.

And just like everyone else, like a true-blue blogger, it is but customary to discuss and ran down the many things that makes the final night worth remembering ... or worthy of a rebuke and a slap in the hand.

1. Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theater in Bangkok Thailand was dimmed at the start show. Somebody cautioned us not to worry' " maybe it was done to give us a different mood in the opening number and in the national costume parade." The show however progressed and it is still dark and we saw candidates groping in the dark till the end.

2. In the National Costume Parade of Nations, one couldn't help but notice that the show is starting in the wrong foot. Australia was called only to find Australia was spelled in the screen as ... AUSTRARIA! Such an -AUST-rage!

3. There were 3 hosts in the pageant, (two speak the Thai language for the benifit of the locals and the third host translate what they said in English). each one of them trying to lead us to the bridge of boredom. We look around and saw the audience busy with their I-phones and what ... somebody was already yawning when the show is just starting. Somebody joked: "The dim light did it ..."

4. In NatCos ... Malaysia was in his pajamas, Germany was in his street clothes and Sweden, New Zealand and Puerto Rico were headed to a baseball and football games. Indonesia however has shown us year after year, that their national costumes is something the public should look forward to. As expected ... he won the Natco contest!

5. Thailand was the last to come out in the Natcos. From the stage as all candidates did, he has to go down to the audience area and then to the back of the stage. All candidates were already on the ramp ... and he was seen running hard to catch up.

6. The hosts continued to laugh and giggle in the stage and nobody knew what was funny and what they are laughing about. The whole exercise becomes tedious, tiresome and monotonous.

7. Manhunt International has utilized an all English hosts before that makes the show smooth sailing. What happened this year dragged the show that dare one's patience and endurance. It's a wake up call Alex Liu ... and an eye opener.

8. We can't believe some of the candidates in Top 16 are lacking in vigor, vitality and excitement in the swimwear competition. We mean some of these men are hungry to strut their wares in the international stage ... but their performance were lackluster. With the attitude like that how we wish Guam or Fernando de Noronha was on their place.

9. The National Costume and the Formal Wear competition was just too slow for comfort. We saw a lot of this men in slo-mo. The camera focused on them languidly ... even capturing the candidates lacking in spirit or interests. Thailand's classic blank stares were fully documented. I can almost read his thoughts: "Let's get this over with ..."

10. I find Philippine bet Daniel Azurin cute, Same thing can be said with Guam's Samuel Hashimoto and Myanmar's Kaung Khant Thu. Best smile goes to Daniel again, Gan Kai Han of Malaysia and Georgie Valkov of Bulgaria.

11. Dylan Van Niekerk of South Africa won Best African Model. That award made uncontrollable guffaws from the audience. Why? There is only one African candidate in this batch.

12. Hongkong won the Best Asian Model, but ran out of gas to reach the Top 16. Lesser Asian Models however like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand Singapore, Macau, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Indonesia and Malaysia were in Top 16. So why can't anyone of them have the award and what makes Hongkong so special? A case of distributing awards to please everyone?

13. Fernando do Noronha also won Best American Model but also failed to reach Top 16. So why deprive Brazil and Dominican Republic who were in Top 16 ... the award? Can someone be best in your continent but failed to advance to the top where it matters?

14. Designer Ricky Abad is a regular fixture in Manhunt International. For 7 years now he designs and sponsors swimwear for the contest in exchange for a job as a judge. Is this a case of "I'll scratch your back ... as I scratch yours?

15. One missosologist predicted this contest was a toss up between Lebanon and Philippines. If his prediction was right it will be second for Philippines and a sweet first for Lebanon. Philippines was axed, and Lebanon languished as second runner up.

16. Sam Hashimoto and Diego Michel Jacome Batista non-exclusion in Top 16 is unforgivable. Gaetan on the other hand doesn't smile anymore after the announcement of winners.. He knows something is wrong ...somewhere.

17. There was no Q and A. We thought all while beauty contest are made to showcase the candidates beauty, personality and potentials and that's including his intelligence. In a hotly contested pageant like Manhunt one wonders which areas of the competition has Vietnam or Thailand's have an advantage over Lebanon? That's a valid question right?

18. Gaetan Osman of Lebanon was robbed ... according to my friend who thinks that the facial beauty be given a weight. Placing Lebanon side by side with Vietnam or Thailand should end the contest even from the get-go.

19. He further said: Gaetan Osman losing to Vietnam ... is an anomaly. And Gaetan Osman losing both to Vietnam and Thailand ... is double whammy!

20. Another friend said: " I am shocked with the results ... 4 Asians in Top 5? I didn't see that coming. Nobody from America's ... Nobody from Europe and Nobody from Oceania and Africa. This is an overkill!

Overall I can say that it was an average show. The dim light from start to finish ruined the show. What is in the stage that they don't want us to see?

The National Costume Competition was a let-down. It was marred when the candidates descends from the stage one by one prolonging the agony of an overly extended segment.

The hosts also becomes a liability by putting more salt to the pageant's wounds. Miss Grand International (another Thai show) was held in Vietnam this year, but they proceeded with some success when they utilized English speaking hosts. Manhunt should follow suit.

Bench Underwear Fashion Shows Is Obssessed With Eternal Youth

 

It maybe is a cliche to borrow a showbiz popular line describing a star-studded affair but I can't help it. So a mammoth fashion show ... Bench Under the Stars promising to gather more stars than there are in heaven is shaping to be TRUE. It's not a hyperbole ... and it was not an exaggeration! I saw it with my own two eyes!

The empire of the beautiful and the famous has successfully gathered in one massive stage a bevy of showbiz, sports and modelling personalities and by virtue of its popularity and fan's patronage ... not being included in the list can be misconstrued by one as a demotion, or your star starts to flicker and your losing steam, or your career is teetering in a balance and heading towards an abysmal downfall. Simply said, your exclusion meant ... you didn't reach the Bench bar. (Of course those stars and models with contracts with Folded and Hung, Guitar, Cinderella, Boardwalk and other name brands are exempted)

Indeed your non-inclusion is a big kick in a butt. Your ego and self worth were wounded. You want to be alone ... and in the moment of deep introspection and self assessment was a rude awakening ... a realization that you were not as popular or as young you used to be. You felt ignored ... and snubbed. You started asking questions and you wonder how long are you going to put up with this and how long are you going to live a life fearing what you will see in the mirror the next day. Anxiety makes you feel that way, and figuring out what to do with your life after a modelling or acting career is doubly frightening.

This is showbiz reality. Everybody loves whoever that is YOUNG and PUBESCENT ..., and you are living in an industry obsessed with eternal youth. You used to be the star in similar fashion campaign before. Everybody chants your name, you were included in the list of the creme de la creme, until you found out one day ... your fashion colleagues gradually dropped you like a hot potato ... your modelling assignments are dwindling and your phone that used to irritate you because of its incessant ringing is now DEAD.

The situation is not only confined in showbiz and modelling. Even in hospitals, how often have you heard about nurses being forced to resign because of age. And how many teachers have you heard taking their swan song in exchange of some younger and perky wannabees?

I am writing this piece because I know of one model who is in similar situation. Asked why he didn't joined the show and he answered: "I guess they don't need me anymore ..." One should prepare for this dreadful day, because if you don't depression may sit in. One should not wallow on the fact that having a job as a model or an actor meant it is forever. Get another job you can fall back to ... and when push comes to shove ... the other job will catch you like a cushion when you fall.

Meanwhile the showbiz stars who come to grace the show are still the apple of the eyes ... and all things nice to Master Ben Chan. They are the following: Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, Inigo Pascual Julia Barretto, Kim Chiu, Julia Montes, Coleen Garcia,Dominic Roque, Diego Loyzaga, Anjo Damiles, Ruru Madrid, Derrick Monasterio, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Tom Rodriguez, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Kathniel, Richard Gutierrez, Paulo Avelino, Albie Casino, Marco Gumabao, Addy Raj, David Licauco, Kiko Estrada, Ahron Villena, Bruno Gabriel,Mark Mugen, Bianca King,Beauty Gonzales,Max Collins,Pancho Magno, Ken Chan, Kim Domingo, Andrea Torres, Maine Mendoza, Miho Nishida,Gabbi Garcia, Ash Ortega, Sanya Lopez, athletes like MMA fighter Mark Streigl and of course the Philippine Volcanoes stars Joe Dawson and Evan Spargo.

Models, beauty queens and kings also come in strong force: Mustafa Galal Elizali, Pietro Boselli, Ivo Buckta, Trevor Signorino, John Spainhour, LA Aguinaldo, Wynwyn Marquez, Bea Rose Santiago, Maxine Medina, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Joanna Eden, Gwen Ruais, Cynthia Thomalia,Ali Forbes.Andrea Biondo, Paul Guarnes, Mark Andrew Baron, Verge Llego, Wilfred Placencia,Allen Molina, Albert Gonzales and Clint Karklins. There are still a truckload of male and female models not mentioned, they are the unsung heroes of the show. Without them, the huge ramp will look bare so don;t discount their contributions. If you know them feel free to write and we can include their names in the write-up.

Everybody was the toast of the town ... so keep on working hard and polish your craft. And don't forget my advice to get a fall back job ... and from my desk ... here's wishing to see everybody in the next Bench Shows and fashion campaigns.

Bench Under the Stars

November 18, 2017 , Saturday- all roads went to Mall of Asia Arena, as Bench put another showstopper show as a part of their 30th Anniversary aptly named: BENCH UNDER THE STARS. And looking at the blurb ... it says: " Call it a constellation if you will ... this is the night when heavenly bodies gather and shine together on one massive stage ..." so who can refuse an invitation like that? 

So as early as 5 PM, fans queued and line up to see what was in store for this year's fashion recipe. I have attended other Bench shows before "The Naked Truth" for one ... but this one tops them all - fan support, gargantuan preparation, the gathering of the stars, best designers and craftsmen... not to include a handsome budget. 

Bench did not put all stops just to make sure that this year's show will succeed. They have commissioned and collaborated with 48 local celebrities, more than 10 beauty queens, a Tony award-winning choreographer, 7 international performers and don't forget about the clothes - there were lots of spectacular pieces and costumes added to jazz up the Bench denim and underwear collections.

My doctor-friend asked why Under the Stars? Well, a Bench die-hard explained it may be because the company wants to showcase who's the brightest stars in the showbiz or modeling constellation. And he goes on further ... and deeper: "It was just a metaphor to show Bench meteoric rise, from a company that started selling basic underwear ... look at where it is now? The dreamy backdrop of this campaign showed models with trees, boulders, and stars glittering behind, it mirrors how the Bench mania began from a small dream ... it has metamorphosed and blossomed into the brand that it is now.

Now the highlights and the lowlights: 

1. Celebrities that showed up: Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, Inigo Pascual  Julia Barretto, Kim Chiu, Julia Montes, Coleen Garcia,Dominic Roque,  Diego Loyzaga, Anjo Damiles,  Ruru Madrid, Derrick Monasterio, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Tom Rodriguez, Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Kathniel, Richard Gutierrez, Paulo Avelino, Albie Casino, Marco Gumabao, Addy Raj, David Licauco, Kiko Estrada, Ahron Villena, Bruno Gabriel,Mark Mugen, Bianca King,Beauty Gonzales,Max Collins,Pancho Magno, Ken Chan, Kim Domingo,Andrea Torres, Maine Mendoza, Miho Nishida,Gabbi Garcia, Ash Ortega, Sanya Lopez,  athletes like MMA fighter Mark Streigl and a comeback for the Philippine Volcanoes.

2. Beauty Queens- Wynwyn Marquez, Bea Rose Santiago, Maxine Medina, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Joanna Eden, Gwen Ruais, Cynthia Thomalia, and Ali Forbes.

3. Beauty Kings- Andrea Biondo- Mr. Asean 2017, Paul Guarnes- Universal Ambassador Philippines 2017- First Runner Up.Mustafa Galal- Winner Man of The World 2017.

4. International Models - Pietro Bosselli, Ivo Buckta, Trevor Signorino, John Spainhour, LA Aguinaldo.

5. There were only two Beauty Kings I spotted. Andrea Biondo and Paul Guarnes. I was expecting the likes of Neil Perez,Sam Adjani,  AR de la Serna, Raven Renz Lansangan- Mr. International Philippines 2017 to further make a starry night. Oh ...  I almost forgot Mustafa Galal Elizali- Man of the World 2017 Winner,  Mark Andrew Baron-Mr Real Universe 2015 finalist, Jhon Marlon Marcia- Men Universe Model Philippines 2013 and John Spainhour- Mr. World Philippines 2014, Wilfred Placencia- Mr. Global 2014- Fourth Runner Up, Verge Llego- Mr. Real Universe Philippines 2016 were there. And so was Clint Karklins- Man of the World Philippines 2018. Wow ... the list swelled up suddenly after a careful fine-tuning of my memory bank.

6. Richard Gomez, Wendell Ramos, and John Estrada were sorely missed. I thought this Bench show is all about Bench's past, present, and future.

7. When Inigo Pascual came out ... a portion of the audience pleaded: " Inigo bata ka pa ... whatever that means. Did they imply... Under the Stars ... is it for adult only show?

8. Ruru Madrid is developing too much bulk ... he almost looks like an "incredible hulk!"

9. Wynwyn Marquez was the most applauded among the beauty queens. She dwarfed the applause given to all beauty queens combined.

10. MOA almost was blown to smithereens when the masked unidentified hunk uncovered himself and revealed it was Markki Stroem. Another thunderous applause ensued when he exposed his bubble butt to the delight and amazement of everyone. Somebody in front of our seat said: "It is a work of art."

11. Another ear-splitting reception was given to Pietro Boselli. He knows how to tickle the audience's prime buttons, making him one of the most popular. 

12. The triumvirate of Albie Casino, Marco Gumabao, and Kiko Estrada is still unripe for ramp consumption. Albie was goading to the audience to clap and was given a lukewarm response.

13. Enrique Gil was in his best element. But the audience clamored: "Drop that pants" ... monologue.

14. I  don't know what happened to Tom Rodriguez. He looked too haggard when the night calls and demands an outstanding presence on stage.

15. The Philippine Volcanoes failed to erupt. It didn't. Their comeback was lackluster.

16. The gymnasts and acrobats provided jaw-dropping entertainment throughout the show. There were at least 5 segments and they act as a bridge connecting the episodes in one unified whole. They hyped up the crowd and the stunts were ballsy.

17. Richard Gutierrez came out from an avalanche of colorful beach parasols fully clothed and a fan can't help but verbally announced his disappointment when he said " .... Ay wala man lang tinanggal?"

18. Maine Mendoza stole the thunder right under Wynwyn Marquez's nose when she made a grand entrance carried by 5 men making her look like a queen (a Cleopatra of sort). I thought Wynwyn was the queen (having been crowned Reina Hispano Americana 2017). But to Maine's credit, the rowdy crowd joined the chanting bandwagon making her the darling of the night.

19. It is quite amusing to see Paul Guarnes and Andrea Biondo battling for position when 15 male models advanced to escort Maine Mendoza to the front. It was a race among these men and the winner will be given the chance to sashay side by side with Maine and be in the spotlight. Paul was fast and quick,(he should have elbowed his opponents)  but despite his fervid efforts, his co-models outlive him. In the end, the only thing Paul can do is akbayan ang kasama niyang male model para makasabay siya otherwise he will be left behind.

20. Andrea Biondo on the other hand doesn't have a clue. Chase Dasalla needs to tell him that when in the Philippines, you have to do what Pinoys do. If the scene calls for models to walk side by side with Maine, then make the effort to be in front even though there are fifteen of you. Otherwise, you will be relegated to the back, and nobody will see you ... and that's what exactly happens to him.

21. In the same group of Paul and Andrea was Mark Andrew Baron who also stood up, being the only moreno. "Ay ... ang ganda ng kulay niya ..." a lady fan was heard swooning. I told her, " Mark Andrew is my friend ... " She craned her neck and told me, "Ok ... from now on ... I will be your friend too!"

22: I am sorry but Bianca King and Beauty Gonzalez looked like they were too old to be included in the show. As one fan said, "They are already out of the league ..."

23. Derrick Monasterio on the last thread came out and was met with silence. There was no screaming and no fanfare so unlike the others. No Derrick fans in the audience? Or there was silence because everybody had their tongue-tied or their jaw dropped ... admiring his totality.

24. And just like previous Bench shows. there were models who resorted to gimmicks loaded with sexual coloring to get attention.  For one, Addy Raj grabbed his crotch and everyone was in cloud nine and Paulo Avelino enticed the audience if they want him to jump out of his jumpers. Rocco Nacino showed he is "gifted"... and has a chubby cuteness nobody can't ignore. There were more similar instances recorded in this show that if I am going to write them one by one, I will loss count.

25. The fan who was swooning over Mark Andrew Baron later came back to me and remarked: "I heard Mark Andrew Baron is a teacher too ... If Pietro Boselli is the sexiest Math teacher of Italy, does that make Mark Andrew the sexiest Math teacher of the Philippines?" I have enough of this girl!

26. Reel and real-life couples provided the cheesy kilig moments (Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia, Ken Chan and Ash Ortega) the gimmicks utilized have already fungus and molds in them but the fans cheered giving you the impression that these ludicrous tactics sell!

27. Other young stars came unescorted. Julia Montes came without Coco Martin; Julia Barretto but no Joshua or Ronnie, Maine Mendoza came sans Alden Richards.and Tom Rodriguez but no Dennis Trillo. At the end of the segment, Tom has Rocco Nacino in his arms instead. Enrique Gil however had a different story to tell. Liza Soberano was spotted in the audience adding more spice and paranoia that there's more to it than meets the eye.

28. The public was in limbo whether Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach, and Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis who were regular Bench fixtures in the past will make their grand entrances.  But they were a no-show. On the other hand, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa signed up with Bayo so it is a big no-no .... besides she was still in Japan.

29. Jake Cuenca used to lord it over in the Bench Thong Department. Have you forgotten how netizens feasted in all his naked glory two years back? With his departure, two heirs apparent came from oblivion, and they were equally successful ...gauging from fans overwhelming reception and the media mileage that they received. Obviously, I am referring to Markki Stroem as the new King and Rocco Nacino as the Prince
All in all, Bench Under the Stars will come down in history as another successful Bench campaign. The show was extravagant, decadent, and theatrical.  Done biennial, we can't help but look forward to what tricks and gimmicks they will come up in their sleeves in the next two years.

Eulogy To Franco Hernandez

Being asked to give tribute to Hashtag Franco Hernandez is a privilege, but how can I start paying homage to this young man when tears are welling in my eyes and a big lump started forming in my throat?

Framing my thoughts was a daunting task, I was literally groping in the dark. How can I find the right words to mark the passing of a good man when emotions runs high? Indeed it was difficult, especially when four weeks ago we were at the set of Showtime and Franco even manage to shake our hands squeezed it and then wave to us.(Was it his way of saying goodbye?) Had I known the drowning incident I could have warned him not to go to Davao.

Remembering Franco, who could forget his innocent face on screen flustered when Vice Ganda put him on a noontime prank, and all he can do was giggle and giving the audience his signature impish smile. Being young he was not ready for comedy and humor using double entendre. His dancing skill was topnotch and his participation in Cash-ya just tickle the little child in each and everyone of us ... that yes ... life is hard ... we have to play and horse around once in awhile.

But it was those short conversation we had that I will never forget. I watched him turned into a young man with so much enthusiasm and too many plans for the future. He talked about improving his craft and to better his contributions as Hashtag member. As a son I thought he was a gentle soul, tireless in his resolve and indefatigable in his desire to help his family.

Franco is well loved by his friends and colleague and it is a testament to him how many of his fans are in spirit to bid farewell to this man whose potentials of being a matinee idol started to shape up.

Losing Franco is tragic and heart-rending, his death jolted and jarred our senses. He was so young and so full of promise, I can't help but think of the what if's had fate been kinder to him giving him more extra time in his showbiz career.

Franco doesn't want us to grieve for so long. Rather, all he wanted is for us to cherish the good times he has shared with us.

Goodbye my friend. May you will rest in peace. You will live in our hearts forever!

Ipagpatawad mo, minahal kita agad. #ALDUBKoTo

Paniwalaan Mo, #ALDUBKoTo

Kwentong Jollibee: Apo (Grandchild)

Salamat po sa walang pagod ninyong

pagalaga at pagmamahal

Thanks for your untiring love and care.