BEAUTY PAGEANTS AND TOURISM

FILIPINA BEAUTIES SHINED IN 2017

Except for one, all of the 2017 Bb.Pilipinas winners did pretty well in international pageants last year. Take a look:

    Rachel Peters - Top 10 finish at Miss Universe 2017 (held in Las Vegas, USA)
    Katarina Rodriguez - 1st runner up at Miss Intercontinental 2017 (held in Egypt)
    Nelda Ibe - 1st runner up at Miss Globe 2017 (held in Albania)
    Elizabeth Clenci - 2nd runner up at Miss Grand International 2017 (held in Bangkok, Thailand)
    Channel Olive Thomas - Top 10 finish at Miss Supranational 2017 (held in Poland)

Karen Ibasco bagged the fourth Miss Earth crown for the Philippines, however her victory was met by protests from pageant fans around the world branding Ibasco's win a hometown decision.

Teresita Marquez won the 2017 Reyna Hispanoamericana, a pageant for countries with Spanish roots. Teresita bested out 27 countries and it was the first time the Philippines joined the pageant.

The Philippines bet for Miss World managed to reach top 40 (was top 5 in 2016).  Mariel de Leon did not place in Miss International. There are some more Filipinas who won in some minor pageants  (will update once known).

PASSION FOR PAGEANTS 

Obviously the Philippines is one of the craziest, if not the craziest pageant country in the world. Filipinos are obsessed with beauty pageants and there's always one held in any area or communities anywhere in the country at any time of the year. Some are held on makeshift stage in basketball courts, backstreet and parks. Even schools and universities organize their own pageants; name any pageant, you can find it the Philippines be it for male pageants or gays and lesbians and even pageants for kids. It's likened to Filipinos' passion for basketball which is considered almost like a religion in the country. Expect a big fuzz and bashing if Miss Philippines fail to make it in major international pageants just like when Rachel Peters didn't make it to the top 5 at the recent Miss Universe pageant. The last to compete among the 2017 Bb. Pilipinas winners was Katarina Sonja Rodriguez. Katarina placed 1st runner up at Miss Intercontinental and as expected overzealous fans are saying that Katarina was robbed of the title, accusing the organizers for discriminating against Filipinas and all that crazy stuff. The Philippines has yet to win this minor international pageant.

While beauty pageants have become less popular in industrialized countries, it still remains "a big thing" in most countries in Latin America and Asia specifically in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Thailand, India and the Philippines and not to be outdone, there's also growing interest in Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Rich countries like Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Korea and Singapore just kinda chill out and do not really care that much even if they lose. 

PHILIPPINES TO HOLD 67TH ANNUAL MISS UNIVERSE?

There's brewing rumor that the 67th Miss Universe Pageant will be held in the country and in the event it push through it will be the fourth time the country host the pageant.  Reports had it that it's the Miss Universe Org. who is offering the country to hold the pageant and apparently the Department of Tourism (DOT) is on the final stage of closing the deal.  In an interview by TV Patrol with Miss Universe CEO Paula Shugart,  DOT claims that tourist arrivals posted a 5% increase after Miss Universe was held in the country two years ago. I don't think holding Miss Universe will boost the country's tourism industry and if ever, I guess it's just very minimal. Statistics shows the Philippines lags way behind compared to our neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Thailand had 29 million visitors last year compared to the Philippines' only 5 million visitors. 

The Department of Tourism should thank foreign backpackers and vloggers who posts their vacation adventure on their vlogs on YouTube.  This has somehow attracted foreign tourists to visit the country. These vloggers often say that the Philippines in fact has more to offer but efforts from the government aren't felt enough. Tourists often complain about bad infrastructure and poor internet connection. Another factor is the bad image of the country but thanks to some foreign vloggers who tell their viewers that it is generally safe to visit the country except for a few places in Mindanao, but the sad part of it is that it's the backpackers themselves who discover some of the potential tourist spots in the country and they even encourage their viewers to visit the Philippines.  DOT should help these guys instead of spending millions on advertising agencies only to realize that they were only copied materials from other countries. On a positive note, foreign tourists are amazed with the genuine hospitality of the Filipino people whom they refer to as the friendliest people on the planet and this somehow compensates whatever shortcomings the country has in other aspects.

WHAT'S NEXT PILIPINAS?

Divisiveness is what best describe the current political scenario in the country. The never ending bickering among politicians become a staple activity that we see and hear everyday; opposing political parties can't seem to agree on what's best for the country with vested interest at the back of their minds (it all depends of which side of the fence you are).   Rising commodity prices, poverty, drug lords, con-ass, cha-cha, tax reforms, press oppression and bullying  continue to pollute our society with uncertainties ahead of us.  Before we shift to federalism, can we just fix first the country's main problems? Is it legal to allow China to conduct research exploration in Benham Rise when China has already slapped us by building a military base in Scarborough Shoal in West Philippine Sea?  It doesn't make sense. What happened to our Foreign Policy?

The Philippines lags behind our neighbors in many aspects whether tourism, infrastructure and trade. While tourist arrivals have increased by around 5%, still it is just like a drop in the ocean if you compare it with statistics of  neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The figure above shows 2013 (statistics and yet it was only last year that the Philippines had reached 5 million visitors).  The country has a lot more to offer. If a small city-state Singapore can do it, why not our country too?  But we need a leader who is pro-people, goal-oriented with mission and vision for the country and above all - God fearing.

TOP 20 MOST HANDSOME AND HOTTEST FILIPINO HEARTTHROBS (AGE 18-25)

Local movie, tv and basketball superstars  are very popular in the country and Filipinos are simply crazy for these good looking celebrities who have easily taken the attention of the public.  They are followed by millions on social media and have become popular endorsers of popular commercial brands.

Here are my list of 20 most handsome celebrities under the age bracket 18-25. The list includes two athletes and artists from ABS-CBN and GMA 7 networks, in random order.

Daniel Padilla, James Reid, Enrique Gil, Alden Richards, Jameson Blake, Joshua Garcia, Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie Alonte, McCoy de Leon, Anjo Damiles, Joao Constancia, Tony Labrusca, Ruru Madrid, Jak Roberto, Derrick Monasterio, Kiko Estrada, Ken Chan, Albie Casino and 2 basketball stars Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.  

2018 Bb. Pilipinas Official Candidates

The official Candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2018 have been revealed last night.  Official candidate number to be announced very soon.  

Among those who made it to the list were Catriona Gray (Miss World 2016 top 5), Aya Verdadero Abesamis (daughter of 1984 Miss Universe 3rd-runner up Desiree Verdadero), celebrities Michelle Gumabao and Vicky Ralshton, Muriel Orais (the girl on PAL ad) and some repeaters like Karen Gallman and Jehza Huelar.  Finals will be held on March 18, 2018.

Jerelleen Rodriguez Jehza Huelar Angelica Corbe Juliana Kapeundl Wynona Buot Rosantonette Mendoza Sigrid Grace Flores Kristie Rose Cequeña Enalouis Velasco Ana Patricia Asturias Muriel Orais Angelie Aubrey Asuncion Karen Gallman Trixia Marie Maraña Edjelyn Joy Gamboa Janette Sturm Sarah Margarette Joson Janice Roman Henna Kaizelle Nicole Cajandig Eva Patalinjug

Anjame Magbitang Samantha Avestruz Loren Artajos Samantha Bernardo Marie Sherry Ann Tormes Katherine Ventura Maria Andrea Verdadero Abesamis Patrizia Garcia Mary Joy de Castro Vickie Marie MIlagrosa Rushton Catriona Gray Samantha Lemonon Analiza Vizcarra Kayesha Chua Ma. Ahtisa Manalo Sophia Baino Agatha Romero Rose Marrie Murphy Stephanie Joy Abellanida Michele Gumabao.

WHO WILL CONTINUE TO SHINE IN 2018?

Name a few young stars who made it big in showbiz during the last 5 years or so. There's  Daniel Padilla,  James Reid, Alden Richards, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano to name a few.  While it's true that their popularity is associated with their respective loveteam, nonetheless they have hold on to their popularity on their own and carve a niche in local showbiz.  For this year, there are at least 7 new breed of stars who are likely to continue to shine in their own respective fields, from movies and television to the local music scene. I have also included a boyband and here's my list in random order:

Joshua Garcia, 20

Joshua joined PBB in 2014 but was evicted from the house and didn't make it to the top 4.  He was barely noticed after his stint in PBB but he resurfaced from nowhere and made a good impression in his debut movie "Vince, Kath & James" where he earned a best actor nomination at the 2016 MMFF.   Last year he starred in two blockbuster films in a row ("Love You to the Stars and Back" and "Unexpectedly Yours") where he co-starred with her screen partner Julia Barreto.  His brand of acting and manner of speaking is often compared to that of John Lloyd Cruz but I guess it's just coincidental since he talks the same way when he was in PBB house.  With the positive and productive career path last year, Joshua is geared up for bigger things to come, both on TV and movies.

Julia Baretto, 20

Julia Baretto has been in showbiz for quite a while but her star just didn't shine bright easily despite the good breaks given to her by ABS-CBN. Unfavorable publicities regarding family matters somehow made a negative impact on her career path but apparently she's now in good terms with her father comedian Dennis Padilla.  Just like Joshua Garcia, she resurfaced with aplomb via the feel-good teen movie "Vince, Kath and James."  Her tandem with Joshua Garcia has leveled up with 2 successful films in a row and has joined the ranks of popular loveteams like Kathniel and Lizquen.  Coming from a family of actors, there's no surprise if Julia would one day become one of the successful actresses of her generation.

Jameson Blake, 20

Since last year Jameson has been doing  movies one after another and he's probably the busiest among the members of the boygroup Hashtags catching up with Ronnie Alonte and McCoy de Leon.  Last year he appeared in three festival movies namely; "Nabubulok" for Cinemalaya, "Nay" for Cinema One Originals and "Haunted Forest" for Metro Manila Film Festival.  He's is also in the cast of another Regal film currently showing ("Mama's Girl") and has 2 more youth oriented films due for release soon ("So Connected" with Janella Salvador and "Ang babaeng allergic sa Wifi" with Sue Ramirez).  What sets Jameson apart from the rest is that he won best supporting actor award for  his debut film "2Cool 2B 4Gotten at Cinema One Originals and this is something to reckon with.

Inigo Pascual, 20

What is interesting about this young lad is that he write his own songs and his debut single "Dahil Sa'yo" is such a huge hit and stayed no. 1 on Billboard Philippines for 5 consecutive months.  His music videos has now hit nearly 100 million collective views on YouTube.  On top of it all,  he's was recently tapped to record the version of "Remember Me," the theme song from Disney-Pixar's new animated movie "Coco." Gifted with a soothing voice and talent in song writing, Inigo is definitely making his own mark in the music industry and slowly stepping away from his famous dad's shadow (Piolo Pascual, who else?)

Moira de La Torre, 23

Moira is the voice behind the popular commercial jingles of popular brands like McDonalds, Johnson and Johnson's and Surf.   She had posted several covers on social media and this is where she got noticed by music and jingle producers.

She also interpreted the 2017 Himig Handog grand winner "Titibo-tibo" which is currently no. 1 song on Billboard Philippines Top 20 music chart.  Her two other songs are also in the top 5  ("Malaya" at no. 2 and "Sundo" at no. 5 spot).  Bright Bulb productions headed by John Pratts has released Moira's official music video of her hit single "Malaya" and has now hit more than 3 million views on YouTube in just more than a month. With great things coming her way, she's definitely gaining grounds on her way to the top, not only as a singer but as a song writer as well and people are saying she's kind of the next Yeng Constatino in the making. 

Donny Pangilinan, 17

Here's another showbiz royalty who's gaining pretty good attention not only for his charm and good looks but for his potentials as a budding television star.  He's probably one of the coolest among Myx roster of VJ's  and people are saying he could be the next Luis Manzano or Robbie Domingo; but unlike Luis and Robby, Donny can sing.  His music video "Did You" continue to receive good reviews and he has a growing fan base specially among millennials. Just like his parents (CNN Philippines anchor Anthony Pangilinan and former actress Maricel Laxa), Donny is also articulate and a good conversationalist and this is evident when he carry out interviews with foreign artists on his tv segment shows.  Donny is also a vlogger and is into print ad commercial modelling.  With his commanding good looks and height, Donny is definitely one of the new breed of stars to watch out this year.  

Karencitta, 22 

Give way for this 22 year old Cebuana lass named Karencitta who's making waves in the music scene giving her hometown a much deserved attention.  Her hit single "Cebuana" is currently no. 1 at Myx Top 10 Chart and her music video has now hit more than a million views on YouTube.  The song was released on Facebook last year and hit one million views in 24 hours and went on top 1 most viral music on Spotify PH in November last year.  She performed with big named artists like Gloc 9, KC Tandingan recently on new year countdown in Eastwood and she is all set to perform at Sinulog Festival in her hometown Cebu.

BoybandPH

The group composed of Ford Valencia, Joao Constancia, Niel Murillo, Russel Reyes, and Tristan Ramirez was formed in December 11, 2016, after winning the first season of ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Boyband Superstar, a franchise of Simon Cowell's Latin Amerian singing competition "La Banda."  Their songs have figured in Myx music charts but have yet to penetrate Billboard Philippines top 20, however they have a legion of followers and mobbed everywhere they go.   Their gigs are always huge hits across the country.  I still believe that they will make it big but they have to choose the right songs that will eventually stepped up their career.

FAMILIAR FACES REGISTERS FOR BB. PILIPINAS 2018

Presumably inspired by the successes of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa, a number of beauties who have joined beauty pageants in previous years were spotted registering for Bb. Pilipinas 2018. Among those who showed up were Catriona Gray (Miss World Philippines 2016), Karen Gallman (top 12 Bb. Pilipinas 2012) and Miss Philippines Water 2011 Muriel Adrienne Orais. Two ex Pinoy Big Brother housemates will try their luck for the first time at Bb. Pilipinas, they are  Michelle Gumabao (former De Lasalle University star player) and Vicky Ralston.

The most prominent of course is Catriona Gray who placed 4th place in 2016 Miss World.  Another familiar face is Muriel Adrienne Orais. Muriel worked as flight attendant in the country's flag carrier and appeared in Philippine Airlines TV and print ad campaign.

Last year's Bb. Pilipinas winners did well in international competitions. Rachel Peters and Channel Olive Thomas made it to the top 10 in Miss Universe and Miss Supranational, respectively.  Elizabeth Clenci placed 2nd runner up at Miss Grand International while Nelda Ibe placed 1st runner up in Miss Globe.  Currently competing in Miss Inter-Continental in Egypt is Katarina Sonja Rodriguez.

ANDRES MUHLACH: NEXT HEARTTHROB?

Top left pic: Andres met his idol NBA Superstar Klay Thompson in 2014.  Top right: Andres with his mom ex beauty queen Charlene Gonzales.  Inset:  One of Andres'latest picture   

Aga Muhlach's son Andres is now 16 years old,  will he also join showbiz like his famous father?

Gifted with good looks just like his famous father, he definitely has what it takes to be the next heartthrob.   His parents and grandparents all come from showbiz royalty;  his father’s aunt Amalia Fuentes was a movie queen in the 60’s and her mom’s father Bernard Bonnin, was a popular action star, also in the 60’s.  But is the boy keen in joining showbiz?  It’s still early to tell after all he’s just a high schooler and his famous parents might not approve the idea of him joining showbiz at an early age.

Andres is around 6 feet tall and is into basketball; he participated in Global Squad 2017, an intensive month-long basketball training in Pennsylvania, USA, participated by top aspiring high school basketball players from around the world. 

Andres  together with twin sister Atasha appears in the latest commercial of Jollibee together with his famous parents Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales. 

Top Pics:  Aga Muhlach starred in a local movie titled "Basta Kasama Kita" with 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.Bottom Pics:  Charlene Gonzales participated in 1994 Miss Universe Pageant held in Manila in 1994.