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Channel: Katrina Dimaranan – Adventures of a Beauty Queen

ABQ’s Year-End Review: The Highlights and Headlines of 2013!

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After the successful years of VenusRaj (2010) and Shamcey Supsup (2011) who woulda thunk that Philippine beauty queens could do even better in 2012? Janine Tugonon certainly showed us a thing or two at the Miss Universe 2012 Holiday Edition giving us ANOTHER amazing year of victory. And now that 2013 is here, lets hope that our snowball continues to thunder past the competition!

But first, lets take one more look at the year 2012 before we bid it goodbye. Here are the highlights and headlines of last year for Adventures of a Beauty Queen:

THE TOP WINNERS OF 2012:

1) JANINE TUGONON OF THE PHILIPINES PLACES 2ND IN MISS UNIVERSE 2012!

Janine Tugonon of the Philipines in her competition gown at the Miss Universe 2012 Holiday Edition

Janine Tugonon of the Philipines in her competition gown at the Miss Universe 2012 Holiday Edition

Although Janine’s powerful answer and venomous Cobra Walk should have won her the crown, USA got it instead. In the end, Janine Tugonon‘s star shined the brightest when online trending showed that people were talking about her fantastic performance in the Q&A and questioning the results in the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant.

2) RIZZINI ALEXIS GOMEZ WINS MISS TOURISM INTERNATIONAL 2012!

Rizzini Alexis Gomez on the night she won Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 2012

Rizzini Alexis Gomez on the night she won Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 2012

After being excluded in the winners’ circle in Miss World Philippines 2012, Rizzini Alexis Gomez went on to win the Mutya ng Tourism 2012 title. THEN on New Years Eve 2012, Rizzini gave us the Miss Tourism International 2012 crown and now has bragging rights to say that Miss Venezuela is her 1st Runner-up. “

3) STEPHANY STEFANOWITZ WINS 1ST RUNNER-UP IN MISS EARTH 2012!

Stephany Stefanowitz is 3rd from the left.

Stephany Stefanowitz is 3rd from the left.

In spite of the criticism she received over her physique (some thought she was flabby-thin), Stephanie Stefanowitz shined bright in Miss Earth 2012 and almost won the pageant. But the Miss Earth 2012 crown went to the Czech Republic instead with Steph donning the Earth-Air Elemenetal sash (which is considered by pageant fans to be the 1st Runner-up title). I must mention that accusations of favoritism continue to hound our Philippine representatives in Miss Earth and will continue to do so everytime we place because the pageant is founded by Filipinos.

4) ELAINE KAY MOLL WINS 3RD RUNNER-UP IN MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2012!

Elaine Kay Moll, 3rd Runner-up, Miss Supranational 2012

Elaine Kay Moll, 3rd Runner-up, Miss Supranational 2012

It was a pleasant surprise when Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-up Elaine Kay Moll suddenly received the news that she was going to represent the Philippines in the Miss Supranational 2012 in Poland. And she didn’t disappoint! Elaine came home with the 3rd Runner-up sash and a fabulous victory/birthday party at Gateway Suites.

Sharp-eye observers have noticed that in recent public appearances, Elaine Kay Moll has been wearing a sash that says Bb. Pilipinas Supranational while the 2nd Runner-up Ali Forbes is now sporting a sash that says 1st Runner-up. Seems like the Supranational is now an official Bb. Pilipinas title!

5) AYELEE DASALLA NABS 2ND RUNNER-UP HONORS AT THE MISS HUMANITY 2012

Ayelee Dasalla, 2nd Runner-up Miss Humanity 2012

Ayelee Dasalla, 2nd Runner-up Miss Humanity 2012

Ayelee Dasalla,  formerly an obese teenager, proves that if you put your mind to it, you can lose AND win bigtime! Aside from her 2nd Runner-up placement, Ayelee Dasalla also won the People’s Choice Award in the Miss Humanity 2012 beauty pageant which was held in Barbados.

6) PINOYS ALSO WIN BIG IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS!

Manhunt International 2012 winner June Macasaet (left) and Mr. World 2012 1st Runner-up Andrew Wolff

Manhunt International 2012 winner June Macasaet (left) and Mr. World 2012 1st Runner-up Andrew Wolff

ABQ normally covers only Female Pageants but after Pinoy hunk June Macasaet won the Manhunt International 2012 in Bangkok last November and Rugby Player Andrew Wolff of the Philippines Volcanoes won 1st Runner-up in Mister World 2012 in the UK a couple weeks after, this blog author will now be keeping an eagle eye on the guys…

7) FILIPINO TRANSGENDER KEVIN BALOT WINS MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2012!

Kevin Balot is themost beautiful transgender in the world!

Filipino Kevin Balot is the most beautiful transgender in the world!

Well, well, well… it seems like it isn’t just the girls and boys doing well in pageants; even Pinoy trannies are bringing home the bacon. Gender bender Kevin Balot (who looks nothing like a Kevin) won the Miss International Queen 2012 in Pattaya last November. The one thing I like about this pageant? They make it clear that people born as girls can’t join. In fact, you HAVE to prove that you were born a boy. I so appreciate the clarity of their rules.

8) MISS WORLD 2012 FINALIST QUEENIERICH REHMAN GETS INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT!

Queenierich Rehman, Miss World Philippines 2012

Queenierich Rehman, Miss World Philippines 2012

Even before the coronation night of Miss World 2012, our representative to the pageant, Queenierich Rehman caught the attention of the international press with her classy beatbox number during the Talent Show of the pageant. Queenie Rehman also did us proud by entering the Top 15 of Miss World 2012, the Top 5 of the Talent Show and Top 40 of the Beach Beauty fast track.

9) PINAYS WHO MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALS IN INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTS

Nicole Schmitz (left), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (top right) and Bea Santiago (bottom right)

Nicole Schmitz (left), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (top right) and Bea Santiago (bottom right)

***Nicole Schmitz, the Philippine representative in the Miss International continued our winning streak by entering the Top 15 of the beauty pageant which was held in Okinawa.

***Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, who failed to win a Bb. Pilipinas title in 2012 went on to represent the Philippines in the 2012 Super Model International in Bangkok after she was handpicked for the competition. Angelee, who is an ABQ favorite entered the Top 10 and won the coveted Best in Gown award! Good job grrrl :)

***Bea Rose Santiago also brought honor to the Philippines after she entered the Top 10 in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2012 which was held in China. I believe she would have placed higher if the Philippines and China weren’t fighting over territories in the Philippines Sea.

10) PINAYS WHO WON SPECIAL AWARDS ABROAD

Joy Castillo Pasidis (left) happens to be the mentor of Joy Marie Gangan (left). Both won top model honors in their respective pageants. Both share the same first name!

Joy Castillo Pasidis (left) happens to be the mentor of Joy Marie Gangan (right). Both won top model honors in their respective pageants. Both share the same first name!

***Joy Castillo Pasidis showed us the right way to strut one’s stuff on the catwalk – she won the Top Model Award in the Mrs. Universe 2012 beauty pageant that was held in Rostov, Russia. She went on to teach the girl beside her in the photo how to walk like a winner, and it sure paid off!

***Joy Marie Gangan, the protege of Joy Castillo Pasidis showed off her “Gangan Style” by grabbing the Top Model Award in the Best Model of the World 2012 competition held in Turkey last December.

***

OTHER HEADLINES THAT ROCKED OR SHOCKED ABQ:

1) Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Contestants Get a Second Chance at the Final Q&A

Ali Forbes answers the question asked by His Excellency Jorge Domecq...

Ali Forbes answers the question asked by His Excellency Jorge Domecq…

People watching the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 on TV did not get to see this but we in the audience did! Two contestants were given the chance to ‘re-answer’ their final question. Click here to read the story in detail. Leizl Alcantara misheard her question (and so did most of the audience thanks to the thick French accent of the judge who asked the question) while Ali Forbes got stuck and couldn’t finish answering. It was their ‘second chance’ answers that got aired on television. It seems like Bb. Pilipinas wanted to avoid another Janina San Miguel incident.

While some may think this is just a minor minor pageant incident, it did make an impact on other franchises who had their pageants after Bb. Pilipinas 2012. They wisely had the final question written down so the contestant could read it for herself and not get confused by accents.

2) Jewel Lobaton’s Breakup with Hubby – Sen. Koko Pimentel

Sen Koko Pimentel and beauty queen wife Jewel Lobaton

Sen Koko Pimentel and beauty queen wife Jewel Lobaton

Reading about the breakup of the marriage of Sen. Koko Pimentel and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1998 Lobaton in major newspapers made me sad. But reading the gory details of an alleged third party left a bad taste in my mouth. There are things that hard-news journalists should leave out of their stories. Let the chimis writers write about the chismis.

Last I heard was that Jewel Lobaton was seeking an annulment so that she could move on with her life.

3) Transsexual Jenna Talackova is Allowed to Compete in Miss Universe Canada 2012

Jenna Talackova - long legged transexual breaks into the Miss Universe Canada 2012 pageant

Jenna Talackova – long legged transexual breaks into the Miss Universe Canada 2012 pageant

In April 2012, the pageant world found itself in an uproar with the emergence of Jenna Talackova, a transsexual fighting for acceptance as a candidate in the Miss Universe Canada 2012 beauty pageant.

Jenna, who was once a boy called Walter, was first dismissed from the pageant after officials discovered that she had a sex change. But Jenna was subsequently re-instated as a contestant after fighting tooth and nail against the ban. Donald Trump jumped into the fray announcing that if she won the Canada title, she would be allowed to compete in the Miss Universe 2012 beauty pageant. Although she did not win, Jenna Talackova did make it into the Top 12. With her success in being accepted as a candidate in Miss U Canada, I wouldn’t be surprised if this 2013 we’ll be seeing another transsexual try to break into what was once the exclusive domain of natural-born women.

4) Miriam Quiambao’s Alleged Anti-Gay Comments

ABQ Author, Joyce Ann Burton (left) with Miriam Quiambao

ABQ Author, Joyce Ann Burton (left) with Miriam Quiambao at a JIL Conference where she talked about her controversial Tweets

The Jenna Talackova controversy soon enough became a hot topic in Manila. Talk shows everywhere were asking the question: “Do you agree that transsexuals should be allowed in Miss Universe?”

That question led to the huge Miriam Quiambao fracas on Twitter. Miriam made some controversial Tweets on homosexuality after guesting on a Boy Abunda talk show on transgenders. The backlash against her was so strong that the Miss Universe 1999 1st Runner-up had to back off and apologize.

In a Tweet to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual) Community she said:

I’m sorry LGBT. Perhaps I was too harsh with the words I used. Will do my best to be more sensitive. #respect #nobodysperfect #grace

Aside from the Tweetapology, Miriam Quiambao also gave a public apology and was eventually forgiven by many in the LGBT community. ABQ had the chance to chat with her about the issue a few weeks after it exploded and she humbly admitted that she didn’t use the right words and as a result had offended many. Here is what I wrote in defense of Miriam Quiambao after that meeting.

5) Gwendoline Ruais’ Near-Walkout

Cory Quirino (left) and Gwendoline Ruais (right)

Cory Quirino (left) and Gwendoline Ruais (right)

Thanks to the cool-headed Cory Quirino, a big blow-up between the camp of Miss World 2011 1st Runner-up Gwendoline Ruais and TV5′s production staff was averted. Cory, who is the current franchise holder of Miss World Philippines handled the volatile situation like a bomb expert. The true winner in this scuffle? Cory Quirino! Click here to read more about it!

6) Rebel Beauty Queen Maita Gomez Passes On

Maita Gomez

Maita Gomez

In July 2012, when everyone was focused on the death of Comedy King Dolphy, very few noticed the passing of Miss World 1967 Maita Gomez. She is controversial for going underground to join the rebel movement in the Philippines after living it up as a beauty queen, fashion model and socialite. Up to her last days on earth, she continued to fight for the rights of women as a leader in Gabriela. I made an online shrine for Maita Gomez, click here to get there and see photos from her beauty queen and rebel days.

7) Lara Quigaman Weds Actor Marco Alcaraz

Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in her weeding gown by Veejay Floresca wedding gown

Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in her weeding gown by Veejay Floresca wedding gown

One of the most beautiful weddings this year belonged to our Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman who finally tied the knot with boyfriend Marco Alcaraz. Lara wore a fabulous blushing wine gown by Veejay Floresca that made her look slim inspite of her 6 month baby bump. The two quietly got married months before the big wedding which was held on Kuh Ledesma’s events garden in Tagaytay.

8) Dindi Gallardo Sues Dark Knight Creator

Frank Miller and GF Kimberly Cox versus Pinay Beauty Queen Dindi Gallardo

Who is scarier? Frank Miller and GF Kimberly Cox or Pinay Beauty Queen Dindi Gallardo?

In October 2012, Former Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1993 Dindi Gallardo came out with startling accusations against her employer Frank Miller, the creator of Batman: The Dark Knight. Dindi says that he and his girlfriend Kimberly Cox treated her like crap or maybe I should say, guano. But it looks like the former Filipina beauty queen is going to come out the victor in this legal tussle. Abangan!

9) No International Pageant for Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan?

ABQ (left) with the lovely Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

ABQ (left) with the lovely Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

ABQ is more than just disappointed over the news that Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 winner Katrina Dimaranan is not competing internationally. The scuttlebutt is this: the Tourism pageant she was supposed to compete in got scrapped. I’m hoping that it just got delayed but so far, there’s NO news on it.

I love Katrina Dimaranan and hope that Bb. Pilipinas will find an international pageant for her, preferably one with a Talent Show (Katrina sings like a nightingale). What makes the situation even sadder is that 1st Runner-up Elaine Kay Moll got to compete in Miss Supranational 2012 (she place 4th.) It’s sad when a title holder doesn’t compete abroad but a Runner-up does. No offense to Elaine, I’m so happy they sent her to Supranational but I’m going to say it again, sayang naman if they don’t send Katrina Dimaranan to in international competition specially with that tight body she worked so hard to achieve!

10) Homecourt Winners in Top 3 Pageants! Booooooo!!

Homecourt Winners - USA's Olivia Culpo (left), Japan's Ikumi Yoshimatsu (top right) and China's Yu Wenxia (bottom right)

Home Court Winners – USA’s Olivia Culpo (left), Japan’s Ikumi Yoshimatsu (top right) and China’s Yu Wenxia (bottom right)

In a weird coincidence, the host countries of our Top 3 Beauty Pageants deemed their own representatives as the winners. 2012 turned out to be the Year of the Home Court Girls…

-Miss World 2012 which was held in China was won by China (Yu Wenxia).

-Miss International 2012 held in Japan was won by Japan (Ikumi Yoshimatsu).

-And Miss Universe 2012 held in the US was won by the USA (Olivia Culpo).

-Miss Earth 2012 was the only BIG pageant that bucked the trend: it was held in the Philippines but the Philippines didn’t win. But we did make 1st Runner-up!

***

So, that’s ABQ’s Round up of the year 2012, a most exciting 365 days for Pinoy pageant fans. Le’s pray that 2013 will bring more accolades for our beauty queens!

If there is anything I forgot to include in this list, please leave a comment below. Happy New Year to you all!



ABQ’s Photos at the Bb. Pilipinas Queens’ Reunion 2013!

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Invitation to the Queens' Reunion!

Invitation to the Queens’ Reunion!

Helloooo ABQ Readers! Just want to share with you photos of the beauties at the Bb. Pilipinas Queens’ Reunion last March 15, 2013 at Madame Stella Marquez Araneta’s home which is fondly called the “Bahay na Puti” or the White House. There are two or three beauty queens that I failed to identify, if you recognize them please leave a comment.

According to Stella Marquez Araneta, the Queens’ Reunion is the first-ever official gathering of all past (and present) Bb. Pilipinas beauty queen title-holders over the past 50 years outside of coronation nights.

It was my first time to see Madame Stella’s sprawling mansion which is grand but simple. An elegant home with a touch of history in it. We all gathered in the entertainment hall in front of the swimming pool and then had a ‘class picture’ at the grand staircase.

Anyway, I’ve got a gazillion photos to share with you and I’ll just let them tell you the story of what happened at the Queens’ Reunion!

PS: To eagle-eyed pageant historians out there, please leave a comment if you spot any mistakes in titles, years, names, spelling, etc. I also was not able to identify three beauty queens, please help!!

Scroll down to the very bottom of this post to see our “beauty queen class photo” at the grand staircase!

Anette Liwanag and Chiqui Brosas

Anette Liwanag and Chiqui Brosas are batchmates from 1975. Anette was Bb. Pilipinas Miss Maja and placed 4th runner-up in her international pageant. Chiqui also placed 4th runner-up in Miss Universe, the same title that Venus Raj carries.

Betsy Hartendorp (3rd from right) painted this portrait of Madame Stella (3rd from left). Beauty Queens in photo - Lara Quigaman (left) with Miriam Quiambao beside her. Far left

Betsy Hartendorp (lady in white jacket) painted this portrait of Madame Stella (lady in black). Beauty Queens in photo – Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman (left) with Miriam Quiambao (Miss Universe 1st RU 1999) beside her. Far left is actress Ruffa Gutierrez (Miss World 2nd Princess 1993), next to her is Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. This portrait hangs in the formal dining hall of Madame Stella’s home.

Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) with Sharon Hughes Miss Young International  1982. Both Queens did not compete in their respective international pageants as Jane had entry problems and there was no international pageant held in Sharon's year.

Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) with Sharon Hughes, Miss Young International 1982. Both Queens did not compete in their respective international pageants as there was none during the year of Sharon while Jane had entry problems. But Jane got sent instead to compete in the Miss Maja 1984 where she placed as a semifinalist.

Kate Manalo!

Kate Manalo, Top 10 in Miss World 2002!

Katrina Dimaranan (in white) and Nicole Schmitz

Current Queens (at time of photo) – Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan (in white) and Nicole Schmitz, Top 15 Miss International 2012!

Lovely Lara Quigaman...

Lara Quigaman Miss International 2005! She’s a new mom and you can see the glow of it on her lovely face…

Lovely smile from Miriam Quiambao...

Lovely smile from Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 1st RU 1999…

L-R Evelyn Camus, (can someone remind me who the lovely lady in white is), Sharon Hughes, Izza Gonzales and ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

L-R Miss International 2nd RU 1971 Evelyn Camus, former consul to Morocco Fortune Aleta Ledesma (she was a runner-up in the year of Nini Licaros 1968), Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes, Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales and ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1985

 

L-R Izza Gonzales, Karen Agustin, Jennifer Barrientos, Lian Ramos, Mafae Yunon, Madame Stella, Lara Quigaman, Ruffa Gutierrez and Elaine Kay Moll.

L-R Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos, Miss Universe Photogenic 2006 Lian Ramos, Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon, Madame Stella Araneta, Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Miss World 2nd RU 1993 Ruffa Gutierrez and Miss Supranational 3rd RU 2012 Elaine Kay Moll.

L-R Patty Betita, Marina Benipayo, Desiree Verdadero, Jane Brumitt and does someone know the lady at the far right

L-R Miss International 1991 Top 15 finalist Patty Betita, Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo, Miss Universe 3rd RU 1984 Desiree Verdadero, Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt and Ma. Bella Nachor – Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1984!

Mafae Yunon!

Miss World 2003 4th RU Mafae Yunon! Sexy forevah!

Manalo sisters - Pamela Biance (left) and Kate!

The Manalo sisters – Pamela Bianca (left) and Kate! Pamela won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 2009 while Kate was a semifinalist in Miss World 2002!

Maricarl Tolosa (left) and Karen Agustin

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa (left) and Karen Agustin, 2002 Bb. Pilipinas Universe…

My dream photo! Here I am (in the white and green dress) with our most recent Miss Universe winners Shamcey Supsup (left), Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon (right).

My dream photo! Here I am (in the white and green dress) with our most recent Miss Universe winners Shamcey Supsup (left, 3rd RU Miss Universe 2011), Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010) and Janine Tugonon (right, Miss Universe 1st RU 2012). Happiness!

Pamela Bianca Manalo! My blog began during her year!

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo is dear to my heart because we share the same title and my blog ABQ began during her year!

Pretty Peachie Sacasas!

One of my favorite-ever Bb. Pilipinas International winners, Peachy Sacasas! She placed in the Top 15 of Miss International in 1981, the same year I won Miss Young Philippines. We also happen to be church-mates at Union Church of Manila!

Sharon Hughes (left) with Izza Gonzales

I LOVE THESE QUEENS! Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes (left) with my batch mate Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales!

Warm hug between Madame Stella (left) and Ruffa Gutierrez

Warm hug between Queen of Queens Madame Stella (left) and actress Ruffa Gutierrez who did the country proud when she won 2nd RU in Miss World 1993!

(Can't remember the name of the lady seated far left.) Next to her is Sharon Hughes, then Izza Gonzales, and Mafae Yunon (far right)

L-R Former Consul to Morocco Fortune Aleta Ledesma, Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes, then Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales, and Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon (far right)

 

A beautiful grin from Ana Igpit!

A beautiful grin from Ana Igpit, Bb. Pilipinas World 2006!

Artist Betsy Hartendorp (left) with Vida Doria (middle) and Madame Stella Marquez Araneta

L-R Artist Betsy Hartendorp (she is often a judge at Bb. Pilipinas and is the bff of Madame Stella), Miss Universe Photogenic 1971 Vida Doria and Madame Stella Marquez Araneta…

Desiree Verdadero (top), Jane Brumitt (left)... can anyone tell me the name of the lady in the foreground

Miss Universe 3rd RU 1984 Desiree Verdadero (top), Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) and in the foreground – Ma. Bella Nachor – Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1984…

Jeanette Fernando  (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 1993 Jeanette Fernando (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular…

Jennifer Barrientos (left) and Lian Ramos

L-R – Two Bb. Pilipinas Universe winners: Jennifer Barrientos (2008) and Lian Ramos (2006, Miss Universe Photogenic winner)

Just look at these beautiful smiles from the Philippines! L-R Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Isabella Manjon, Czarina Gatbonton, Dianne Necio and I'm not quite sure who is at the right en

Just look at these beautiful smiles from the Philippines! L-R Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon, Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 Czarina Gatbonton, Miss International Top 15 in 2011 Dianne Necio and Danielle Castano Bb. Pilipinas World 2008!

Karla Bautista

Karla Bautista, 4th RU Miss World 2004!

Mafae Yunon (left) with Karen Agustin and Lara Quigaman (right)

Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon (left) with Bb. Pilipinas 2002 Karen Agustin and Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman (right)…

Maricarl Tolosa (left) with Karen Agustin

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa (left) with Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin…

Maricarl Tolosa lookin' atcha!

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa lookin’ atcha!

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo taking a photo of me taking a photo of her!

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo taking a photo of me taking a photo of her!

Our 1st-ever Miss Universe Gloria Diaz speaks to the beauty queen crowd. Behind her are Shamcey Supsup (left), Janine Tugonon and Venus Raj (right).

Our 1st-ever Miss Universe Gloria Diaz (1969) speaks to the beauty queen crowd. Behind her L-R are Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 3rd RU 2011), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 1st RU 2012 and Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010). When will the Philippines ever grab that elusive Miss Universe 2nd runner-up title? aahahaahaha!

Patricia Fernandez!

Miss International Top 15 in 2008, Patricia Fernandez!

Ruffa Gutierrez (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

Actress (and Miss World 2nd RU 1993 Ruffa Gutierrez (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular. We actually shot a movie together – “Binibini ng Aking Panaginip” (I was contrabida, Ruffa was lead) together with basketball player Jayvee Gayoso. Did I get his name right?

Shamcey Supsup (left), Madame Stella Marquez Araneta (with mic), Janine Tugonon (in brown) , and Venus Raj (far right)

Madame Stella Araneta Marquez, the beauty and brains behind the highly successful Bb. Pilipinas franchise greets the beauty queens. Behind her L-R are Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 3rd RU 2011), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 1st RU 2012 and Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010).

Class Photo of the Bb. Pilipinas Queens Reunion 2013 courtesy of Felix Manuel

Class Photo of the Bb. Pilipinas Queens Reunion 2013 courtesy of Felix Manuel


First Set of Bb Pilipinas 2012 Special Award Winners

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Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Best in Swimsuit Winner and Best National Costume Winner - #8 Nicole Schmitz

First Set of Bb Pilipinas 2012 Special Award Winners…

Best in National Costume – #8 Nicole Schmitz

Miss Friendship – #25 Chloe Zanardi

Miss Talent, as I predicted – #13 Katrina Dimaranan

Bulletin Readers’ Choice – #20 Roxanne Tadique

Kapamilya Texters’ Choice – #21 Giselle Munoz

BEST IN SWIMSUIT, one of my top picks – #8 Nicole Schmitz


Second Set of Bb Pilipinas 2012 Special Award Winners and the Top 12

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Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Best in Long Gown and a Semifinalist – #26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

Second Set of Bb Pilipinas Special Award Winners and the Top 12:

Miss Photogenic #1 Karen Gallman

Miss PAL and Miss Avon – #9 MJ Lastimosa

Best in Long Gown, my favorite – Angelee Claudett delos Reyes

TOP 12 SEMI-FINALISTS OF BB PILIPINAS 2012:

#30 Sherlyn Gonzales
#16 Liezel Alcantara
#7 Patricia Ejercitado
#29 Ali Forbes
#26 Angelee delos Reyes
#9 MJ Lastimosa
#13 Katrina Dimaranan
#18 Janine Tugonon
#15 Elaine Kay Moll
#14 Gina Joy Howell
#8 Nicole Schmitz
#1 Karen Gallman


Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012 Janine Tugonon and her Court of Winners

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Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012 Janine Tugonon

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012, Janine Tugonon and her Court of Winners!!!!

Click here to read my special feature on Janine Tugonon…

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012 – Janine Tugonon

Bb. Pilipinas International 2012 – Nicole Schmitz

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 – Katrina Dimaranan

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-up – Elaine Kay Moll

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 2nd Runner-up – Ali Forbes

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012, Janine Tugonon and her Court of Winners!!! (L-R)Bb. Pilipinas 2012 2nd Runner-up-Ali Forbes, Bb. Pilipinas International 2012 - Nicole Schmitz, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012-Janine Tugonon, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012-Katrina Dimaranan, Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-up


Bb. Pilipinas Selects its Golden Batch of Candidates for 2013 Tomorrow, Feb. 21, 2013!

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UntitledFinally, after an extended screening process, Bb. Pilipinas is ready to announce who will make it into the list of official candidates for this year’s pageant.

Out of more than 100 aspirants, 70 girls remain, all of whom will do battle in the final screening, which happens tomorrow, Feb 21, 2013 at the Gateway Suites in Quezon City. That number will be pared down to 50 official candidates – a significant number for the Bb. Pilipinas organization as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year!

One of the biggest questions is – how many Bb. Pilipinas crowns are at stake this 2013?

The press release I received from Bb. Pilipinas says:

“…candidates will have the rare chance of winning one of the three most sought-after crowns in Philippine pageant history: Miss Universe-Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas-International, and Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism.”

Three things that crossed my mind when I read the above:

Elaine Kay Moll (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

Elaine Kay Moll (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

First: Dashed are the hopes of pageant fans who were expecting to see a Supranational title given away this year after Elaine Kay Moll won 3rd Runner up in the international pageant held last year.

(Elaine Kay Moll was Bb. Pilipinas’ first runner-up in 2012 and was unexpectedly given the chance to represent the Philippines in Miss Supranational 2012.)

However, coronation night is still in April, who knows what changes may happen between now and then?!

Personally, ABQ would LOVE to see a fourth crown given away! The only downside to that is once you’ve won a Bb. Pilipinas title, you can’t join the pageant again. So the Supranational title-holder will have to be happy with that title and forget any dream of joining again to go after the most coveted Universe title.

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012

Second: They are giving away a Tourism title but last year’s winner, Katrina Dimaranan, has yet to compete in the Miss Tourism Queen International because the pageant was either delayed or cancelled due to problems with production. Does this mean Katrina won’t compete abroad anymore? That the MTQI is still considered a viable international pageant for Bb. Pilipinas to send a candidate to? And if Katrina doesn’t represent the Philippines abroad, does this mean she can compete again in Bb. Pilipinas? All I can say is what a waste if we don’t send this girl abroad to compete!

Third: Note the change of title for the Universe winner. She’s no longer going to be called Bb. Pilipinas Universe but Miss Universe Philippines.

The panel of screening judges include ABS-CBN Special Projects Head Chit Guerrero, ABS-CBN head writer Chris Violago, Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup, and Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner Up Janine Tugonon.

Coronation night of the 2013 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant will be telecast live on April 14 via ABS-CBN and is brought to you by the Araneta Center. ABQ hopes to see you at the Bb. Pilipinas 50th Anniversary Edition!!!






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