Thats What They Thought

They thought the story had been wrapped up and terminated.

 They thought 2025 was a narrow escape, and they had dodged the impeachment bullets with flying colors.

They thought Chit Escudero was as slippery as an eel, and because of that everybody considered him the hero. 

His forthwith "abracadabra" (the first one in any impeachment book) was a magic trick. 

Everyone was spellbound ... transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary through skillful illusion and storytelling.

Aside from Chit (others spelled his name as Cheat), the cohesive Duterte senators' "never say die attitude also did wonders. 

They acted like a massive defense to stop any impeachment offensive.

And when the Supreme Court ruling came out ... everybody celebrated with high fives galore.  

Everybody thought TAPOS na. They felt nakalusot na naman si Manang Inday ... and on the winning streak siya.

Yon ang akala nila. Come February ... may sequel pala ang impeachment. 

Parang yong walang katapusang horror film series ng Regal films na Shake Rattle and Roll. And to its credit naka-17 na sila.

And to make 2026 extra memorable for Inday ... the wheels of justice will also grind soon, pati ba naman Ombudsman sasampolan din ang tatag ng president wannabe na si Inday?

Sa totoo lang hindi na ito tsismis lang sabi ng isang podcaster. Sa katunayan naguumpisa na ang countdown 9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...0!

New Years Resolutions

Why do we have to make a new New Year's resolution after we fail to complete the old ones? Good question.

As promised yesterday, we need to inject humor into the business of PLEDGING to make a PROMISE, so we will not get stressed out if we fail to complete what we VOWED to do.

Below, I made some resolutions not only for myself, but also for people close to me. 

We are doing this for the laughs ... sakali mang may mapikon ... Bato-bato sa langit ang mapikon ... sigi ituloy mo na kung gusto mong magalit.

                                   >>>>>>>>>>>>

My New Year's Resolution is to become a budgetarian and a vegetarian.

Tightening one's belt ... a "budgetarian" has to be a vegetarian ... even if okra is slimy and ampalaya is bitter. Vegetables are cheaper compared to buying beef and pork ... sakali mang hindi mo pa alam yan.

                                     >>>>>>>>>>>>

Mom wants to lose weight. It is an oath she wants to keep.

Just don't show her KFC Hotshots, Pork Chop, or Bicol Express. And when you go to the mall ... avoid passing by Chow King.

                                     >>>>>>>>>>>>

Iiwasan ko rin ang mga bagay na nagpapataba sa akin.

And that includes weighing scales ... and lifesize mirrors. Iwasan ko na rin tingnan ang aking old FB photos that will remind me of what I once was..

                                   >>>>>>>>>>>>

Michael's New Year's Resolution: "I will improve my art in procrastination ." That's manana habit, dummy.

"And to prove that ... I will start tomorrow."

                                      >>>>>>>>>>>>

Shiela promised she will pet more dogs.

Michael agrees as long as she will pet him, too. And she cleaned the dog's shit ... pronto.

                                      >>.>>>>>>>>>

Alfred's pledge this year: "I have never been serious, but I will be more patient and tolerant this time."

If something goes wrong ... don't blame me.  I will blame you!

                                         >>>>>>>>>>>

David's sacred vow? To improve his memory and his retention.

So if you tell him, "Go see Michael if he is around." His answer should never be: "Who's Michael?"

                                         >>>>>>>>>>>>

Bonjo loves to eat, it is hard for him to say no.

His idea of a New Year's resolution is how he can fix five small, frequent meals in a day ... midnight snack excluded.

                                           >>>>>>>>>>>

Katong has just achieved his six pack (I termed it a chiseled stomach or washboard ripped abs)... so he wants to maintain it.

He wondered what his resolution would be like with Bonjo around, showing him the rudiments of how to have a voracious appetite.

                                            >>>>>>>>>>>

Every year ... Shiela makes it a point to change herself.

This year ... for a change ... she just wants to be herself.

                                           >>>>>>>>>>>>

Mark and Jane are a photophile. They just love taking photos with their family in a restaurant, out-of-town picnic, on nature tripping, and camping.

There's nothing to change for them. Family is family.

                                           >>>>>>>>>>>>

I was planning to tell Mike his New Year's resolution should include giving more hugs to the kids.

I could almost see Scott react: "But not in public ... Daddio!"

                                           >>>>>>>>>>>>

Zyle wants her dream girl to be the happiest that she could be. She loves her very much.

For the record, that dream girl, by the way, is her.

                                          >>>>>>>>>>>>

After being hospitalized ... Scott wants to avoid peppery, spicy, and tangy food. Well, he had 1 bout of projectile vomiting again.

Can you blame me?"he said. All that hot, spiced, and seasoned food meant one thing.  They taste good.

                                         >>>>>>>>>>>>>

PJ's promise: "New year ... new me."

After 15 minutes, he comes back  saying, "Never mind ... forget it."

                                       >>>>>>>>>>>>

My other resolution is to go out and SIN no more.

My inner self thinks otherwise.  He wants me to go out and be SEEN more.

                                            >>>>>>>>>>>

Double Entendre

Woman 1: Do you know Arthur?

Woman 2: Oh yes, I know him very well.

The intended meaning, of course, is that Woman 2 and ‘Arthur’ are intimately familiar. 

Double Entendre is a form of wordplay. It relies on an ambiguity in the phrasing or use of words in a statement. It is when a statement can be ‘read two ways’ (or three ways for a triple entendre). 

Typically the joke works because one reading is perfectly innocuous, whilst the second is rude, tawdry, or sexual.

Much Ado About New Year's Resolution

January 1 every year ... kicks off with people afflicted with the New Year's Resolution bug in the eye of the storm. The malady made them focus on their individual goals, plans, and commitment for self-improvement ...  the people made it as a vow, a pledge, their personal mission for that year that needs to be started. 

Just like the now-vogue fashion week, the first week of January is a "personal renewal week" for people who want to renew and change old habits - designing small but manageable steps for growth.

As of late, however, the annual observance saw some tinge of negative coloring to it, and some people treat the New Year as an unwelcome anniversary. It is a yearly albatross around their neck ... (more like a pain in the neck) as it imposes anybody statutory deadlines, especially to people who are hell-bent in making good on their promise.

"The yearly ordeal is back," ... so they say ... the annual struggle where people have to make a roadmap and the grand scheme to better themselves and zoom in new "mission impossible" that seems so unfeasible and unattainable. They found themselves in the same trap as last year, failing again for the nth time and haunting them and their collective consciousness the whole year round.

New Year's Resolution is a nuisance. Let's face it. We know how hard it is to keep up with the challenge and the demands of making a New Year's promise, for isn't it promises are made to be broken? 

That's what we do. And it is the same routine year in and year out. But whether we keep or break our promise ... the reality is there... that New Year's resolution is like a Damocles' sword (or is it our conscience) hanging over our heads and reminding us that we are negligent and remiss, that we have not kept our word.

Imagine keeping the resolution for a month ... let alone the next 365 days? That's a mega-challenge ... a hopeless endeavor ... and an unrealistic quest.

It is for this reason that we treat and adopt a new approach to dealing with this New Year's malady. How about treating it with humor ... a new frame of mind ... a newfound playfulness ... and not getting serious about it.

So, in the spirit of looking hopeful that 2026 will be fruitful for all of us ... let us be lighthearted, have a playful attitude, and focus on fun ... let us foster a sense of camaraderie rather than being overly serious or focused on stress and worry for what lies beyond 2026.

That will help us kick 2026 off with a laugh, and the realization that most of us agree: "We will make things happen this New Year."

Annual Report 2025

                           

Dia Mate - Miss Hispano Americana 2025

The New Year will be here tomorrow... and we can't help but look back at how the Philippines fared in 2025. It was raining titles you could ever imagine, a total of 66 titles to be exact, including subsidiary titles... a new wave of winners both on the male and female side of the spectrum. 

The runner-up spots were nothing to be sneezed at... and those who made the finalist round proved 2025 was a bumper crop, meaning it was a year of golden harvest. 

Here's the breakdown: (18) First Runner Up, (14) Second Runner Up, (9) Third Runner Up, and (3) Fourth Runner Up. 

Those who made it as finalists, we all have (5) Top 6-8 and (10) Top 10-16.

The record is second to none, and there is a big chance that the Philippines will also win Country of the Year.

In 2024, we have a record-breaking 74 titleholders (no country has ever done that ... not until some Johnny come lately has to gall to say the magic of the Philippines is waning ... and they have dislodged the country from its post being the Powerhouse in Asia?

Imagine our winning is diminishing and dwindling with this robust output ... 24 first runner-up spots ...14 second runners-up, 9 third runners-up ... 3 fourth runner-up, 2 fifth runner-up.

Will it be the same milestone winners next year, or will the Philippines duplicate or surpass its own records? This is a 64-dollar question, and I am too excited about what is in store for 2026.

                                  Nikki Buenafe Cheveh - Miss Face of Beauty International 2025

WINNERS

1. Dia Date - Reina Hispano Americana 2025

2. Alexie Mae Brooks - Miss Eco International 2025

3. Jessie Timmons - Mrs. Classic Global 2025

4. Khryss Nicole Go - Miss Chinatown Global 2025

5. Jasper Aron Dimaquibo - Grand Ambassador  I Am Model 2025 International 2025- Adult category

6. Wesmin Pacalso- Miss Independent International 2025

7. Sandro Cordova - Mr. Tourism World Asia Pacific 2025

8. Megan Marie Shinew- Miss Youth International 2025

9. Angelo Hedrix Guevarra - Grand Ambassador I Am Model Search International 2025 - Teen Category

10. Lyja Zhaina Santiago - Miss Pre-Teen Global 2025

11. Louise Aguilar - Miss Youth International Teen 2025

12. Quincy Ross Antonio Pertodo - Mr. Kid Of The World 2025

13. Nazareth Marie-Dolor Enriquez- Mrs. International World Ambassador 2025

14. Elisha Nicole Erana - Junior Miss Kid Of The World 2025

15.  Rein Gonzales- Miss Queen Of The World 2025

16.  Catherine Constantino- Ms. Queen Of The World 2025

17. Krishan Allere - Miss Aura International 2025

18. Patricia Anne Bangug - Miss Orient Tourism Global 2025

19. Francine Tajanlangit - Miss Elite Global 2025

20. CJ Opiaza- Miss Grand International 2024-2025

21. Angel Lovely Melocotones - Miss Charity Teen Global 2025

22.  James Andre Bayot - Mr. Teen Universal 2025

23. Jasmine Omay - Universal Woman 2025

24. Jean Micaell Yabot - Mr. Heritage International Asia-Pacific 2025

25. Krishna Gravidez - Miss World Asia 2025

                                   Ahtisa Manalo - Miss Universe 2025 - 3rd RU

26. Charina Carmen Cabading Josol - Grand Global Ambassador International 2025

27. Ralph Jude Dinolan - Mr. National Universe Earth 2025

28. Jorick Oba - Mister Heritage Ambassador 2025

29. Samantha Loelle Reyes - Mini Ambassador Glam Universal 2025

30. Charina Carmen Cabading Josol - Grand Global Ambassador International 2025

31. Jhan Phoebe Gaurana - Little Miss Glam International 2025

32. Sabella Julianne Ozaeta - Mini Miss Glam Worldwide 2025

33. Joelle Divine Uy - Miss SudaAmerica Global 2025

34. Tristan King Dano - Little Mr. Junior Idol World 2025

35. Nickoea Marie Whittaker - Miss Pre-Teen Junior Idol World 2025

36. Maria Shaiya Oisha Diwa - Miss Teen Junior Idol World 2025

37. Wendelyn Talabis - Elite Mrs. Supranational 2025

38. Hannah Marie Alejandro - Miss Business Global 2025

39. Alira Halid Jones - Miss Pre-Teen Universe 2025

40. Kathryn Agnes Laguyo - Miss Teen Universe 2025

41. Evangeline Mae Castillo Robea - Classic Mrs. International Global 2025

42. Kirk Bondad - Mister International 2025

43. Aries Ronnie Patis - Mister Tourism Ambassador Universe 2025

44. Garett Lyre - Mister Tourism Ambassador World 2025

45. Jamaica Teodoro - Miss Tourism Ambassador  World 2025

46. Allen Joyce Manzano - Miss Tourism Globe International 2025

47. Sugar Mercado - Mrs. Universe Official 2025

48. Emma Tiglao - Miss Grand International 2025

49. Christine Eds Enero - Miss Tourism Queen Of  The Year International 2025

50. Prince Jeffrey Hernandez - Master of The World 2025

                                                 Emma Tiglao - Miss Grand International 2025

51. Angela Bianca Agustin - Miss Asia Global 2025

52. Zharren Kate Colina - Miss Pre-Teen Gorgeous Universe International  2025

53. Jurizze Nicole Santiago - Miss Majestic International 2025

54. Arianna Pantaleon - Miss Environment International 2025

55. Zara Lopez - Miss Noble Queen International 2025

56. Yna Angela Uy -Super Model Universe 2025

57. Han Lamarozza - Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2025

58, Sylvia Polak - Mrs. National Globe 2025

59. Jerome Valdez - Mr. King Of Pacific Earth 2025

60. Novelyn Natividad - Mrs Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025

61. Ada Elisha Dwayne Lomod - Little Miss Of The Year International 2025

62. Angelica Faye Louisse Busante - Mrs. Charming 2025

63. Marck Marasigan - Mister Celebrity International 2025

64, Joshua Salibongcogon - Mister Majestic International 2025

65. Joshua Trapago - Mister Glocal International 2025

66. Jillian de Guzman - World Tourism Ambassador 2025

T                                             Tarah Valencia 0 Miss Supranational 2025 - Third RU

FIRST RUNNER UP

1. Aragon Jacob Lor - Mr. Chinatown Global 2025

2. Arianne Villareal - I Am Model Search International 2025

3. Jasper Aron Dimaquibo -  I Am Model Search International 2025

4. Shindell Atibula - Supermodel International 2025

5. Princess Juliane Opiaza - Miss Fitness Supermodel World 2025

5. Brent Mendoza - Mister Culture International 2025

6. Penelope Vicente- Miss Teen Culture International 2025

7.  Charyzah Barbara Esparrago -  Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2025

8. Riki Gabriel Pitogo - Miss Teen Star International 2025

9. Princess Abella - Mrs. Grand International 2025

10 Kenneth Marcelino - Mr. Cosmopolitan 2025

11. Fraulin Mata Mostoles - Miss Freedom Of The World 2025

12. Mardy Mabalda - Miss Equality International 2025

13. Anita Rose Gomez - Miss Asia Pacific 2025

14. Lance David Tepora -World Fitness Supermodel 2025 - Vice Champion

15. Chiara Mae Viscaya Gottschalk - Miss Teen Universe 2025

16. Paula Merced Vitug- Miss Eco Teen International 2025

17. Micah Cabahug - Mrs. Friendship International 2025

18. Kurt Michael Aguilar - Mr. Friendship International 2025

19. Yashna Sumir Sharma -Miss Teen Icon International 2025

SECOND RUNNER UP

1. Miko Santos - Mister Teenager Universe 2025

2.  Trisha Irish Marie Rosales - Miss Global Asian 2025

3. Elijah Stark Guevarra- I Am Model Search International 2025- Kids Category

4. Gerlaine Silva - Miss Charity International 2025

5. Denver Argana - Mr. Fitness Supermodel World 2025

6. Alyssa Mildred Villarina - Miss Global Universe 2025

7. Elizabeth Lipkin - Mini Miss Junior Idol World 2025

8. Meridith Bobadilla - Miss Teen Earth 2025

9. Jeslyn Santos - Miss Woman International 2025

10. Hannah Marie Alejandro - Miss Business Global 2025

11. Michael Angelo Toledo - Man Of The Year 2025

12. Scarlet Maidin - Miss Cultural International 2025

13. Matt Gregorio - Man Hot Star 2025

14. Alessandra David - Miss Celebrity International 2025

                                        Miko Santos - Mister Teenager Universe 2025

THIRD RUNNER UP

1. Jordan San Juan- Manhunt International 2025

2. RJ Dinolan - Mister National Universe 2025

3. Tarah Valencia - Miss Supranational 2025

4. Marnny Lampa - Caballero Universal 2025

5. Imee Soyangco - Miss Friendship International 2025

6. Ahtisa Manalo - Miss Universe 2025 

7. Karianne Raab - Miss Glamour Look International 2025

8. David Cuanjuco - Mister Bear International 2025

9. Juliana Panopio - Miss Wellness World 2025

FOURTH RUNNER UP

1. Xena Ramos - Miss Global 2025

2. Kenneth Cabuncal - Mister Supranational 2025

3. Myrna Esguerra - Miss International 2025

                                           Kenneth Cabuncal- Mr. Supranational 2025 4th RU

TOP 6-8

1. Krishnah Gravidez - Miss World 2025

2. Maria Diosa Liquido - Miss Culture International 2025

3. Anne Patricia Lorenzo - Miss International Queen 2025

4. Joy Barcoma - Miss Earth 2025

5. Miguel Germina - Mr. Gay World 2025

TOP 10-16

1. Gianne Boelle Corpuz - Miss Summer World 2025

2. Scarlet de Mesa- Top Model Of The World 2025

3. Raed Al Zghayer - Man Of The World 2025

4. Marcus Parcon- Mister National Universe 2025

5, Jasmine Omay - Universal Woman 2025

6. Jether Palomo- Mister Global 2025

7. Annabel McDonnell - Miss Globe 2025

8. Joahnna Lee Ucol - Miss Scuba International 2025

9. Cyrille Payumo - Miss Charm International 2025

10. Marlon Melgar- Mr. Glam International 2025

                                                                     Kirk Bondad- Mr. International 2025

Showbiz Oddities

The term "showbiz oddity" refers to a person, thing, or event within the entertainment industry that is considered strange, unusual, or peculiar. 

Showbiz is an informal abbreviation for "show business," which encompasses all aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, theatre, and television, as well as the people involved, like artists, producers, and agents. 

Oddity means something strange, unusual, or different from what is expected or ordinary.

So here we go.  Don't you think Carla Abellana getting married on the same day her erstwhile husband, Tom Rodriguez, won Best Supporting Actor ...  an oddity?

And the more strange it becomes because the title of Tom's movie is UNMARRY? Coincidence?

A Viral Post?

Yesterday, my post with a running title "Was Ahtisa Manalo Cyberbullied?" seemed like it had gone viral. When the clock struck 12, there were already 1,361,070 views, 2251 likes, 436 comments, and 103 shares.

This is the first time this has happened to me as a writer and a blogger. I was pinching myself to see if it was true or not, but the hallmark signs were there that the post had unusually high notification metrics, and the exponential growth in reach and engagement was achieved in a short period, and it quickly reached an audience far wider than my existing followers. 

When I write, all I need is to be truthful, have good communication skills, creativity, and focus on helping my audience understand my points of view and deliver a unique, engaging, and consistent content regularly.

I try to recognize my own biases too ... doing that is essential for accurate interpretation, better decision making, and stronger critical thinking.  In the case of Ahtisa and her falling out with Cosmo, bias shapes what gets included in what I wrote, what needs to be emphasized, or omitted, and how evidence is framed; being aware of it prevents misunderstanding and misuse of information.

I don't have any pretensions that I am good and am always right, and it never crosses my mind that I will be writing because I want my post to become viral. Always.

Who doesn't want engagements, views, and shares ... anyways. The audience and the followers' support are the lifeline of any writer worth their salt.

Ahtisa being bullied is not clickbait. 

It has gone viral because it triggers strong emotions (awe, joy, anger, surprise), and besides, Ahtisa has a strong and solid fanbase, which is why they came to her rescue when her hands and tongue were tied.

It also has high relatability; pageants are always known to help candidates empower themselves, but it was not so in this case. After her interview with V.G., it becomes evident that pageants can also make or break dreams and aspirations.

The post has gone viral, maybe because the memes created by Miss Cosmo's supporters (Ahtisa being Medusa) were visually appealing. That had helped amplify platform algorithms that favored high engagement.  

It was timely also, and a perfect time for user-sharing ... and the audience who shared the post feel good or smart when they did it. They feel they have done something good.

It was funny that the fans instead of getting mad, marvelled at Ahtisa's appearance with snakes and all. "Kung si Ahtisa daw ang ahas ... napakagandang ahas niya ay hindi daw sila dapat matakot. Maganda siyang Medusa or Valentina."

You see ... it is a salad of psychological triggers, strategic timing, and algorithmic fuel ( and has not have nothing to do with the writer), that made the content spread like wildfire.

That makes me wonder, kailan kaya ang repeat and encore ng ganito katinding engagement?

Maybe in another lifetime? On the other hand, I am happy I wrote that piece.