Miss Tourism World 2018: The Controversy

 

Pageant drama is often the best prime time drama

It was not too long ago when Miss Universe was on everybody's food table when Steve Harvey mistakenly named Miss Colombia the winner of Miss Universe 2015. Ariadna was in cloud nine, and she's making a history here for making a back to back win ... only to be rudely awakened when the host came back and doused a pinch of reality in what could be a fantasy-ending for Ariadna and her supporters.. The crown was removed from her head and was transferred to Pia's ... making it the most awkward if not the most embarrassing Miss Universe ending ever recorded in TV.

Last night, in Miss Tourism World finals in Melaka Malaysia, another controversy is brewing. As reported by respected pageant blogger Norman Tinio, Marian Angelu Alcantara of Philippines was given the continental title of Miss Tourism World Asia 2018, and surprise .. surprise ... she did not make it to the Top 15. Indonesia, Malaysia and Mongolia did ... simply put, anyone of the three should have won Miss Tourism World Asia by virtue of their Top 15 inclusion. Does the organization have a different interpretation of the awards they're giving? How can you be Best In Asia and then fail to move forward the competition? Indeed, the continental title still nagged me to death.

And as if it was not enough, the comedy of errors continued when the Top 5 were announced namely: Colombia, Venezuela, Great Britain, Panama and Mongolia. All five proceeded to the Q and A segment according to the report only to be rudely interrupted when there was an announcement that the names in the Top 5 were wrong. Deja Vu? Shades of Miss Universe 2015 ... the only difference is that in Miss Tourism World, there were more candidates in the shoes of Ariadna?

The host came back with a new set of Top 5. Panama, Venezuela and Great Britain were out and were replaced by Peru, Malaysia and Serbia. Pheew!

2018 have just started and with firestorm created at Miss Intercontinental, the controversy at Miss Tourism World and the camp wars at Binibining Pilipinas make me believe pageantry this year will be more exciting, and there's always something that comes up unexpectedly. I can't wait ... so fasten your seat belts please this is one hell of a roller coaster ride.

Year Ender Report 2017

2017 is coming to a close and looking at the Philippines performance in different beauty fronts and venues around the world, the Philippines is touted to duplicate its dominant record in 2016. Not content with being the Country of the Year in 2015,  it looked like she is again running for the same title in 2017.

The pattern has not changed, and wait till all the major pageants have their results, I am pretty damn sure, more titles or runner up spots will be added in the Philippine column, and comparing it with the beauty output of other countries, The Philippines has a better batting average. And looking at the list below, the Philippine performance is record-breaking. The record never lies.

Winner

1. Karen Ibasco - Miss Earth 2017

2. Kathleen Paton - Miss Teen International 2017

3. Teresita Ssen Marquez - Reyna Hispano Americana 2017

4. Jannie Alipoon Miss Tourism International 2017

5. Maureen Wrobblewitz - Asia's Next Top Model 2017

6. John Fernandez Raspado - Mr. Gay World 2017

7. Sara Christine Bona - Miss Nature International 2017

8. Simone Amorado -Miss Young of the World 2017

9 Jedaver Pancho Opingo- Miss Progress International 2017

10. Diosem Lleyd Budios- Teen Miss World Tourism 2017

11. Jodel Padao Mesina - Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017

12, Mary Eve Adeline Escoto - Miss Asia Global 2017

 13. Rod Contreras - Mister Young International 2017

14. Adrian Kim Bueno- Super Model Universe 2017

15. Trisha Bantigui - Miss Asian Global 2017

16. Agnes Hacosalem - Mrs. Grandma Universe 2017

17. Risa Caldosa - Mrs. Toursim International 2017

18. Jessica Eribal - Mrs. International 2017

19. Alexis Tan - Mardi Gras International Queen 2017

20, Thamara Alexandria Pacursa - Super Foto Model Universe 2017

21. Beatrice Andrada - Miss Pacific World 2017

22. Rizza Paula Infante - Miss Culture World Heritage 2017

23. Al-Hakam Reggie Dimalanas- Mister Culture World in Arts 2017

First Runner Up

1. Katarina Rodriguez - Miss Eco International 2017

2. Raymund Rosiller de Veyra Jr. - Mr. United Continent Aero 2017

3. Edvher Bicole Sison - Mini Miss Tourism World 2017

4. Nelba Ibe - Miss Globe 2017

5. Archmylz Angel Perez - Mister Global Youth Ambassador 2017

6. Kris Martin - Mister Universe Tourism 2017- Filipino Community of Canada

7. Maria Oliver - Mrs Classic Chinatown 2017

8. Paul Guarnes - Universal Ambassador 2017

9. Samantha Iris Liboon Ricalde - Teen Face of Beauty International 2017

Second Runner Up

1. Elizabeth Dorado Clenci - Miss Grand International 2017

2. Angelo Adarlo - Mister Tourism World 2017

3. Rianna Charisse Latagab Reveche  -Future Fashion Faces World 2017 -Adult Female

4, Mark Jan de Leon - Future Fashion Faces World 2017 - Teenage Men

5. Jerrica Yan - Little Miss Tourism World 2017

6. Marshy Bristil Chaudhry -Miss Global Youth Ambassador 2017

7. Tricia Manalo - Miss Tourism Universe 2017

8. Arnold Rajan Provido - Mister Planet 2017

Fourth Runner Up

1. Ilene de Vera - Miss Asian Pacific International 2017

2. Joshua Reginald Banatin - Mr. Grand International 2017

3. Klaudine Barcillano Palma - Top International Model of the World 2017

4. Christa Borja - Top Model of the World 2017

Top 5

1. Sherlyn Doloriel - Miss Scuba International 2017

2. Sara Christine Bona - Miss Asean Friendship 2017

Top10

1. Karen Eje - World Miss Tourism Ambassador 2017

2. Chanel Olive Thomas - Miss Supranational 2017

3. Rachel Peters - Miss Universe 2017

4. John Jay Arr Agustin- Mister Universe Tourism 2017

5. Krystelle Mhae Malgapo Ignacio -  Miss Cosmopolitan World 2017

6, Christopher Dulagan - Man of the World 2017

7. Renz Lester Cerezo - Mister National Universe 2017

8. Janina Espinoza - Supermodel International 2017

Top 15- 20

1. Yves Campos - Mr. Supranational 2017

2. Daniel Azurin - Manhunt International 2017

3. Denver Hernandez - Men Universe Model 2017

4. Vincent Jarina - Mister Ocena 2017

5. Laura Lehman - Miss World 2017

6. Mary Ann Mungcal - Miss Global 2017

7. Sofia Marie Sibug - Miss Global Beauty Queen 2017

8. James Alfred Ventura - Mr. Global 2017

9, Xirelle Agustin - Miss Teen Universe 2017

10. Ramona Yamat - Miss Eco International 2017

Kwentong Jollibee: Pamasko

Review: Mister Supranational 2017

 

When I saw the video tape of Mr. Supranational last year, I was telling myself " Man ... this pageant is making a lot of promise. The production was well polished and smooth running and if we are to believe in the saying: FIRST IMPRESSION IS LASTING' then last year excursion has left enough indelible images in our memory banks.

Last year's production shows that if the budget is "sky is the langit" you can never go wrong. Even though it was the inaugural show, the RESULT nagged us that this pageant belongs to the major league .... nay I don't want to be subtle here ... pardon me but the production dwarfed any shows of Mr. World, Mr. International or Manhunt International in any year or edition combined.

The stage was huge, the music was apt and appropriate, and there was a display of sights and sounds that mesmerize the eyes. Mister Supranational is not your mediocre beauty pageant for men, it begs to be acknowledge that it is different and it has much to offer. When I saw the tape last year, I told myself, are they just bragging ... because for a first timer, they have done their homework thoroughly and the resultant effect on me was that I was getting a Miss Universe vibe in the show. it was almost too good to be true. I told myself .... lets give them another year and we will see.

Then Mr. Supranational 2017 came along. and looking at the candidates and the excitement of having two countries hosting the show - Poland and Slovakia generates feverish enthusiasm and anticipation to all pageant watchers all over the world. This years candidates were diversified and fierce making you believe everybody was there to win. The candidates were in good trim, tech savvy and in vogue.

Last week, I saw the candidates melting around in snow and reluctantly dip themselves in warmed swimming pools. We also saw a photo album of candidates practicing in an empty gym ... the images gave you the impression that the candidates were languishing around in the foggy and wintry state of mind. Well don't jump to conclusions that the contest was boring and dull. You have to see the finish product to appreciate it. And seeing the pageant video en toto, I will not be tepid with my comments anymore, ... I was shocked, I can't praise the show enough ...

The segments were pregnant with supra creativity spiced up with live music and dances; there were also supra-challenges that show candidates' supra-strength in their talent, skills and personality. Adam Yousef who was Mr. Supranational Trinidad Tobago last year came out from his cocoon and became the co-host here.

The list of Mr. Supranational strength continue with its camera. I never have seen candidates looking more beautiful than ever. The candidates were introduced one by one in their sports wear and when the swimwear competition started, there was global warming. In the street wear round they show their best dance moves and wait till Firemen Competition comes ... you will see how the candidates handle their "hoses". Having a blazing fire as backdrop ,,,, it was hotter than fire .... the show just explode with testosterone and thanks to the overzealous cameramen, this episode celebrates the candidates physical beauty, chiseled jawlines were in the forefront and washboard abs becomes a manic obsession. The frenetic camera movements blends with intense burning colors ... it's kaleidoscopic use of good lighting was one adrenaline rush worth experiencing. The camera overall does all the speaking... it was a visual storytelling at it's finest.

The whole show was fervid and spirited, there was a humongous stage again and Davina Reeves was a live wire and Paulina Chylewska was engaging and delightful as host although she buckles and eat her words once in awhile- a little annoying but forgivable. The production numbers were well thought out and the segment were carefully considered and planned (like the Formal Wear competition - the James Bond Sequence with Diamonds Are Forever reverberating at the back)... thanks to the director and the choreographer who despite tight schedules, the impossible became possible. The script also made a major contribution to the success of the show making the whole production one cohesive whole.

The pageant night also proved that when in comes to music there are no boundaries. The guest performers stole the thunder from the glitz and the glamour and obviously Michal Szpak rendition of Don't Poison Your Heart was a gem. He looked comfortable and svelte on stage and when he sang Color of Your Life, the upbeat rock song with electronic undertones made him own the stage like it was nobody's business. Another magical moment was Halina Mlynkova belting Listen made every one listen one hundred percent. There was that eerie silence, (I got goosebumps) I bet the audience took time savoring every note until it reach the climax interrupted only by wild applause and screams.

There is no doubt that this year Mr. Supranational 2017 has cemented its name in the world of pageantry and will finally define the standards of male beauty contest in the future. I will not be surprise if in the next two years it will zoom to a more greater heights as the most anticipated male pageant there is ... leaving other pageants rut in mediocrity.

The boxing segment in 2017 was unprecedented, it proved to all and sundry that fit figures and bulging crotches never go out of style. In 2016, in the swimwear round the candidates wore swimwear patterned to their country's flag (another first to the uninformed) as they struts their wares and in Parade of Nations they introduced themselves with their flags floating and waving over their heads. The images were such a novelty (nobody has tried experimenting on that before) a visual poetry in motion. Another first (in male pageantry) was introduced when the ten semifinalists have a Waltz number with selected ladies their cheeks pressed together as they dance and who could imagine Diego Garcy and his ilk ... pirouette, twirl and gyrate like that .... truly a "kilig" moment."

Now some observations:

1. I got it right. I bet for Gabriel Guerra to win Mister Supranational 2017. I based my vote on what I saw in Diego Garcy ... fierce, masculine, brute, competetive, moreno, muscle-packed.

2. The other night Miss Korea - Jenny Kim won Miss Supranational 2017. After one day another Korean won Mr. Supranational 2017 - Gabriel Correa! Coincidence?

3. Despite an ostentatious display of raw muscles in the swimwear competition, the segment was a let-down. Pageant enthusiasts wants their candidates in skimpy swimwears. If only Mister Supranational will cooperate and incorporate this idea, it would be purr-fect!

4. Pageant polls and blogs preferences centers on 5 men: Venezuela, Spain, Brazil, Slovakia and Mexico. Stray votes goes to Poland and India.

5. Mister Supranational wants to be different from other male -related pageants. Does that include last year's winner Diego Garcy not crowning this year's winner Gabriel Guerra? What's the story?

6. On issues on making oneself different: Does making the candidates wore board shorts in the swimwear round achieve that goal?

7. How I wish Colombia won Miss Supranational 2017. Martha Martinez and Gabriel Correa will make a beautiful pair.

8. Yves Campos of the Philippines was such a visual delight. He is cute and fresh. He was a boy trapped in a man's body ... what's wrong with that. Proof of the pudding: he was one of the semifinalist.

9. Gilbert Pangalila of Indonesia, by virtue of fan's vote was fast-forwarded to Top Ten. Something is wrong with that picture though. If he was voted by fans around the world (and that include Americans, British, Chinese, etc) I'm for it. But if he was voted by Indonesians all over the world ... fastforwarding him is quite unfair.

10. Talking about fan's vote ... so why not just give the winner the Most Popular Award or if you want it to sound better ... FAN's FAVORITE is more than appropriate. But rewarding the winner a slot in Top Ten is just insane.

11. I saw several Crossover in the candidates list. Htoo Ant Lwin of Myanmar joined Man of the Year 2016, Jason Pathum Subasinghe of Sri Lanka joined Mr. Global Teen 2016, Gilbert Pangalila of Indonesia joined Universal Ambassador 2017, Hamid Noor of Afhganistan joined Mr. Grand International 2017, and Felix Bothen of Gibraltar joined Man of The World 2017.

12. Other gorgeous men other than the Top Ten, includes Romania, Malta and Afghanistan. And there were gorgeous men who were wasted and was not even included in the TOP 20 -and Germany and Pakistan top the list.

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.

"Ibahin mo kami ... big-time to-its!

Kidney at heart ang binebenta namin."

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.