New Years Resolution

Ano ba yan ... kung NEW YEAR ... ang wish ng lahat para sa iyo ay MAGBAGO ka.

Kapag BIRTHDAY mo naman ... bulong ng lahat  sa iyo ... sana huwag kang MAGBABAGO.

Ano ba ang sundin ko? Nagugulohan na ako sa inyo ... mga perpektong tao!

This New Years Eve

Kung sino man ang naka-isip ng pakulong ito ... hats off ako sa iyo.

Bring some little table manners and etiquette with you this New Year's Eve. Totoo naman eh ... kaunti lang naman niyan paano na lang ang ibang bisita?

Lalo na kung masarap ang pagkaluto ... baka hindi lang hanggang dalawa ang kaya mo?

Kung napasobra ka ... bawiin mo na lang by saying: "Masarap yong Shanghai ... pa-share naman ng recipe!"

Sa sinabi mong yon ... mapapangiti siya. At gaganda ang mood. Pinuri mo ba naman ang pagkaluto. Siguro masarap nga. 

Gusto ka pang tanongin ng "Talaga?" Solve na ang problem mo ... at guess ... baka alokin ka pa for more Shanghai.  Bahala na yong ibang guests. 

One Liner

Bago matapos ang taon ... kung ikaw ay lugmok at durog na durog ... balikan mo ang pangyayari at tanongin ang sarili:

-Sino ang mga taong TUMULONG sa iyo.

-Sino ang mga taong NAG-IWAN sa iyo.

-At the most important of all ... sino ang  tao ang NAGLAGAY sa iyo sa sitwasyong durog ka na ... nagiging lugmok ka pa!

From there ... BUMANGON ka ... and ... move on.

Annual Report: 2024

Who is Really Who in Pageantry in Asia

Self-proclaimed pundits in pageantry have viral statements and pronouncements stating that they are now the Tower of Power in pageantry in Asia. Every time they gloat and brag (as if what they say is the gospel truth) ... they never fail to include the Philippines (as if what they assert is not complete without trying to malign the productive output of the Pinay Queens. They based that on the results of the contest of major pageants, which is about 5 - 6 in number, and look down at minor pageants as if they really don't matter,

Talking about major pageants ... did the Philippines really fare badly in this area... giving our kapitbahay the audacity to develop an attitude of smugness and malignant pleasure of being delighted at the misfortunes of others (that is if you really consider it misfortune.)

As far as I remember, Chelsea Smith in Miss Universe was Top 20 and was named Miss Universe Asia. Was that a bad enough achievement? As far as I know, other countries took decades before they got noticed, and now that they accidentally placed one notch higher ... they crow? Or do they get more deluded with their new-found successes?

Alethea Ambrosio was in Miss Supranational Top 12 and was named Miss Asia Oceana. Any country would be so happy to get that placement ... but our kapitbahay saw that more as a liability than an achievement.

Irha Mel Alfetche is Top 12 in Miss Earth, CJ Opiaza was first runner-up in Miss Grand, Ahtisa Manalo was Top 10 in Miss Cosmo, and Kayla Jean Carter was Top 20 in Miss Charm.

And what is the big fuss about these last two contests ... they barely started this year. They still have to prove their longevity - hence they are minor pageants. Over all the Philippines' performance was commendable (not as strong as the previous years but they were always there visible in every contest with their never-say-die-attitude ... except maybe for Miss International.

Whatever little successes we had in female pageantry the result of male pageantry cover-up whatever is lacking in its counterpart's near-misses. Daumier Corilla is Mr. Global, Kenneth Stromsnes was second runner-up in Manhunt, Marvin Diamante is second runner-up in Mr. International, Markki Stroem is fourth runner-up in Mr Universe, Justine Ong is Top 6 in Mr. International,, Kirk Bondad is Top 20 in Mr. World and Nathaniel Tiu is Mr. Earth International.

But the Philippines critics' lips are sealed and they never say anything about the Philippines topping almost all major and minor male pageants. Selective amnesia anyone?

Now ... the year has ended ... and so far the Philippines never boasted or bragged about its accomplishments. On the other hand, other countries won one or two titles, and they sound like a broken record with their incessant hyping and praising.

Don't get me wrong guys ... I don't blame anyone for being happy when you won titles. But if they are making a fool of themselves and convincing everyone that they are alone at the top ... and thrashing and taunting other countries that they are on their way out ... is out of line. Can they not celebrate their little successes ... without dragging Pinoy Queens in the mud?

You want the respect of other countries ... produce more achievements and win more ... and prove they are not a fluke or an accident or a stroke of luck. Being consistent is the key. Remember you can't always win but at least you still win runner-up spots or be included in the Top 20. Respect is earned ... and twisting others' arms to believe what you say ... is not the way to do it.

All we want for pageant writers and staunch supporters of their country to make responsible pronouncements - it should be free from bias and fanatic partisanship. Patriotism is not an excuse ... it is not even a license for you to elevate your stock and belittle others in the process.

Here is what the Philippines had achieved in 2024. We may not win the Country of the Year (we already held that title back-to-back for three years). As others claimed, we may not be a powerhouse country... but the Philippine record this year is too hard to ignore. It is second to none ... not even surpassed by countries who claim they are Number 1.

                                                   Russel Jan Comia - I am Model Search International 2024 - Winner    

   Winners:

1. Russel Jan Comia - I Am Model Search International 2024

2. Dyan Shane Mag-abo - Mrs. Global Asian 2024

3. Hershey Hernandez- Miss Mardi Gras International 2024

4. Lloyd Edwardson Figueras- Mr. Teen Universe 2024

5. Matthew Austria - Mister Teen Global 2024

6. Liz Tagimacruz -Classic Mrs. International Global 2024

7. Maria Gigante - Universal Woman 2024

8. Mark Joseph Gadaza - Mister World Ambassador International 2024.

9. Micahelle Joy Dumalaon - Mister Star Continental International 2024

10. John Roy Reyes- Mister Culture World International 2024

11   Vanessa Kang- Miss Teen Universe Asia 2024

12. Felicity Amor Balala - Miss Teen Culture World International 2024

13. Janine Sabino Magan- Miss Pan Continental International 2024

14. Antonio Ibanez - Mr. Humanity Universe 2024

15. JP Riego Guerrero - Mr. Pan Continental International 2024

16. Althea Frhanccine Balala -Miss Kid Culture World 2024

17. Jean Tumang- Miss Elite Global 2024

18. Tristan John Lhander Balala -Mr. Pre-Teen Culture World 2024 

19. Phil Andrei Tungul - Mister Teen Global International 2024

20. Romar Oledan - Mr. Global Man International 2024

21. Donald Lopez - Mr. Bear International; 2024

22. Lana Collantes- MissTeen Petite Universe 2024

23. Mark Uykieng - Mr. Humanity International 2024

24. Yllaiza Rhaine Yancy Maragrag - Miss Teen Glam International 2024

25. Ma. Thea Judinelle Casuncad - Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2024

26. Lara Melisa Gaffud - Miss Petite Global 2024

27. Jupheter Franco- Mister Continental World 2024

28. Yanella Antoni - Miss Charity Teen International 2024

29. Grace Pinon- Mrs. Charity International 2024

30. GJ Carlos Palad - Mister Teen Glam Universe 2024

 31, Joyce Matinez - Miss Charity Teen Global 2024

32. Tisha Casuga - Miss Teen Glam Global 2024

33. Janine Sabino Magan - Miss Pancontinental International 2024

34. Akashe Leyble - Miss Glam Global 2024

35. Keitaro Sean Cruz- Junior Glam Universe 2024

36. William Miranda - Junior Glam Continental 2024

37. Precious Agojo - Mini Glam Earth 2024

38. Alliah Jane Tipono- Mini Glam Planet 2024

39. Ryan Kristoffer Sacopon - Mister Culture International 2024

40. Rhiana Mae Velarde - Miss Grand Global Ambassador International 2024

41. Samantha Gabronino - Miss Freedom Of The World 2024

42, Alethea Ambrosio - Miss Supranational Continental Ambassador Asia 2024

43. Sharon Idone - Miss Summit International 2024 - representing Italy

44. Frank Joshua Guiripon - Mr. Tourism Ambassador Universe 2024

45. Nathaniel Tiu - Mr. Earth International 2024

46. Juvyel Anne Saluta- Miss Elite World 2024

47. Wilma Laude Zamora - Mrs. Global International 2024

48. John Gindap - Mister Tourism Globe Culture Tourism 2024

49. MJ Traya - Mrs. Tourism Globe 2024

50. Emannuel Balba - Mr. Tourism Intercontinental 2024

51. Daumier Corilla - Mr. Global 2024

52. Ali Green - Mr. Supreme Deaf International 2024

53. Marimar Galve -Miss Cultural International 2024

54. Neal Cortez - Miss Supreme Deaf International 2024

55. Chelsea Smith - Miss Universe Asia 2024

56. Maritess Ortega - Mrs. Supranational 2024 - Classic

57. Chymbeelyn Dee Pasion - Miss Polo International Charity 2024

58. Christine Glory Balboa - Miss Asia 2024

59. Ancient Tabora -Miss Teen World 2024

60. Jasmin Ariola - Miss Deaf Universe 2024

61. Liana Barrido - Miss Tourism International 2024

62. Alex Herberich - King of Pacific 2024

63. Alfred Natividad - Mister Asian International 2024

64. John Kevin Oliver Cruz - Mr. Pre-Teen International 2024

65. Patricia Payumo - Miss Star International 2024

66. Alyssa Tuscano Alday - Queen of the Pacific 2024

67. Kirsten Dawn Delerio - Miss Fitness Supermodel World 2024

68. Pia Samantha Roldan - Miss United Nations Earth 2024 (Subsidiary title)

69. Angelie Chanta Perlez - Mini Miss Junior Idol 2024

70. Nia Janelle Incabo - Miss Teen Universe 2024

71. Kristina Cassandra Rosales - Miss Pre-Teen Universe 2024

72. Natasha Ferrer - Miss Multiverse International 2024

73. Hannah Therese Cruz - Miss Global Asian 2024

74. Princess Mina Fukaya - Miss Teen Universe 2024

                                                 Lloyd Figueras - Mister Teenager Universe 2024 - Winner

First Runner Up

1. Khyrie Stephen Alvendia - I Am Model Search International 2024- Teen Category Male

2. Hanna Therese Cruz- Miss Global Asian 2024

3. Arianna Padrid - World Top Model 2024

4. Larz Kent Dawson - Mister Universe Tourism 2024

5. Ma. Juvine Felicity Laguipo- Miss Junior Idol World 2024

6. Samie Al-Ajarmeh - Mister Junior Teen Idol World 2024

7. Chantal Schmidt - Miss Eco International 2024

8. Beatriz Cabanero- Mrs. Summit International 2024

9. Maiko Ibarde - Miss Summit International 2024

10. Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal- Man of the World 2024

11. Bench Ortiz - Mr. Gay World 2024

12. Yuumi Garcia - Miss T- World 2024

13. CJ Opiaza - Miss Grand International 2024

14. Isabelle de los Santos - Miss Aura International 2024

15. Amir Bergado - Man of The Universe 2024

16. Megan Campbell - World Top Model 2024

17. Cayenei Cortez - Miss Heritage International 2024

18. Jaycel Lumaoig - Miss Glamour Look International 2024

19. Arjay Lopez - Mr. Deaf Universe 2024

20. Mark Joseph Macalintal - Man Hot Star 2024

21. Jansen Kenley See- Mr. Friendship International 2024

22. Aidalyn Bustamante Barrido - Mrs. National Universe 2024

23. Jahaziel Ceballos - Man of The Globe International 2024

24. Godfrey Nikolai Murillo - Mr. Fitness Supermodel World 2024

 Maria Gigante -Universal Woman 2024 - Winner

Second Runner Up

1. Michelle Arceo - Reina Hispano Americana 2024

2. Althea Balala - Mini Miss Global 2024

3. Sidney Eshpeter - Pre-Teen Universe 2024`

4. Jhon Lloyd Villagracia - Mr. Culture International 2024

5. Dharelle Alconcel - Miss Teen Model International 2024

6. Brandon Espiritu- Mister Supranational 2024

7. Jean Grai - Miss Summit International 2024

8. Jasmin Bungay - Miss Globe 2024

9. Marvin Diamante - Mister International 2024 (Philippine-based)

10.Alyssa Marie Redondo - Miss Intercontinental 2024

11. Kenneth Stromsnes - Manhunt international 2024

Third Runner Up

1. Katrina Hung- Miss Global 2024

2. Ma. Jarlyn Banares - I Am Model Search International 2024  Teen Category Female

3. Krizzia Chelsea Rodriguez- Miss Teen Icon International 2024

4. Soewoo Noh- Junior Idol World 2024

5. John Lindley- Mister Heritage 2024

6. Chez Mercado- Miss Charity International 2024

7. Rhenzwin Corpuz - World Fitness Supermodel 2024

8. Lemon Joy Dimayuga- Miss Culture International 2024

9. Blessa Ericha Figueroa - Miss Asia Pacific 2024

10. Brent Dalman - Top Model Of The World 2024

11. Raven Doctor - Miss Eco Teen 2024

Fourth Runner Up

1. Jilliane Trisha del Moro- Miss Pre-Teen Global 2024

2. Raven Dave Cerezo - Mr. Glam International 2024

3. Chrystel Mae Correos - Miss Planet International 2024

3. Markki Stroem - Mister Universe 2024

Fifth Runner Up

1. Jesus Guinto - Mister Grand International 2024

2. Mickey Aquino Cai- Miss Teen Global 2024

Michelle Arceo - Reina Hispano Americana 2024 Second  Runner Up

Top 6

1. Sophia Nicole Arkangel - Miss International Queen 2024

2. Justine Ong - Mister International 2024 (Thailand-based)

Top 10

1, Ruslan Kulikov- Mister National Universe 2024

2. Alethea Ambrosio - Miss Supranational 2024

3. Ahtisa Manalo - Miss Cosmo International 2024

4. Emerson Gomez - Mr. Cosmopolitan 2024

5. Leahrly Curitana - Miss Glamour Look International 2024

6. Jane Darren Genobisa - Miss Scuba International 2024

Top 13 to 30

1. Angel Brahms Bernaldez- Miss Teen Universe 2024

2. Derrick Allen Lauchenco - Mr. Celebrity International 2024

3. Chelsea Smith - Miss Universe 2024

4. Anthony Cunningham - Man Of The Year 2024

5. Kayla Jean Carter - Miss Charm International 2024

One Liner

Round fruits are enjoying brisk sales this New Year ... dahil ang mga Pinoy ay naniniwala na kung bumili ka niyan ... suswertihin ka.

Iba naman ang paniwala ko ...  ang suswertihin tiyak ay Pinoy rin ... pero hindi yong BUMILI ha ... kundi ang BINILHAN (yong mga food stalls po at mga tindera)

Napansin Mo Ba?

 

More MIFF Intrigyes

The awards night was long gone ... pero hindi pa rin natapos ang mga intriga. Pakinggan ninyo:

#And the Winner Is ... showing pa rin in more than 232 cinemas nationwide.  Yong Green Bones naman showing sa 54 cinemas (110 na raw as of this writing). Intriga dito yong sinabi ni Dennis Trillo questioning kung may ABS- CBN pa ba? Ngayon ganti ng mga fans na pasaring - May Dennis Trillo pa ba? 

#Green Bones star Dennis Trillo denies any involvement in a viral comment "May ABS CBN pa ba?" Whether true or not ang palusot niya " may gumagawa lang ng intriga sa kanya: ... and this happened at the time when his cellphone was hacked.

#Sa mga fans daw "Huwag daw maging praning kung yong ibang fans post ng post at pinagmalaki pa ang dami ng sinihan na pinalabasan ng mga pelikula ng mga idol nila. Depensa nila: Hindi namin kasalanan kung limited ang mga sinihan na binibigay sa kanila .... at patuloy pang binabawasan araw-araw".

#One reporter complained about why Zig Dulay did not win the Best Director award. "Nanalong Best Picture ang Green Bones ... pero hindi ang direktor nito? Paano kayo nasarapan sa karekare ... pero ang nagluto ng kaldereta ang pinuri ninyo?

#On the awards night ... fans were making a big fuss about the reaction of Sue Ramirez and Christine Reyes when Ruru Madrid was announced as Best Supporting Actor. Huwag na raw pabalikin si Christine Reyes sa GMA dahil wala man lang loyalty sa company that made her.

#Cristine Reyes supporters quickly destroy the narrative: Bakit taga ABS CBN ba si Christine ... hindi naman ah. The fans accused that the two were rooting for Sid Lucero nominated in Topakk and The Kingdom. The fans fored back: Bakit hindi ba taga GMA si Sid? Has he made more soap in GMA than ABS?

#The fans didn't mind Meme losing to Dennis Trillo in the Best Actor derby. "Sa kanila na ang mga awards ... mas gusto namin ang Top Grosser award. Bakit maipang-grocery mo ba ang mga trophy?" sarkastiko nilang sagot.

#Kung naka-back-to-back ang GMA ng Best Picture awards ... hindi magpatalo ang mga fans at-back-to-back-to-back-to-back din daw ang ABS CBN sa Top Grosser award. Punch line nila "may tatak imprimatur na yata na pag gawa nang ABS CBN Top Grosser ito?

#May resibo daw sila sa kanilang claim at ito ang long list of films na tumabo talaga sa takilya making them number 1 sa kita: And The Winner Is, Rewind, Fantastica, The Avengers, Parental Guidance, Beauty and The Beastie, Praybeyt Benjamin, Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, Sisterakas, Feng Shui atbp.

#Sagot naman ng fans sa kabilang kampo - hindi kikita ang Rewind kung hindi hiniram ng Star Cinema ang Dong-Yan. Akala mo ba palampasin ng mga fans ang pasaring na ito: "Oo kikita ang Dong-Yan ... pero hindi aabot ng bilyon ito kung hindi tatak ABS. Next year subukan nga ng GMA ang gumawa ng pelikula eyeing the number 1 spot.

#May award ka pero hindi mo alam ang ibig sabihin? Yong ang mga nangyari sa mga special citations that was awarded to VG, Topakk at Himala. At least kay Meme naitanong niya kaya abot tenga ang ngiti at sinabi nilang para sa performace yon. Yong sa Himala ba ... ang citation ba ay tungkol sa acting or singing ... eh musical yon? At yong sa Topakk naman ... citation ba ito na palaging masama ang timpla ni Arjo Atayde ... may toyo ... at may topak?

#Tagos to the bulalo ang punchline ng Green Bones: "IKUKULONG ka sa iyong NAKARAAN ... PALALAYAIN ka ng KATOTOHANAN.  Hanep! Kung sino man ang nakaisip niyan ... knows how to fashion WORDS into LINES ... and LINES into RHYMES.

#Uninvited is the only entry this year na nabokya sa awards. They were totally SNUBBED to think that Vilma, Aga and Nadine were acting giants. May pagka-NEGA kasi ang title na UNINVITED ... hindi ka na nga inimbita (uninvited)... nang-gatecrash pa sila (no pun intended?)

#Totally snubbed din daw and SB19 at hindi daw pinansin ng MIFF ang Nyebe (original soundtrack sa Green Bones ) at Mapa (original soundtrack sa And The Winner Is.  Ang totoo daw diyan hindi daw qualified yong mga kanta nila dahil daw hindi ito intended para magiging theme song. FYI, the original soundtrack is definitely not the movie's theme song.

#Sa mall sa mga probinsya lahat ng entrees ang admission price ay hindi lumalampas sa P350 more or less. Pero ang Green Bones lumampas ng tumaginting na P550. Does it mean hindi pa nito nakuha ang mumber 5 sa ranking kung hindi ginawang mahal ang ticket price?

#Some people were asking kung nainsulto ba ni Meme ang pamunuan ng MIFF dahil inusisa niya kung para saan yong award niya? Aba kasalanan nila yon ... they should know better. Dapat ang tanong is: Nainsulto ba ng MIFF si VG at iba pang artista sa mga awards nila?

#Malaking mortal sin daw ang pagappoint ng award presenter na may nominadong mga pelikula din. Ang pinatamaan dito ay sina Francine Diaz at Seth Fedelin. Dapat SOP ito sa MIFF dahil may mga precedence na ... na may mga presenters na nagbabasa ng maling winners like the infamous 1994 Manila Film Festival incident na muntik nang nauwi sa demandahan.