PAGEANT UPDATE: 2014 Queens Magazine Cover

The pageant season will only start in the last quarter of the year. Big Four beauty pageants are either in November or December. Since the Philippines holds most number of wins in 2013, the pressure on current queens is at the maximum level.

Let's see how are they doing so far. They are together as cover girls for Sense a& Style Magazine for August  2014.

Mary Jean Lastimosa Miss Universe Philippines 2014 shared the magazine spread on her instagram account.

photo credits to owners

photo credits to owner

photo credits to owner

She received praises for this year's promising batch.

Bianca Guidotti - Bb. Pilipinas International

Kris Tifanny Janson - Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental

Yveth Marie Santiago - Bb. Pilipinas Supranational

Parul Shah - Bb. Pilipinas Tourism International

Below is the behind the scenes video.

LIST: Once PBB Teens

Pinoy Big Brother is one reality TVshow where some of the brightest stars come from. Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon, Ryan Bang, James Reid and the likes - are from PBB teens alone.This is despite not being a talent show. The names above are easy because being big winners/Big four followed that they get big breaks.

There are those who continued being visible but no longer tagged as housemates. Some of you might already forgot that they were once PBB Teens.
1. Yen Santos
2. Shey Bustamante
3. Andi Eigenmen
4. Valerie Weigmann
5. Jovic Susim

This is the batch where Yen and Shey belong

1. Yen Santos -PBB Teen Clash

It's easy that you may not remember Yen because people were so into Tricia (positively or negatively)- the other Santos, for you to take notice her.

Yen now plays lead (or support depending how you see it) in Philippine TV series version of Pure Love. This is her biggest break so far and a supposed comeback from a long time she was not visible since Growing up folded up. The growing popularity is basically in its own merit and no longer attributed to PBB.

2. Shey Bustamante -PBB Teen Clash

If the name has no recall, imagine Mikay's co worker in hotdog stand in the Princess and I. Many might remember her face along with Kathryn Bernardo. This former Bb. Pilipinas official candidate continue to be visible in supporting role in Pure Love as cafe waitress with batchmate  Yen Santos.

3. Andi Eigenmenn - PBB Teen Edition Plus

Andi was not a regular Housemate. She was a House guest for weeks before she was launched big time as Teleserye frontliner in Agua Bendita, Minsan lang kita Iibigin and Galema. Most of you might not remember this. 

4. Valerie Weigmann - PBB Teen Edition Plus

The speculation was that Val was handpicked from the barangay and instantly became co host in Subog Bahay in Eat Bulaga. This was Valerie's biggest break where people really recognized her.

Many might remember Ejay Falcon being torpe to a German Housemate. Years later people were not able to associate that the statuesque charming lady who shared comedic timing with Jose Manalo and Paolo Ballesteros was the love interest of Ejay Falcon inside the house.

Val is now in the thick of preparation to Miss World Philippines pageant which explains her absence in the noon time show.

5. Jovic Susim PBB Teen Clash

I thought of Jovic Susim because I recently watched "Ang Huling Henya" where he was Rufa Mae Quinto's love interest. When I googled his name, I learned that he's part of "Halik ng Taramtula"with Bb. Gandang Hari. 

LIST: Superstars Gone Bad

I remember as a college student, watching E! True Hollywood Stories where I see stories behind success and failure of the stars. I used to wonder when local showbusiness would be that daring to bare secrets of our stars. Now, it does not need a show like that to divulge showbiz secrets. "Twitter accounts" of the stars themselves are the sources of information.

1. Claudine Barretto

The once Teleserye Princess/ Queen had difficulties on separating TV series and real life. She makes her life a real teleserye. The whole Baretto family, actually is an ongoing saga of betrayal, lies and feuds. Everyone is self destructing. In any manner of defending oneself opens another bone in the closet.

For Claudine, we were all deceived. The great actress every female adored is all along - a mess. We were in denial of her true character when she gave a hint years ago. She accidentally tripped her heels while coming out of a production number in ASAP - she uttered "Ay Putang ina".

2. Maricel Soriano

As an ordinary person, I was not able to sense that something's happening to her life. Press might have too scared to tell something about her negatively. It was about maltreatment to her domestic helpers that reveal a part of the story. And another piece, when in an incident with Gerald Anderson happened in a teleserye taping.

She is now at the phase of recovery. The way an showbiz outsider sees it.

3. Rosanna Roces

Early on, the character which everyone liked is Rosanna being frank, honest and candid. These were also what basically destroyed her. She left her network when she had a rift with her talent manager. She turned her back to Lolit Solis when the latter spilled that her daughter was pregnant. In any effort to revive her career nothing happened. It is because every time her career picked up, she'd take u turn and draw another controversy.

At any rate, she's visible in indie films which is positively proving that she has mellowed lately. 

4. Nora Aunor

I am not that old to know that notoriety of the superstar in her hey days. To a Noranian, no one would admit that fame has gone to her head. What I heard were rumors of not showing up to commitments and mishaps with men she liked. This was despite the humble and down to earth image. Those were alleged stories in the 70s and 80s. 

The real Nora Aunor story has to be her arrest involving drugs. It takes lots of back stories to get accounts of the incidents and what happened next. I'm not getting into that level. Recently, this cost her to be shortlisted as National Artist. Though her defenders claim that she was not convicted. 

***

When I listed them as "Superstars gone bad", it is not just about them self destructing. It shows the more human side of them. Not superficial. Not perfect. Not demi-gods. It says that ordinary people who idolize them are not too distant to who they are.

Still, a downgrade for them for managing popularity and fortune in to good use.

Beautiful Sarah

Sarah Geronimo is this Month Cover of this blog.


***

PEP.Ph bannered Sarah Geronimo as their Most Beautiful for 2014. With 99 other listed celebrities, the yearly list quite stirred talks on how beauty was defined this year.

"Hindi ako makaniwala!" was Sara Gs reaction during the launch - and so as some netizens who do not agree. At Sarah's popularity, POPsters are naturally on high with another feat of their idol. 


Jophenn

PEP.ph July 30, 2014.

let sarah win the award because she is a woman in love! When a woman is in love, she feels beautiful ! I am a big fan of Ms. Marian, but even though she is not on the list, everyone knows that her natural beauty and sexiness is in incomparable. she is a league of her own! Congrats, Sarah!

Pinay123

PEP.ph July 30, 2014. 

Are they serious? I won't even mistaken her for a celebrity.

tut99

PEP.ph July 30, 2014. 

Ako rin, di ako makapaniwala? I won't even bother assuming for their beauty scale, Chimiaa version?

***

YES 100 Most Beautiful is annual list of celebrities by Yes Magazine since 2007. Past front liners were.
2007 Judy Anne Santos
2008 KC Concepcion
2009 Marian Rivera
2010 Kim Chiu
2011 John Lloyd Cruz
2012 Anne Curtis
2013 Julia Montes/ Kathryn Bernardo
2014 Sarah Geronimo

It's a Sweep, Kim Chiu

Fan base! Fan base!

Kim Chiu fans are at their best. This brought the chinita princess to a sweep at the 2014 yahoo OMG Awards. Winning "Celebrity of the Year" should have been an enough indication that she has arrived - big time as Major Celebrity. 

Photo credits to owner

The complete list of Kim Chiu's OMG titles under her belt.

Celebrity of the Year - Kim Chiu

Actress of the Year - Kim Chiu

Fan Club of the Year – KimXi

Teleserye of the Year – “Ikaw Lamang”

Movie of the Year – “Bride for Rent”

She took away with twin victory of Celebrity/Actress of the Year that Marian Rivera and Angel Locsin failed to achieve last year. The rivals split the title respectively. Both superstars failed to earn any award this year. The rumored Angel Locsin-call center-trending group must have slept too long that they missed their quota. Marian Rivera's legion of fans must have rested after FHM victory party.

Good job KIM.

She must have done good, that she got the support of the yahoo nation.

Alex gonzaga pure fashion

I once heard, Alex is the new Toni. I'm referring to the Gonzaga sisters and not the male tambays down the street. Actually, they're right. She used to be groomed as demure and serious actress at the kapatid network. From the time Alex Gonzaga came back at her Kapamilya home, she was given tons of assignments which are very likely as Toni's career path - hosting jobs and romcom projects.  Being the "new Toni" include being the fashion celebrity to look out.

On her past interviews, she usually expressed her gratitude to her sister's generosity - shoes, clothes and bags. This revealed that she's not only influenced by Toni but she actually borrows these things from her Ate Celestine. 

The pictures below shows her fashion sense juggling from hosting stint in The Voice Kids, Pure Love and PPB All In.

Photo credits to owner.

Her tiny frame - like her sister, passes as a designer's muse for showcase of long gowns at the red carpet.

The Voice Kids, Alex's fashion line up. Photo credits to owner.

She introduced her style team on her twitter account.

People we looked forward: Seeing in 2014 SONA

Setting aside what need to be heard about the state of the nation, people also look forward to 2014 SONA fashion. Who else is at top of everyone's mind, but Heart Evangelista - girlfriend of Sen. Chiz Escudero...
To everyone's delight, she did pass the high expectations, which is an absolute normal.

photo credits to owner

Completing the top 5 list are:
2. Kris Aquino
3. Lucy Torres Gomez
4. Dawn Zulueta Lagdameo
5. Assunta de Rossi

Netizen Alert: Not a Piece of Meat - Aljur Abrenica

I saw the news at ABS CBN. Aljur in ABS CBN? He wants to have his contract in GMA 7 rescinded by filing it in court. Before this, nothing was heard in soft talks or blind items. The issue came as a surprise -at least for me.

Long before, Aljur is a case of overrated GMA star. He's not a good as the network claim. It was only now -I suppose, that they realized that they need to pay attention to younger and better talents. 

Netizens alert:

                 No comments from http://starcinema.abs-cbn.com/

                 as of July 27, 2014 when their related article was posted since July 25, 2014

Star Cinema fans may be too busy watching She's Dating the Gangster to care about Aljur or they really don't care at all.

                 Ser Loras on Celebrity.yahoo.com July 24, 2014

                  Ganito rin ginawa ni Hero Angeles. Nasan siya ngayon?

              Raul O on Celebrity.yahoo.com July 24, 2014
               If you're not making money for the network then you'll not be given projects kaya nga show business. Pana-panahon lang yan and you should have the talent and perseverance to succeed. Puno na ng big talents and ABS CBN and the competition is very stringent baka sa ABC5 pwede pa. He should examine what's wrong with him and not with the network. May  problema nga ang GMA7 kaya nga ibinebenta. Ill-advised si Aljur.

POP cafe:

It's definitely a downgrade for Aljur even if there's guaranteed transfer to either ABSCBN or TV5. 

It's not only gratitude issue but a matter of (little) success gone to head.

He should have long contemplated on his career since Machete and his only film "Nandito Ako"- failed. Anyways, I forgot he has another movie - "My Kontrabida Girl" which was another flop.

Netizens' alert: Piolo Pascual, no fear of aging

There are lots of things to watch and hear about Papa P lately. Piolo Pascual as the actor, father and financial guru.

On his interviews he shared these things. And I can't help but be more attentive since he used to be silent with lots of issues.

1. Early retirement because he has new ad campaign for sun life, which he endorses.

2. Fatherhood and being proud about his son primarily because he shared the product endorsement with Inigo. Also, about Inigo who'll be launched as part of an internarional boyband.

3. Fatherhood again because of his new teleserye, where people (or at least the media) try to associate Zaijan to a younger Inigo.

4. Break up with Shaina Magdayao.

5. Sometime in the interview, the mention of aging, wrinkles and possibility of seeking the help of science.

Thus, it is notable to include this netizen comment.

            

            Noemi Calangan on Rappler.com July 24, 2014

            He is a good man, he holds HIS FAITH in GOD that makes his life peace and stable…

Out of all this issues - I mean positive things happening in his life, netizens had a blast bringing up issues on gender and his hair.

  

e is a good man, he holds HIS FAITH in GOD that makes his life peace and stab

           Batmix on yahoo.com July 2, 2014

           Pag may wrinkles ka na dun ka pa magladlad? ang panget na bakla mo na nu.. now na!

           Abdil on yahoo.com July 2, 2014

           Piola Pascuala's only fear is to play a gay role in any movie.

he is a good man, he holds HIS FAITH in GOD that makes his life peace and sta

          

           Stewie Griffin on yahoo.com July 2, 2014

           Nag Rejoice yata e. HABA NG HAIR

POP cafe:

For the past years, I get irked how people regard Piolo Pascual as ultimate heartthrob or prime leading man - when he does not have box office films as John Lloyd. None would agree to me then that he's a "has been".

Then came OTJ and Starting Over Again films.

photo credits to owner

OTJ brought him back to critics list of great actors after years of performance in commercial films. Everyone was skeptical about him accepting a supporting role. On his magazine feature he said that there was this one scene that made him decide to accept the role. The decision is all worth it, when I watched the film. The film did not make it to the box office but it sure left a lasting impact on Piolo's acting merits. 

Starting Over Again was his first "super hit" way back his Judy Anne Santos team up.

indeed, he's reall back on top.

Noemi Calangan

2 days ago

he is a good man, he holds HIS FAITH in GOD that makes his life peace and stable...

Noemi Calangan

2 days ago

he is a good man, he holds HIS FAITH in GOD that makes his life peace and stable...

Netizens' Alert: Heart upset on her Trophy Wife Role

Heart Evangelista shared her sentiments to PEP.ph on her role on her latest film. She got upset when changes have been made in the course of making the film.  She initially accepted the role in Trophy Wife- as her first Viva movie, thinking that she'll be pitting talent and beauty with Christine Reyes. Observers (and Heart, too) now considers this as supporting role or special participation. 

Netizens are quick to express their opinion with the matter. 

                  RuPauldelRio: July 24, 2014

                  Meanwhile tumaas ang BP ni Boss Vic ng Viva.

I'm not sure whether Boss Vic still run Viva for him to be that bothered. Nonetheless, Ru had that feisty comment that caught might attention.

Others compared her to Claudine with being arrogant and walang utang na loob. While, "Marian vs. Angel fans" set in and dragged the forum to Marian Rivera-Angel Locsin rivalry. 

POP cafe side:

She related that despite the disappointed, she's not dwelling on that too much because she has a lot of good thing going in her life.

Netizens just have to appreciate the honestly she showed. Let us be happy that we have to exclude her from actresses who fool people that everything is fine. 

Netizens' Alert: Marian Rivera 2014 FHM Sexiest

 Marian Rivera on being FHM 2014 no. 1 sexiest.

"Katulad nga po ng madalas kong sabihin, ang kagandahan, kaseksihan, walang halaga 'yan kung walanga nagmamahal sa 'yo."

Rejoice Marian Kingdom!

She once again topped the FHM 100 sexiest women this year 2014. Of course, this is courtesy of the legion of fans themselves. It is such an irony that observers see that she's at the downfall of her career - a not-so successful latest teleserye, flop movie with Richard Gutierrez (the movie is so forgettable that I could care to look for its title)  and mild success of  Kung Fu Diva.

Topping the list indeed tells that she's still a "Queen."

With this recent success, netizens have lots to say. The most notable of them is the one below:

        Blue_Jasmine at PEP.ph on July 1, 2014

       "Kahit Kinder, alam sabihin anf speech niya, susme"

At the victory party itself, people have mix reactions on her outfit. 

       Leila Magdael on www.philstar.com on July 10, 2014

       "Congratulations! another feather in you most decorate cap. "

       Rachelle Anne Bienes  on Marian Rivera FB page on July 9, 2014

       "kelangan pa bang pansinin kung sexy ang suot? mukha pa lng sexy na eh. "

***

The World is so (Megan) Young

Megan has always been a case of a successful non-winner in a reality show - even before Miss World. She placed third (eliminated in the last episode before the finals night) to the less successful Ryza Cenon and LJ Reyes in Starstruck reality show's second edition in 2004-2005. However, she did more lead/supporting roles in movies than what winners did -combined.

She's now 2013 Miss World. 

Let's go back to her career, pre-beauty queen chapter.

1. Won't Last a Day Without You 2011

2. The Reunion 2012

3. Babe I Love You 2010

4. Shake Rattle n Roll XI 2009

5. White House 2010

6. Enteng ng Ina Mo 2011

When you try to recall what her movies are, it's quite hard to think in an instant. She may not be you're mainstream box office star but you'll come across Megan oftentimes in  movies at CinemaOne cable channel. Her biggest beak was "Won't Last a Day Without You", but her role as a ghost in "Shake Rattle n Roll XII"  was the most delightful to watch. Her co star Ruffa Gutierrez on the other hand was Miss World 2nd Princess 20 years ago.

Back in 2012. I came across her blogpost of not joining Binibining Pilipinas that year. I felt that the post was unnecessary. People went tired of anticipating her every year. She's also getting older that I no longer see her winning any title. The following are excerpts from that post:

          “Megan join na.” “Megs, magbinibini ka na kasi.” “Ang tanda mo na, sumali ka na!” These are only a few statements that I have been hearing over and over for the past couple of months. And I’m not complaining! I am so flattered. I have always wanted to but something had always been pushing me back – I didn’t have the drive.

           So my answer is that, no, I will not be joining BBP12 this year but I am keeping my heart open to it.

    Thank you to everyone that has been tweeting me and sending me links to forums. I’ve read everything you’ve sent. I’m so glad you all believe in me. But let me believe in myself first so that I won’t let you down

Then, she later had the magazine feature in Rogue which ended her chance in joining Binibining Pilipinas. I was in awe. She's drop-dead gorgeous. I have those photo saved in my laptop since 2012.

Angelica's side

In the League of Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera and Bea Alonzo, there's Angelica Panganiban in between or at the tail end, depending what their last or latest projects are.

On the list of her box-office and critically acclaimed films are
Santa Santita 2004
A Love Story  2007
I Love You Goodbye 2009
Bulong 2011
Segunda Mano 2011
One More Try 2012

Then, there was a not-so successful Every Breath U Take 2012.

Viewers see her on TV in the long running Banana Split and Teleseryes in between. The most notable we were "Iisa pa Lamang" and "Rubi".  Ultimately, if there's one defining moment she has in her career, that is "Here Comes the Bride". There was no Best Actress to boot for this role but she was at her best.

"Apir, apir, apir! Hindi na uso yan! Wisik wisik na lang. Masdan mo ang beauty ko, tataas ang kilay mo."

"Look who's here, my favorite stepmother. Ang dating gold digger in red, isa na ngayong merry widow in black."  - Scarlet, Iisa pa Lamang 2008.

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 - Who wore it better?

You must have known by now the big and not-so big winners of Binibining Pilipinas 2014. Not-so-big means, front runners such as Yvethe Santiago and Kris Janson fall short of the expectations. This feature is not about that.

An overdue win for Mary Jean Lastimosa. The Miss Universe Philippines and her court.

Pageant fanatics all agreed that this year's presentation is of very high production value. The production value includes the gowns. Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. has that reputation of re-using gowns for the pageant and events. Much has been expected about that, to everyone's upset or delight.

Photo credits to owners/  Rappler.com and Bb. Pilipinas Website 
(for all of the photos)

I researched far and wide. Emma Mary Tiglao is the only casualty. She wore Pia's Wurchback's gown last year which was quite obvious since the latter got a runner up finish. The gown is quite visible around the web.

Anyways, what we have was sort of a collection, which a part was already worn in 2013 and the other part in 2014.  Let us take the case of 2014 semi finalist Ja Flores and Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 Joanna Cindy Miranda - and the two other candidates.

There was Pink version of the design in 2013 and yellow in 2014.

There were also gowns of same design but of  different shades. Take for instance, 2013 un-numbered Binibini and 2014 Ed Agustin.

Nazar was a 2013 semi finalist. The two who wore the same design in 2014
did not make to this years first cut.

Another set of design in 2013 which extended to 2014 was worn by 2013 semi finalist Camille Nazar and two not so lucky candidates of this year's edition. Should I still need to ask who wore better?

Mutya Datul is a goddess. Anyone who wears the same design as hers would pale in comparison (see the comparison in the above photo). The one worn by Binibini Manuel on the right was previously worn by MI Bea Rose Santiago, as I remember. I just can't find a picture of it right now.

clockwise: MUP MJ Lastimosa, unplaced Binibini and Miss Tourism Parul Shah. They wore differently detailed gowns of similar silhouette.

For this edition, the set of heart-bustier mermaid gown is the winner. Notice at the above photo the mortality rate among the three who wore the same design.

All in all, this year is an upgrade. The best of it is the fact that Madame Stella Marquez De Araneta provides all the gowns for the annual pageant. First, it limits the handlers' self serving creativity to experiment on the candidates' look. Thus, the spectators attention will be on the bearing of the candidate not the gown. Ultimately, it result to having cohesive look to the entire presentation.

Admit it. the pageant has good evening gowns this year.
Less of the recycled ones.