Kwentong Jollibee Valentine’s Series 2018: Homecoming

Di napapagod ang pusong nagmamahal.

True love never gives up.

Believe in the power of love

A heart that loves never gets tired.

True love never gives up.

Believe in the power of love.

Kwentong Jollibee (Valentine's Series 2018) 'SIGNS'

Naligaw ka man sa signs,

true love will find you

Though signs may have misled you,

true love will find you.

Believe in the power of love.

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."