Bb. Pilipinas titleholders should be barred from joining Miss World Philippines and vice versa" - Jehza Mae Huelar Bb Pilipinas Supranational

The third time is a charm, as the proverbial saying goes. And it did “wonders’ for Jehza Mae Huelar after winning Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018.

Huelar and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach have the same fate when Pia joined thrice the national pageant before claiming the crown and rightfully representing the Philippines in the world renowned beauty tilt.

According to Jehza, Pia is her role model. They were runners-up during their first try, and then they were part of the Top 15 in their second attempt.

However, this year’s Bb. Pilipinas Universe Catriona Gray is a crossover beauty who won Miss World Philippines in 2016 and ended in the Top 5 at the Miss World finals and really deserves to win.

But when asked by inquirer.net, “wouldn’t it be better if titleholders from Bb. Pilipinas were barred from joining Miss World Philippines, and vice versa?”

“This should be done to give other candidates, especially the first-timers, a fighting chance,” replied Huelar.

Meanwhile, Jehza is preparing everything for the Miss Supranational pageant on 7 December 2018 at the mountain resort of Krynica-Zdroj in Poland in time for its 10th edition. She is getting information about the organization’s background and the people behind it which according to her is the most important part of her groundwork.

Jehza added that the best part of being a beauty queen is being an influencer while the toughest part is to be consistent in influencing others in a positive way. The beauty queen from Davao revealed that if she failed to win this year, she’s definitely not joining in 2019.

Jehza is now engaged to PBA star PJ Simon who according to her is very supportive of her passion. They prefer intimate garden wedding, or one at a beach.

Back in November 2017, these writers had a chat with Jehza’s aunt Carmela Huelar at the Sofitel Hotel and informed her that Miss Supranational crown is more than fitting to her niece – which she’s justly carrying and aiming to win. Mutya Johanna Datul is the first Filipina to win the crown in 2013.

======================================================

Story by: Atorni Ton & Eric Arevalo

Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers is likened to Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

After clinching this year’s Miss USA crown and the privilege to represent USA in Miss Universe 2018, pageant observers likened Sarah Rose Summers to 2015 Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

According to some pageant enthusiast, Summers have similar looks to Wurtzbach which could be her advantage to win this year’s Miss Universe crown.

Some observers shared that the way Summers play with the camera and a bit of Pia’s signature smize and getting her correct angle is somewhat comparable to that of Wurtzbach.

Meanwhile, prior to bagging Miss USA crown, Summers, 23 of Omaha, Nebraska bested 50 other candidates to claim the title from the revamped contest. She went to Texas Christian University between 2013 and 2017 and graduated with two degrees – Child Development and Strategic Communication with Business.

Her pageantry career started before entering the university when she won Miss Nebraska Teen USA competition in 2012. After four years, she returned to the world of beauty pageants and competed in Miss Nebraska, where she represented Omaha. She placed second, but won the competition this year, taking her to the Miss USA contest.

During the Miss USA 2018 finals, the 5 finalists were asked what they would put down on a sign that they would take to march?

Summers said, “Speak your voice, encouraging people to listen to each other that was something people across America should do.”

Summers says she wants to promote a healthy relationship with food. According to Miss Universe, Summers is very keen on fitness: ‘When not busy in scrubs, she can often be found in workout gear teaching pilates or taking a dance party cycling class.’

====================================================

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Ms. Philippine Islands Mindanao 2018 Sarah Young files complaints vs newly elected SK Chairman

In a very unusual circumstances, beauty queen Sarah Young, one of the winners of Ms. Philippine Islands 2017, went to the public service radio program “Wanted sa Radyo” hosted by Raffy Tulfo and Niña Taduran of TV5 and Radyo Singko.

Young complained that newly elected SK Chairman in their barangay in Tondo, Manila identified as Diedre Viray accused the complainant of rumor mongering as the SK official alleged that Young is pregnant and has a lot of men.

The allegations of Viray alarmed Young saying the SK official is degrading her reputation which might result to her dethronement and withdrawal of her sponsors.

When asked by Tulfo if Viray is envious of Young when she posted derogatory remarks on her Facebook account against the beauty queen, the SK Chairman instead recalled that when they were 8 years old they already figured in a personal rift which caught the hard-hitting public service host by surprise.

Tulfo reminded Diedre that as SK Chairman, she must be a role model to the youth and not instigate scandal. What really irked Tulfo when Diedre pointed the fingers on how annoying Sarah stares at her every time the beauty queen passes by in their area. According to Tulfo, this only proves how shallow Diedre’s personality is and should not be the conduct of a barangay official.

The radio host neither contradicted Young’s decision to file Cyber Libel against Viray which is a criminal case. Tulfo added that they will bring Sarah’s complaint before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the filing of administrative case.

Young was declared as one of the winners of Ms. Philippine Islands last 15 October 2017 at Tanghalang Pasigueño in Pasig City.

==================================================================

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, wants to join the police force

It was a fitting homecoming for a queen in the town of Candelaria, Quezon – the home province of this year’s Bb. Pilipinas International Ma. Ahtisa Manalo.

“We will welcome her with all the pomp and gaiety fit for a queen,” Candelaria town Mayor Macario Boongaling said.

The local officials and private sector representatives were all prepared when Manalo joined a motorcade around town and for other activities last 2 May. Manalo offered her victory to her provincemates

The town council has also adopted a resolution hailing Manalo’s achievement, Boongaling said.

Quezon Gov. David Suarez said the province was proud of Manalo’s feat.

In 2016, Manalo was hailed as the Queen of the province’s Niyogyugan Festival while in 2017, she finished 2nd runner-up at Reyna ng Aliwan, part of the annual’s Fiesta ng Aliwan of Manila Broadcasting Company held in Aliw Theater.

Meanwhile, Manalo promised to do “whatever it takes” to bring home the Miss International crown.

Manalo said that once the Miss International competition is over, the beauty queen wants to join the Philippine National Police (PNP). She believes being a member of the country’s police force can be “a platform for change.”

Manalo is this year’s youngest Binibining Pilipinas winner and one of the most hyped candidates as she earned pageant watchers favorable reviews. She is a graduate of Accountancy at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation. She is also likened to 2016 Miss International Kylie Versoza, her predecessor.

=======================================================

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Photos by: Edmund Chua of Fab Manila & Rio Leonelle Deluvio of Manila Bulletin

Former Bb Pilipinas and Miss Earth winners crossing over to Miss World Philippines 2018

Crossing over from one pageant to another seems to be a trend in the local pageantry.

Rumor has it that after a runner-up finish in 2017 at Miss Intercontinental, beauty queen-model Katarina  Rodriguez is reportedly one of the ‘big names’ that is ready to ‘conquer the world’ as she is said to join Miss World Philippines 2018.

Other than Rodriguez, Miss Globe 2017 1st runner-up Nelda Ibe is also rumored to join (again) Miss World Philippines, the same pageant she joined in 2014 where she was proclaimed Second Princess defeating then Rachel Peters who settled for 4th Princess and eventually bagging Miss Universe Philipines 2017, the aame year they both joined and win separate international titles.

Aside from these pageant big names, actress Ria Atayde, daughter of veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez is reportedly keen in joining this year’s MWP edition which franchise is owned by ALV Talent Circuit headed by talent manager Arnold Vegafria.

from L-R: Diana Mackey, Jennice Sanchez, Loren Mae Artajos, Marah Olivan Muñoz, Samantha Lo and Demi Reyes Jainga

Other pageant veterans like Diana Mackey, Miss Earth Philippines 2015 Top 10 finisher; Jennica Sanchez, Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5 contestant; Miss Earth Philippines 2016 Loren Mae Artajos; Marah Olivan Muñoz, Miss World Philippines 2016 3rd runner-up; Binibining Cebu Tourism 2017 Samantha Lo and Demi Reyes Jainga, Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 were also rumored to join this year’s MWP.

Meanwhile, Sanya, China was again chosen by Miss World Organization (MWO) to host the 68th edition of Miss World finals.

This after Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World Organization and David Li, President of the New Silk Road Industry Group signed an agreement in Shenzhen last February.

At the same meeting, Morley also signed a contract with the NSR Group authorizing them to be the official franchise holders of Miss World China from 2018 - 2020.

========================================================

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Nichole Manalo marries her boyfriend in Bali, Indonesia

Miss Globe 2016 3rd runner-up Nichole Manalo marries her boyfriend Drew Ng in a beach wedding at The St. Regis Bali Resort in Indonesia last 13 May.

The private event was attended by the couple’s family and closest friend as the former Bb. Pilipinas Globe winner posted on her Instagram account.

Her fellow beauty queens shares their congratulatory messages like Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2016 Joanna Eden, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell, Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis, and Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2014 Yvethe Santiago.

In the same IG post, Manalo thank her older sister Katherine Ann, 2002 Bb Pilipinas World for sharing an old video clip of her late dad as if sharing his advice to the newly wed.

Nichole, the youngest sibling of Anne and Bianca Manalo, Bb Pilipinas Universe 2009, joined Bb Pilipinas twice before clinching Bb Pilipinas Globe crown in 2016.
=========================================================

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Arnold Vegafria acquires Mister Supranational franchise

Talent manager and head of ALV Talent Circuit Arnold L. Vegafria acquired the local franchise of Mister Supranational.

This was announced by Mister Supranational’s social media account in May which says:

“It is with great pride that we announce a new partnership for the Mister Supranational Philippines franchise. This year, we have given the opportunity to select the country’s representative to Mister Supranational 2018 to Arnold L. Vegafria of ALV Events International. Following the recent back to back to back successes of Arnold in the field of pageantry, and his foray into the male counterpart, it is fitting we partner with him to search the Philippines’ representative. Towards the last quarter of this year, ALV Events International will be electing the winner for Mister Supranational Philippines who will represent the nation at the international finals. We welcome Arnold Vegafria, General Manager Bessie Besana and the new Mister Supranational Philippines to the Mister Supranational family.”

Now on its third year, Mister Supranational aims to modernize the industry, the first competition to present updated and high fashion TV production. Gabriel Correa is the reigning Mister Supranational.

With Vegafria’s helm, he produced three (3) international titles, all first for the Philippines since he took over the franchise of Miss World Philippines including Miss Reina Hispanoamericana won by Teresita Ssen Marquez, Miss Multinational Sophia Senoron, and Miss Eco International Cynthia Tomalla.

In January 2017, Vegafria announced that he got the franchise of both Miss World Philippines and Mister World Philippines previously owned by beauty guru Cory Quirino.


Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton
Photos by: Missossology

New Tourism chief junks hosting of Miss Universe; Catriona Gray busy with her training

Despite the good chances of the Philippines hosting the Miss Universe 2018 for the fourth time and the advantage of the country’s representative to the prestigious world renowned beauty pageant, newly appointed Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat nixes the hosting of the said event.

The decision left Filipino beauty pageant fans heartbroken while some camps were rejoicing as Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines representative will have better chances if she competes in other country.

Aside from the fact that the country hosted the pageant only a year ago, Puyat pointed out that the government’s budget constraints and that there were more other issues to address.

It can be recalled that back in April, resigned DOT secretary Wand Teo announced that President Rodrigo Duterte himself floated the idea of holding an event for the prestigious Miss Universe competition on Boracay Island as an effort to boost tourist arrivals after its six-month rehabilitation.

It was also Teo who said in May, during the sidelines of the “World’s Strongest Man” that the country has 90 percent chance of hosting the 67^th Miss Universe pageant and is “almost done deal” with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

During the holding of the “World’s Strongest Man,” speculations made rounds that Philippines sealed the deal with MUO when reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa and 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France arrived in Manila with Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who attended the event.

Meanwhile, Gray hasn’t stop preparing herself since day one she won Miss Universe Philippines and busy attending public appearances.

This month, Catriona’s training will go full swing. An Inquirer article, Gray said, “I’m training with a few different people, each specializing in different aspects: dance, theater, walk, speech, etc.”

While a Preview article mentioned that she is “still putting ideas together with her team for her Miss Universe wardrobe, but she is clear in her direction.

Gray has also reached out to her BB. Pilipinas national costume designer Jearsond Dimavivas for collaboration. Her Maranao costume created such an impact during the nationals that it won her best in national costume.

The last time Miss Universe was held in the Philippines was on January 30, 2017, where Miss France Iris Mittenaere was crowned by no less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Baron Andrews and Ion Perez win in their respective international pageant

The Philippines intensifies its advantage in international beauty pageant in both sexes.

This after, the country’s representative Baron Adrews, won Mr. Star Model Universe 2018 in Lima, Peru while Mexico and Peru were runners-up respectively.

The 24-year-old model expressed his happiness over his victory, citing “all the effort I put into the contest” on his Facebook account.

“The discipline, the favorite food that I tried hard to ignore, lahat ito, sa pahintulot ng Diyos Ama, nakamit ko na maging kauna-unahang Mr. Star Model Universe 2018,” he said. 

“Kahit po mahaba ang binyahe namin, dalawang araw kami bumiyahe papuntang Peru, tapos ang paga-adjust ng tulog at body clock at pag-adapt sa klima rito sa Peru. Ako ay minalat at inubo isang araw bago ang paligsahan. Nawala po ang boses ko. Pero ginabayan po tayo ng Diyos Ama kaya naka-recover tayo agad upang ipagpatuloy ang laban. Sa awa po ng Diyos, nakamit natin ang tagumpay para sa bansa natin,” he added.

This isn’t the first time Andrews joined an international male pageant. He previously represented the Philippines during the Mr. Real Universe 2015 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Andrews graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Major in Social Studies. He currently works as a teacher at San Rafael Technological and Vocational High School in Navotas.

Meanwhile, 27-year old Ion Perez of Concepcion, Tarlac snatched Mr. Universe 2018 during the pageant’s finale at Tanghalang Pasigueño in Pasig City recently.

In an interview, Perez shared the simple life in the province and how he helped his mother in their small business.

"Tinutulungan ko po si nanay na gumawa ng kakanin kasi po nagtitinda po. Siya gumawa, ako po 'yung nagpa-pack sa mga kalamay na tinitinda niya," said Perez.

Never in Ion’s ambition to join male pageants but it’s been three years since he was convinced to try his luck. He also revealed that he stopped from studying due to financial reasons and he took the pageant’s opportunity to help his family.

"Sobrang mahiyain po talaga ako. Siguro dala din ng isa akong probinsyano. 'Di ba po kapag sinabing probinsyano, mahiyain," added Perez.

He admitted he draw inspiration from his mother and siblings adding “sobrang naramdaman ko po ang suporta na binigay sa akin ng pamilya ko simula pagkabata ko. 'Di ko sila nakita nagsuot ng pormal kaya sobrang saya po para sa akin na nakita sila," he shared.

Perez cannot contain his emotions looking back at how he started and the good future he is ready to bank on.

"Sobrang saya po na ang isang bata na dati nila sinasabihan na pangit, mabaho, maitim, eto na po ako ngayon," Perez said while in tears.

Perez is set to return to school while he will save in a bank the cash prize he won from Mr. Universe Tourism.

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Atorni Ton

Photos by: Noli Berioso of OPMB Worldwide and Joy Arguil

Banker and restaurateur Kenley Filarca to represent Philippines in Mister National Universe

27-year old restaurateur Kenley Filarca, also a banker and owner of chain of restaurants in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is set to represent the Philippines in the Mister National Universe 2018 pageant in Thailand on 13-19 June.

Kenley, also known as Keny Ong was officially handpicked by Mister National Universe Philippines of the Kings of K Events Productions (KKEP), the local franchise holder of Mister Universe International, headed by its managing editor Ferdinand Abejon.

During Filarca’s proclamation reigning Mister National Universe Pankaj Alhlawat of India and 2^nd runner-up Seageme Mekardkard of Thailand witnessed the sashing and crowning.

Abejon said that they are proud in choosing Filarca to be the Philippines’ first rep in Mister National Universe. He believes that his participation will be a good showcase of determination amidst adversity.

For his part, Filarca shared his gratitude adding “I am very thankful for this opportunity. It gives me a platform to share my advocacy not only in the Philippines but to foreign countries as well.”

Filarca is an Anti-Bullying campaign supporter as he experienced being bullied while he has young.

Aside from being a banker, his passion for cooking resulted in the establishment of “Kusina de Kenyong Bar & Restaurant” his other source of income. The restaurant holds the record for the “biggest and smallest burger in the Philippines.”

Story by: Eric Arevalo & Átorni Ton