BB. PILIPINAS 2018 TOP PICKS

There's no doubt Catriona Gray is the frontrunner of this year's Bb. Pilipinas. She has a legion of fans supporting her which was evident in last Sunday's grand parade of beauties held at the Araneta Center.  She's tall and articulate; in other words she is a total package.  Her Miss World experience certainly works to her advantage.

Next to her are Ma. Andrea Verdadero Abesamis (daughter of 1984 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Desiree Verdadero) and former La Salle star volleyball player Michele Gumabao.  Both are newbies in pageants but nonetheless they hold on to their own and could just grab any of the six crowns in contention.  

Repeater Jehza Huelar tries her luck for the third time hoping to snatch one of the crowns this time around (she placed 2nd runner up in 2016 and semi-finalist last year).  Another repeater is  Karen Gallman.  She won the Miss Photogenic award in 2012 and now she's back again for the second time.  Other favorites are Wynonah Buot, Samantha Bernardo, Ena Velasco and Vicky Ralston.

Here's my fearless predictions for the 6 coveted crowns:

Bb. Pilipinas Universe/International  - Catriona Gray or Ma. Andrea Abesamis

Bb. Pilipinas Supranational - Michele Gumabao

Bb. Pilipinas Grand International - Ena Velasco

Bb. Pilipinas Inter-Continental - Karen Gallman

Bb. Pilipinas-Globe - Wynonah Buot

1st runner up - Samantha Bernardo

2nd runner-up - Vicky Ralston

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH VIDEO OF GRAND PARADE OF BEAUTIES

BB. PILIPINAS 2018 - PARADE OF BEAUTIES

Crowd favorites Aya Abesamis and Catriona Gray wave to the crowd during the parade of beauties. 

Beauty pageants remains a big thing in the Philippines; big crowd filled the streets at the Araneta Center during the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 parade of beauties held yesterday . It was like a fiesta on the streets as fans and supporters trooped to Araneta Center to support their bets. Supporters of candidate Sandra Lemonon (#35) were probably the most organized; they came complete with drums, trumpets and huge tarpaulin placards while supporters of Catriona Gray and Michele Gumabao wore colorful uniform shirts.

Last years' winners were also present in the parade except for Nelda Ibe (Bb. Pilipinas Globe).  Bubbly  Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Chanel Thomas live up to to her Miss Friendship awards that she won in 3 pageants she participated.  She's very accommodating to fans and didn't mind even though she was swamped with selfie seekers.  

  Vicky Ralston (top left) is one of the prettiest in this year's batch.  Michele Gumabao (top right) might just pull a surprise in the finals.

Looking at the crowd's response it's easy to pinpoint who are the most popular.  Catriona Gray was obviously the most applauded during the introduction of candidates.  Michele Gumabao is bubbly and Aya Abesamis is elegant and gorgeous in person. Both might just pull a surprise on Sunday.  The coronation night will be on March 18 at Smart Araneta.

From Left to right :  Katarina Rodriguez (Bb. Pilipinas Inter-continental 2017), Rachel Peters (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2017), Chanel Olive Thomas (Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational) and Mariel de Leon (Bb. Pilipinas-International 2017

NADINE LUSTRE SIZZLES IN REVEALING BEACH WEAR

Unlike most other young stars in the country, Nadine Lustre  has no qualms  posing in sexy outfits. Nadine posted her pictures in revealing swimwear outfits in her instagram account. Some fans finds it quite outrageous and daring but Nadine doesn't seem to care.  When asked about her lifestyle she would always say "It's 2018."  Photos were shot in Siargao where she spent valentines day with her boyfriend James Reid. 

Who will be the next Bb. Pilipinas Queens?

More than half of this year’s candidates are either repeaters or crossovers from other national pageants.  There are at least 8 repeaters from Bb. Pilipinas including Jehza Mae Huelar (3^rd attempt) and Karen Gallman (2^nd attempt).  There are 7 crossovers from Miss World Philippines headed by Catriona Gray, 4 from Miss Philippines Earth, 3 from Mutya ng Pilipinas and some more from other pageants.

As expected, Catriona Gray is the clear frontrunner of this year’s batch since day one, however pageant pundits are keeping an eye on another candidate (Ma. Andrea “Aya’ Abesamis) who is likely to be Catriona’s closest competitor for the top crown i.e. Bb. Pilipinas Universe title. Aya soars high on everyone’s list with her commanding stage presence and projection. The 26 year old lass from Pasig is the daughter of former Bb. Pilipinas title holder and 1984  Miss Universe 3^rd runner-up Desiree Verdadero. Aya belongs to Aces and Queens camp while Catriona is on her own being an independent candidate.   Catriona’s experience and her top 5 finish at 2016 Miss World will certainly work to her advantage but will she live up to all the hype about her? Will there be an upset win?

Other favorites and most mentioned in pageant sites are Michele Gumabao, Vickie Rushton, Karen Gallman, Wynona Buot, Murielle Orais, Jehza Mae Huelar, Eva Pataginjug and Ena Velasco.

The tallest candidate this year is  Anjame Magbintang (#21)  who stands 5’11” and the oldest is 27 year old Loren Mar Artajos.

The Parade of beauties will take place on Saturday March 10 at the Araneta Center in Cubao.   The grand coronation will culminate on March 18, 2018.

There are 6 beauty titles in contention namely: Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental and Bb. Pilipinas Globe plus 2 runners-up.

 Photo credits: Bb. Pilipinas FB page

TWO 1984 MISS UNIVERSE CONTESTANTS MET AGAIN AFTER 34 YEARS

Desiree Verdadero Abesamis posted on her facebook and instagram account on March 3, 2018, that she met her fellow Miss Universe contestant Miss Holland Nancy Neede at an airport.  She didn't say how they met and which airport, but she posted her pictures of their surprise meet up. Desiree was the Philippines representative at the 1984 Miss Universe held in Miami, Florida where  she placed 3rd runner-up while Miss Holland was one of the 10 semi-finalists. .

Meanwhile, Desiree's daughter (Aya V. Abesames #11) is one of the top favorites in the ongoing Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant.  Will she follow her mom's footsteps?  Why not, after all Aya has all what it takes.  She is definitely one of the front-runners and who knows, she could be the next Bb. Pilipinas-Universe.  Coronation night will be held on the March 18 at Smart Araneta, same venue where her mom was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe 34 years ago.

Credits: Pictures are taken (with permission) from Miss Desiree's facebook account.  Thanks a lot Ms. Desiree and good luck to Aya!

OFFICIAL TRAILER AND TEASER OF PIA WURTZBACH'S NEW MOVIE "MY PERFECT YOU"

The official teaser of "My Perfect You" has been released by Star Cinema.  The movie stars Pia Wurtzbach and Gerald Anderson directed by Cathy Molina Garcia.

GILAS PILIPINAS QUALIFIES FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF WORLD CUP 2018 ASIAN QUALIFIERS

The Philippines secures a spot for the second round of World Cup Asian Qualifiers after beating Japan in what almost became an upset win had Japan won. Japan pulled off an early lead with as much as 18 points during the first quarter but Gilas managed to offset the lead and continued dominating the game until the last few minutes where Japan was trailing by just 4 points making the 11,000 screaming spectators nervous until Jason Castro pulled a score coupled with insurance free throw from Andray Blatche to finally put away the visitors with just five points, 89-84.

Gilas will face with Chinese Taipei on June 29, 2018 in Taiwan and then Australia on July 2 in Manila for the last stretch of Window 2 of the qualifying games for Group D that comprises Japan, Chinese Taipei, Australia and the Philippines. 

Other countries assured of spots in the second round are: Australia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, New Zealand, Jordan and Lebanon.

Results of other games:

New Zealand beat Korea, 93-84

China beat Hong Kong, 111-58

Lebanon beat India, 90-50

Jordan beat Syria, 87-62.

2018 BB. PILIPINAS FRONTRUNNERS

Who are the frontrunners of this year’s Bb. Pilipinas?

Catriona Gray leads the pack, no doubt but pageant pundits says Catriona needs to work on her figure and shed those extra pounds on her waistline.  Otherwise, she remains a strong contender for the top plum.  Her Miss World experience is definitely a plus factor.  

Another top favorite is Aya Abesamis. who happens to be the daughter of former Bb. Pililipinas Universe 1984 Desiree Verdadero (3rd runner up Miss Universe 1984).  Aya is a model and commands a strong stage presence; this early, people are saying that she is a big threat to Catriona Gray for the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title.  She’s surrounded with an army of advisers including her mom,  her aunts and her mom’s friends who were all former Bb. Pilipinas title holders.  

Other favorites are Eva Pataginjug, Ena Velasco, Vickie Marie Rushton, Michel Gumabao, Muriel Orais, Jehsa Muehlar, Karen Gallman  and Anjame Magbintang.

It is interesting to note that this year we see a lot of candidates with authentic Filipino surnames such as Patalinjug, Buot, Cajandig, Magbintang, Gumabao but of course there’s always foreign sounding names like Gray, Murphy, Ralston, Sturm, Kapeundl and Spanish surnames.

There are six titles at stake namely: Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational and Bb. Pilipinas Globe.

 

Photos courtesy of Bb. Pilipinas Official FB https://www.facebook.com/realbbpilipinas/

LIST OF WINNERS FOR THE 34th PMPC AWARDS FOR MOVIES

The 34th PMPC awards for movies was held Sunday night February 18th at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre- Resorts World Manila.

Just asking...

For a newcomer, Pia Wurtzbach was good in  "Gandarapiddo: The Revenger Squad" but was it worth enough to merit an award? I'm sure even Pia herself is surprised with her sudden acting award.   

How about Harlene Bautista winning the Darling of the Press award?  She's been inactive in showbiz and hardly seen in showbiz events and for one, she certainly doesn't look like the darling of the press.  Was she was a sponsor of the show?  Out of the blue an entrepreneur (Raymond Francisco) just won a best actor award, 'never heard about his film until he won. 

Should the merits be classified whether it's an indie or mainstream?  Take a look...there's the indie sound engineer of the year award and the same award is given to a mainstream movie.  Which is which?   The winner of the Movie of the year is "Kita Kita" which was produced by Spring Films, an independent production outfit but PMPC classified it as mainstream. But what really makes an indie or a mainstream movie?  Let's just wait for credible award giving bodies like URIAN and Young Critics Circle.  The Eddy's is way better and  credible than PMPC.

Whatever....here is the complete list of 2018 PMPC awards for movies

Indie Movie of the Year - Changing Partners

Movie of the Year - Kita Kita

Indie Movie Director of the Year - Dan Villegas (Changing Partners)

Movie Director of the Year - Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Kita Kita)

Movie Actor of the Year - Raymond Francisco (Bhoy Intsik)

Movie Actress of the Year - Iza Calzado (Bliss)

Movie Supporting Actor of the Year - Arnold Reyes (Birdshot)

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Odette Khan (Bar Boys)

New Movie Actor of the Year - Mccoy de Leon (Instalado) and Matteo San Juan (Magkadugo)

New Movie Actress of the Year - Pia Wurtzbach (Revenger Squad) and Joanna Ampil (Ang Larawan)

Movie Child Performer of the Year - Marco Masa (Tatlong Bibe) and Julio Cesar Sabenorio (Guerrero)

Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Kita Kita)

Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Oydssey Flores (Siargao)

Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio (Kita Kita)

Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Lilit Reyes and Vincent de Jesus (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Mycko David (Birdshot)

Indie Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Musical Scorer for the Year- Vincent de Jesus (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year- Mikko Quizon (Bliss)

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Albert Micheal Idioma (The Ghost Bride)

Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - "Respeto" (from the movie Respeto) interpreted by Abra and Loonie

Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - "Natapos Tayo" (from the movie All Of You) interpreted by Nar Cabico

Indie Movie Production of the Year - Michael Espanol (Birdshot)

Movie Production Designer of the Year - Benjamin Padero and Carlo Tabije (Siargao)

Movie Love Team of the Year - Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

Darling of the Press - Harlene Bautista

Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Award - Gina Alajar

Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera - Tikoy Aguiluz

Male Star of the Night - Xian Lim

Female Star of the Night - Kim Chiu and Joyce Pilarsky

Faces of the Night - Joshua Garcia and Celeste Legaspi

The show was hosted by Judy Ann Santos, Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Julia Baretto, Enchong Dee and Iza Calzado.

#34thPMPCawards
#pmpcawardsformovies

BOYGROUP #HASHTAGS LAUNCHES NEW SINGLE

Popular boygroup #Hashtags launched their new single titled "Ako Lang Sana" at "It's Showtime" yesterday.  The single is kind of a tribute to Kpop culture.

Only 15 members showed up at their prod yesterday.   Conspicuously missing were Bugoy Carino and Jon Lucas.  Reports had it that two members have been suspended and slapped with a disciplinary action   Some says one from the first batch and one from the new batch but there's no confirmation yet from the management as to who exactly were suspended from the group.  There are persistent rumors that at least two members will become new dads soon(?).

VIDEO FEATURE - HANDSOMEST AND PRETTIEST PINOY CELEBRITIES U25

To watch the video on another format Please click here

Similar articles can be read on the following link:

Top 10 Prettiest Pinay Celebrities U25

Top 20 Handsomest Filipino Actors/Celebrities U25

TOP 10 PRETTIEST FILIPINA CELEBRITIES U25

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest of them all?  

There are just too many beautiful actresses and celebrities in the Philippines and it's quite hard to trim down to just ten. One way of selecting is to group them according to age bracket.  The following list covers only celebrities with ages ranging from 15 to 25. These young and beautiful celebrities do not just have their pretty faces to boot but they are confident, sexy, dynamic and have achieved a fair level of celebrity status based on glamour, beauty and success ratios.  The list includes eight TV and movie personalities, one top model and one up-and-coming newbie in showbiz.   

Here's the top 10, in random order:

Liza Soberano, 20

Liza is always on top of everyone's list.  The pretty Filipina-American actress rose to prominence after playing the protagonist Maria Agnes in the popular teleserye "Forevermore" opposite loveteam Enrique Gil and since then her career has leveled up notches ahead of her contemporaries.  Her last film "My Ex and Why's was a certified blockbuster.  Liza has been tapped to play "Darna," a popular Filipino fictional super hero and this might just elevate her to superstar status.

Jessy Mendiola, 25

Kapamilya Actress Jessy Mendiola was voted "2016 sexiest woman" in the Philippines by readers of popular Men's magazine, FHM Philippines.  Jessy starred in about 10 feature films and has appeared in various television series ("Maria Mercedes," "You're My Home)" and gag show "Banana Sunday."

Julia Baretto, 21

Julia is definitely one of the prettiest actresses of her generation.  With 2 blockbusters under her belt ("Vince and Kath and James" and "Love You to the Stars and Back"), Julia has proven that she has what it takes to be a big star and she is here to stay in showbiz just like her well-known aunts Gretchen and Claudine Baretto. 

Julia Montes (22) - the "Going Bulilit" graduate and star of "Mara-Clara" has come a long way.  She is often referred to as the Daytime Drama Queen due to her successive daytime hit teleseryes (such as "Doble Kara," "Walang Hanggan" etc.).  Julia returns to the small screen with another explosive drama titled "Asintado."

Maureen Wroblewitz is a 19 year old Filipino-German fashion model, best known for winning the 5th Cycle of Asia's Next Top Model where she represented the Philippines.  She has graced Asia's top fashion magazines and appeared in local TV commercials and print ads.

Yassi Pressman (22) - Viva Contract star. She is currently in the cast of top rated action tv series "Ang Probinsyano."  Her career has blossomed since she transferred to ABS-CBN.  Yassi is also a top notch dancer.

Janella Salvador, 19, made her breakthrough debut role in "Be Careful with My Heart" and has appeared in about 5 feature films.  Janella was picked by Disney to sing the themesong of "Moana"  ("How Far I'll Go") along with other singers from South East Asian region for their respective country's market.

Kate Valdez (17) is a GMA Artist and has appeared in popular tv series like "Destiny Rose" and "Encantada."  She's one of the most promisng Kapuso star.

Sofia Andres, 19, is currently managed by Star Magic.  Sofia has appeared in various tv series ("Pusong Ligaw," "Forevermore") and a few feature films ("She's Dating a Gangster," "Bloody Crayons") and landed a leading role in Regal Films' "Mama's Girl."  She is also in the cast of a new ABS-CBN tv series "Bagani" topbilled by Liza Soberano. 

And last but not the least is 15 year old Chantal Videla.   Even though her name does not ring a bell, it's hard not to include her.  Her beauty gives a breath of fresh air. This up-and-coming sweetheart will surely be blessed on the A-list in due time.  Chantal is currently managed by Star Magic and sources says she might be co-managed by Liza Soberano's manager Ogie Diaz.  Chantal had a taste of spotlight at the age of 10 being one of the models of SM Kids and she has also done TVC for Eskinol.  She's recently featured in Chalk Magazine.

I might have missed some of the popular celebrities.  The inclusion of Chantal Videla may not please fans but it's hard not to include her and blown away by her pristinely radiant beauty.  

KZ TANDINGAN TAKES THE NO. 1 SPOT AT CHINA'S SINGER 2018

The Philippine's KZ Tandingan outranks British Singer Jessie J at China's reality show Singer 2018 second season.  KZ stunned the audience and the judges with her own rendition of  Adele classic "Rolling in the Deep."  KZ was the winner of X-Factor Philippines back in 2012.

Singer 2018  is a re-branded version of I am a Singer that airs on Hunan Television.  Most of the participants are Chinese singers with a few foreigners including Jessie J of Great Britain and the Philippines' KZ Tandingan.

According to ABS-CBN TV and radio anchor MJ Felipe, the mechanics of the show is different from other reality shows.  There are 500 invited guests who will vote who they think did the best performance.   The invited guests are not just mere audience but people who have background or connected with the music industry,  A performer is safe if she make it to the top 4 and each week they get a new performer to challenge the winner.  On its 5th week, KZ was invited to challenge the top 4 and ranked no. 1 after the 5th round. Details of the ranking is shown on the table below.  Congratulations to KZ Tandingan!
  

PIA STARTS SHOOTING HER NEW MOVIE

Top left:  Pia Wurtzbach with her new leading man Gerald Anderson. Top right: Pia with boyfriend Marlon Stockinger

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach has started shooting her new movie titled "My Perfect You" with Gerald Anderson and directed Cathy Garcia Molina under Star Cinema.  Details of the story outline has not been revealed yet but both Gerald and Pia are excited about the project.  Pia's first full length movie "Gandarappido: The Revenger's Squad" with Vice Ganda was a huge commercial success.

NEXT FACTORph: "RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILM...

NEXT FACTORph: "RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILM...: Treb Monterra II's "Respeto," a movie about a young rapper in a Manila slum who dreams of hip-hop greatness tops the...