Funny Signage

If you are a grammar police who usually gets irritated and cannot stand your penchant for the use of the fractured King's language ... incoherent sentence structure and semantics ... mind-boggling syntax and word coordination ... this nook is not for you. 

But traveling from Aparri to Jolo ... we encountered signage in the streets that managed to put a smile on our faces ... even though Robin Padilla's grandiose display of bad opinions ... or China's flexing his superpower muscle ... has riled up and angered our tender sensibilities.

We are here to celebrate (not mock) the little cracks and flaws in the manner we communicate ourselves. All of us make mistakes ... and at a time when a kilo of rice at 20 pesos is next to impossibility ... we need a little outlet to have a hearty laugh.

And no matter how over-use the cliche goes ... Laughter is indeed ... the best medicine.

Misgendering is the act of using the incorrect gender when referring to another person. It might involve using incorrect pronouns, using the wrong gendered name, or arguing with a person about their gender. Misgendering may be accidental.

Kahapon sa SM narinig namin ang saleslady: "May bibilhin ba kayo Ma'am? "

Galit na galit itong sinagot ng customer: "Sir po ako!"

The Grand Reveal: Ian's Notoriety

Ian comments on the thread: Catriona the Grand Reveal, he said:  "What is the grand reveal? Her career flopped faster than the sinking of the Titanic."

And when he was told the Grand Reveal is not Catriona but the opening of Metropolitan Theater, a historical landmark in the Philippines, he said: " The world could care less what goes on in the slums of Manila or about the life of some washed-up beauty queen that flopped at Miss World."

One word is enough for a wise man.

If Ian thinks of himself as a smart person, he can figure out what's implied why his reputation points and career as a writer are competing with the millions of deaths that Covid brought since 2019. If he is smart the way he wants everybody to believe he is there is no need for a lot of discussions. All it takes is one word to put the person to zip his mouth and shut up with no warnings and no need for lengthy explanations.

But Ian kept on repeating himself. He loves notoriety, he enjoyed being bullied and gang-banged, self-respect is not in his vocabulary and he thrives on negative feedback. That in itself are red flags he needs to watch.

Give him a dose of Pia Wurtzbach or a shot of Catriona Gray or a pill with Filipino derivatives on it ... and for sure his symptoms will flare-up

Trolls Mute People

 Is Covid 19 man-made? And was the initial outbreak the result of an accidental lab leak, or has the disease already existed before and was only brought to our attention last 2019?

That fundamental question -- about the origins of a COVID-19 pandemic that has taken nearly 4 million lives -- has sparked a political firestorm in the U.S. and threatened the already fraught ties between Washington and Beijing.

We heard unverified reports that it all started in Wuhan, and there were whistleblowers who bravely came out, this unverified report claimed, but a strong force from within has muted these people from speaking up.

Beauty pageants were not spared.  Miss World has gone viral when Covid made an unwelcomed visit in the last leg of the contest that prompted Julia to postpone the coronation to a later date.  Miss Universe did a little better by cutting back the month-long pageant to 2 weeks and the decision was considered by some as a SUCCESS. Ruffa Nava missed her stint with Reinado del Cafe International and that made quite a stir because it proved one thing as Pia put it, Covid is real and nobody should be nonchalant or lackadaisical about how it affects the world and practically everybody.

Pia Wurtzbach shared her experience with Covid, and instead of thanking her for sharing her thoughts and experience, the resident Filipino assassin from different fora dismissed it as a non-issue and in a cavalier attitude lampooned it by saying, "Stop whining and looking for sympathy.  Get your life together you hot mess."

I am not the type of person who wishes harm to others, but if Covid will select its next target, it would be a big service to humanity, if a sampling of what Covid and its symptoms are all about will be experienced by this man. Making him experience the harrowing nights of unabated fever, inability to breath, easy fatigability, body aches, and most of all the gnawing pains of solitude and isolation may it will teach this man or a woman that there is life after being a racist and biased to anything Filipino.

Pinoy Beauty Queens As Covid Victims

1. Reposting in full the experience of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach getting COVID-19 in the UK:

I caught COVID here in the UK even though I’ve been fully vaccinated & received my booster shot already. Kumpleto din ako ng flu & pneumonia vaccines. I eat healthy & I’m active, but I still got it. I got all the symptoms too. Fever, sore throat, body pain, runny rose, cough, & I also lost my sense of smell & taste. It’s not like a regular cold or flu that goes away after a few days. I’ve never been sick for this long, which lasted more than a week.

I’m one day away from completing isolation with my sister, Sarah Wurtzbach who also caught it. We both tested negative already, thank God. 

The worst is through. I am recovering well. I am beyond grateful my parents are safe. Di sila nahawa sa akin. 

Guys, COVID is so real. My timeline shows that many have/had it too, both in the Philippines & abroad. And the numbers are going up exponentially. Please take this seriously cos anyone can get it no matter how healthy you are. Being fully vaccinated doesn’t stop you from getting the virus but it helps you overcome it. Please follow health & safety protocols. 

I think it’s the moment you put your guard down, doon ka mahahawa. You think you’re safe & usually yung makakahalubilo mo walang symptoms. Akala mo all is well. Pero, nahawa ka na pala at may possibility na maipasa mo sa iba nang di mo alam.

It seems easy for anyone to just break protocols & still go out even when they know they tested positive. Feeling nila, di sila mahuhuli or wala namang nagbabantay. I’ve personally seen other people do this. Meron pa diyan, may symptoms na & have the means to get tested pero ayaw nilang maconfirm na may COVID sila, tas lalabas parin. Naku, konsensiya niyo nalang yan. Konting personal accountability, please.

Ang dami nang nagkasakit. I don‘t wanna sound preachy but let’s not be selfish & go breaking protocols, hoarding supplies, refusing to get tested & vaccinated.

I hope we can start 2022 right. Let’s look after one other by getting those jabs, staying in isolation if needed, stopping gathering in big groups, frequent hand washing, & please wear those masks properly. 

2. The MissGlobe 2021 MAUREEN ANN MONTAGNE is recovering from the COVID-19 virus in Arizona, USA.

"I’m currently in self-isolation as I’ve tested positive for COVID this holiday season. It’s unfortunate that halfway through my long-awaited visit home I caught the virus but I’m happy was able to get tested early and my symptoms weren’t too bad. I’m thankful I was vaccinated and encourage everyone to get vaccinated if you haven’t already 

If you think you might be positive too right now please get tested to make sure you’re not spreading the virus so we can take care of our family, friends, and coworkers alike. I’ve had to move my international flight home till the end of the month but I’m thankful I’m here safe and sound with my parents. I hope you’re all safe and healthy, 

I encourage everyone to continue following the safety protocols and to wear masks! We’ll get thru this together.

3. Samantha Bernardo - Miss Grand International First Runner up got sick too and here is her message.

"I would like to inform everyone that I tested positive for my PCR test yesterday. It's unfortunate because I was supposed to do a lot of work but this calls for home quarantine and rest days. I remember our Bahay Ni Kuya moments where we don't need to wear masks and we can hug each other. I am feeling weak and have colds as symptoms but I am still able to smell and taste. I promise that I will take care of myself and hopefully recover faster. I will still do some kumu livestream to update you guys from Tues Thurs and Sat at 6pm. Stay safe and healthy everyone. Health is wealth! Love you all. Posting this picture para ka-vogue pa rin kahit quarantine."

4. Other beauty queens that got infected were Kelley Day- Miss Eco International 2021 first runner Up, Ruffa Nava- Reinado del Cafe International 2021, and Miss Universe Philippines candidate Maria Isabella Galeria of Sorsogon, and Gianne Krysse Asuncion Tecson of Cagayan province.

Year Ender Report 2021

The lone star blogger of this site is ready to share with you the stories behind the year’s biggest headlines in Philippine pageantry, the biggest success stories, the biggest upsets in “Year Ender Report 2021: my Yearend Special.”

The report revisits the major pageant news that rocked the nation as it offers you who's who and who's not as I give you the summary of the golden harvest only the Philippines can amass.  Touted as the Tower and Power from Asia (with apologies to Benjie Paras), here is the list of the able candidates who joined the ranks of Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray.

Winner

1. Maureen Montagne - Miss Globe International 2021

2. Cinderella Faye Obenita- Miss Intercontinental 2021

3. Kodie Macayan- Mr. Gay World 2020

4. Alexandra Faith Garcia- Miss Aura International 2021

5. Migo de Vera- Winner- Mr. Friendship International 2021

6. Lorevie Rexie Carrascal - Winner - BeingShe Universe 2021

7. Mariane Crisologo - Mardi Gras International Queen 2021

8. Eliza P Sonza - Mrs. WOW Universe 2021

9. Hemilyn Escudero Tamayo - Mrs. Tourism Universe 2021

10. Frank Castillo Salmo- Mister Elite International 2021

11. Shanica Sy- Super Model Universe Tourism 2021

12. Beatrice Bermundo- Little Miss Universe 2021

13.  Aiyen Phey Quijano- Miss Cinderella of the World 2021-Miniature   

14. Jessica Claire Tapawan- Miss Universal World Queen of Asia 2021

15. Frenel Lanuza - Miss Cinderella of the World 2021- Teens

16. Samela Aubrey Godin - Miss Culture International 2021

17. Miriam Damoah - Miss Interglobal 2021

18. Miah Llanes- Miss Fashion TV Face 2021

19. Alliah Sioco - Miss Teen Asia International 2021

20. Catherine Macasinag Yogi - Mrs. Tourism World 2021

21. Mark Paz- Mister King International 2021

22. Franceska del Valle- Miss Sketch Universe 2021

23. Janine Aquino - Queen of International Tourism 2021

24. Bryant Aunor - Mister Teen Asian International 2021

25. Joel Carcasona- Mr. Gay World 2021

26. Ian Monisit- Mister Teen Tourism World 2021

First Runner Up

First Runner Up

1. Samantha Bernardo - First Runner Up- Miss Grand International 2020 

2. Kelley Day- First Runner Up - Miss Eco International 2020

3. Stephanie Ricablanca - First Runner Up - Miss Globe 2020

4. Ian Rowe Giron - First Runner Up - Man of the Universe 2021

5. Tatyana Alexi Austria -First Runner Up Miss Eco Teen International 2021

6. Jay Mark Becaro - First Runner Up - Man of the Earth 2021

Second Runner Up

1. Jessa Mae Magyano de Vera - Second Runner Up - Miss Cosmo World 2021

Third Runner Up

1. Zoe Emmanuelle Vera - Third Runner Up - Reina Hispano America 2021

2. Jeffrey Camus -Third Runner Up - Mr. Globe International 2021

3.  Jemimah Ckezsiah Nonoy - Third Runner Up- Miss Glamour Internationa; 2021

Fourth Runner Up

1. Noel Furto - Fourth Runner Up - Mr. Altitude World 2021

2. Fourth Runner Up - Miss Lumiere International World 2021

Top 5

1. Bea Luigi Gomez - Miss Universe 2021

Top 8

1. Naelah Alshorbaji- Miss Earth 2021

Top 10

1. Michael Ver Comaling - Mr. Grand International 2021

2. Sheenary Tamagos- Miss Lumiere International 2021

3. Keinth Jensen Petrasanta - Miss Tourism International 2021

4. Julie Tarrayo - Miss Multiverse 2021

Top 12

1. Dindi Pajares - Top 12- Miss Suprainternational 2021

2. Adonis Verano- Top 12- Mr. Glam International 2021

3. Reden Elaco - Top 12 - Mr. Glam Overseas 2021

Top 20

1. Rabiya Mateo - Miss Universe 2020

2. John Adajar- Mr. Supranational 2021- Top 

Bakit FAKE NEWS ang kwento ng TALLANO GOLD | #FactsFirst

Trivia Time: Miss Universe 2021

 Miss Universe 2021 happened two months ago and people are still talking about it ... but one wonders what little pieces of information we can squeeze from the pageant ... some things they called trivia:

Trivia is information and data that are considered to be of little value.  Trivia or trivium if singular came from a Roman word, tri for three and viae (roads) – literally meaning "three roads".

Well, to some pageant fans these nuggets of information may be of less importance, but others considered it a coffer and a treasure of little-known facts. Especially if you talk trivia about placements, in this case, Miss Universe 2021, hyperbole or not, has some kind of a magnet in it that makes fans stop for a while and listen.

In the top five trivia:

1. India after a long drought came back with the vengeance and win its third Miss U title! It was a long wait since Lara Dutta won in 2000!

2. Paraguay had a sigh of relief and 2021 is a record-high in their Miss Universe history.  This is considered their highest placement in Miss Universe! The country placements are few and far between the last one being in 2006!

3. South Africa has now the bragging right as she has the record of joining the magic 3 for the fourth time in five years!Before Demi’s win in 2017, the country has not made the top five since 2003.

4, Colombia is a perennial top 5 placer and this is their sixth, (a record too hard to beat) in the span of eight years!!

5. The Philippines is also on a winning bonanza. This is their 12th straight year of uninterrupted placement since 2010. Last top 5 include Venus Raj, Janine Tugonon, Shamcey Supsusp, Catriona Gray, Bea Gomez, Pia Wurtzbach, Ariella Arida and Maxine Medina.

For the Top Ten trivia:

1. Puerto Rico make its habit of squeaking itself to the top 10, and would you believe this, they made it 4 years in a row now.

2. The USA  is another frontrunner and their placement in the semifinals round had reached the penultimate 11th straight year non-stop. The streak is long and impressive, but they were not successful to reach the top 5 since 2015!! 

3. The Bahamas surprised everyone as this is the first for the country to join the elite semifinalists' club.  The country has a history of being an annual clapper since 1963 and Chantel win made it very special for her and The Bahamas.

4 France continues to be a formidable European heavyweight in this contest. This year's output made their third consecutive trip to the semifinal round. 

5. Aruba's record is similar to The Bahamas, nay a little bit better if my memory serves me right.  The last time they place was 1996. And who could forget Maureen Ava Viera indelible performance when Miss Universe Thrilla in Manila was held in FAT.

6. Venezuela trip in the semifinals is not even.  Last year they clapped bad, and although they have an impressive semifinal streak of eight times in the last ten years, the South American Tower of Power has not made the top 10 for the third straight year. 

7, Vietnam continued its quest for a series of consecutive successes which is going steadily in its fourth year. And still, counting?

8. Singapore also had their spirit up when they finally made it this year ending 33 years of continued  MU dry spells and dehydration.  Their last win was 1987, and I should say, the long wait was over.

Other streaks that were broken: 

1. Brazil broke the record in 2021 and failed miserably to place for the first time since 2010! It has a record-breaking 10 straight placements since it played host in Sao Paolo in 2011.

2. Thailand's hope for a continued windfall went pffft when the halfie's quest was aborted after six top 10 placements in 2015-2020 (three of them being top 5/6 placements).

3. Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic  also broke the run of good luck

4. Indonesia halted their run of continued luck because of non-participation which has political coloring and nuances.

5. Israel - the host delegate fails to place the first time since 2013. Were they really that honest that they did not even try negotiating for a "pampalubag loob" pageant-finish being the host country?

6.  Malta is one of the countries that have not tasted a win in MU's annual derby. Any other countries that have a similar fate?

PS:  I always stand corrected if there's an error in any of my statements.  It takes a lot of research to come up with this thread, and if there are erroneous or inaccurate facts feel free to comment and correct them.