BB. PILIPINAS 2013 GRAND SANTACRUZAN

The winners of Binibining Pilipinas 2013 lead the line up of the much-awaited Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that reels off on Saturday, May 18. Joining the queens are the candidates of the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

The Santacruzan is an iconic Filipino tradition that commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Reyna Elena and her son, Emperor Constantine. The festive mode of thanksgiving of finding the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is replicated many times over in several parts of the country during the fiesta month of May. However, none compares to the pageantry and the overload of beautiful Binibinis of the Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan. The event has become a staple in the celebration of Flores de Mayo in the metropolis.

The joyful celebration is made more spectacular because of the ladies that are clad in gowns designed by leading Filipino couturiers. This year is even more special as the country’s premier beauty pageant celebrates its golden year. Some of the exquisite creations of these designers were worn by the Binibinis during the National Costume Competition of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold. Miss Universe 2012 1st runner up Janine Tugonon adds star value to the proceedings as this year’s Reyna Elena. 1981 Binibining Pilipinas International Peachy Sacasas-Veneracion is the Emperatriz.

A new highlight of this year’s Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center will be the “living rosary” that will be participated in by the Binibinis and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish’s pamayanan sagalas. This will serve as a fitting culmination to this majestic cultural activity featuring the fairest maidens of the land in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Children and members of the media were among that enjoyed balloons and treats from Krispy Kreme.

The Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center reels off at 4pm from the Gateway Park beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Here is the complete list of Binibini sagalas for the Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan:

Ria Rabajante Reyna Banderada
Ma. Bencelle Bianzon Reyna Mora
Zandra Flores Reyna Esther
Nicole Kim Donesa Reyna Fe
Maria Sofia Mustonen Reyna Esperanza
Abbygale Monderin Reyna Caridad
Ivy Gonzales Reyna Abogada
Katherine Enriquez Reyna Sentenciada
Anna Carmela Aquino Reyna Justicia
Paula Bernasor Ruth
Mary Rose Pujanes Naomi
Hannah Ruth Sison Infanta Judith
Lourenz Remetillo Reyna Sheba
Leona Paula Santicruz Samaritana
Cassandra Naidas Veronica
Anna Fernandina Buquid Mary of Magdala
Mercegrace Raquel Mary, Mother of Christ
Pauline Quintas Mary, Mother of James
Ma. Theresa Gorgonio Corazon de Maria
Cindy Abundabar Seat of Wisdom
KC Cajandig Key of Heaven
Alaine Baccay Reyna Luna
Jacqueline Mayoralgo Divina Pastora
Herlie Kim Artugue Reyna de los Martires
Camille Carla Nazar Reyna del Santisimo Rosario
Ellore Noelle Punzalan Reyna de los Confesores
Merry Joyce Respicio Reyna de los Patriarcas
Grace Yann Apuad Reyna Candelaria
Rhea Nakpil Reyna de los Profetas
Imelda Schweighart Reyna de la Paz
Annalie Forbes Reyna de las Estrellas
Elaine Kay Moll Reyna de los Angeles
Katrina Dimaranan Reyna de los Santos
Pia Wurtzbach Rosa Mystica
Mutya Datul Reyna del Cielo
Cindy Miranda Reyna de las Virgines
Bea Rose Santiago Reyna de las Flores
Janine Tugonon Reyna Elena
Peachy Sacasas Reyna Emperatriz

MISS TOURISM WORLD PHILIPPINES 2013 PRESS PRESENTATION. PHOTOS BY MELVIN SIA

Thirty two (32) Beautiful and EquallyTalented Filipinas were formally presented to the members of the Media last Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Historic Club Pilipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, during the Press Launch and Presentation of Official Candidate for the 2013 National Search for Miss Tourism World Philippines. The Official Candidates were chosen after a month-long preliminary screening that attracted beauty applicants nationwide. Qualified Applicants were announced during the Final Screening held last May4, 2013 at the exclusive PRIME Bar and Events Place along Tomas Morato, Quezon City. Those who qualify came from different provinces and regions of the country such as Ilocos Region, La Union, Bulacan, Quezon Province, Batangas, Rizal Province, Pampanga, Laguna, Pangasinan, and Bicol Region in Luzon, and otherparts of the Visayas and Mindanao. They are : 1. Nikka Iara Jumaquio 17, Bulacan 2. Queen Jennika Semana 18, Binan, Laguna 3. Reaniel Joyce Norma Mae Anida, 20 Bacolod City 4. Angel Garcia 25, Quezon City 5. Des Salazar 19, Marikina 6. Joy M. Cumareng20, Marikina 7. Ana Toreja Langitan 22, Ibaan, Batangas 8. Clarize Angelica Barrameda 21, Caloocan City 9. Kristine Crisostomo, 26, Laguna 10. Princess Edilyn Ramos 20, Rizalyn Macawile 11. Gracel Godinez 18, Quezon City 12. Jessica Mae Arsolon 23, Manila 13. Khadija Nasser 22, Rizal 14. Janelle Tee 22, Davao City 15. Jeriza Saulog 19, Cavite 16. Czarina Rose Rosales 26, Tondo, Manila 17. Elle Hiollman 22, Caloocan City 18. Mary Rose Cajayon, 19, Bulacan 19. Shiela Marie Siasa 18, Bataan 20. Diana Qeblawi 23, Pampanga 21. Mary Ann Reyes, Tayabas, Quezon 22. Lereze Margerette M. Mediavillo 23, Lucena City 23. Aiyana Camille Mikiewickz 23, La Union 24. Cristlet Gerona 22, Pagadian City 25. Nathalya Kamyil Francisco, 19 Cotabato City 26. Klaudine Palma 22, Antipolo, Rizalyn Barrea 27. Ma. Isabelle Zaragoza Mendoza 18, Ilocos Sur 28. Diana Rose Celeste 20, Batangas City 29. Sherry Rose Guanga 21, Olongapo City 30. Krystel Loiis Gutierrez 17, Dasmarinas, Cavite 31. Ramona Yamat 18, Taguig City 32. Alyssa Lagahino 19, Batangas City “After a very successful staging of our maiden pageant last year, we are more motivated and inspired to look for an outstanding Filipina who will represent us at the 2013 Miss Tourism World to be held later this year. Says Mr. Francisco “Gareth” Blanco Jr., the National Pageant Director and Over-all Production Head of Miss Tourism World Philippines2013 Pageant. “We are also excited and proud for this year’s batch of candidates, for they do not only possesses physical beauty but also a beauty of heart and spirit, a Filipina who is proud of her rich cultural heritage and an embodiment of beauty and substance. We are optimistic that whoever wins the title, may bring honor and pride to the Philippines and will continue to be an Ambassador of Philipine Culture and Tourism, in keeping with our Pageant Advocacy; Preserve the Beauty of the Philippines.” adds Mr. Blanco. The winner of Miss Tourism World Philippines 2013 title will represent the country at the 2013 Miss Tourism World Pageant to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in West Central Africa,considered as “The UndiscoveredT reasure of Africa” She along with over80 other delegate from other countries will experience the unique fusion of Spanish and African Culture of the host country. They are scheduled to visit the offshore island of Corisco, the Insular Region consists of the islands of Bioko, formerly Fernando Poo, and Annobón.The final round of the pageant in which the winner will be announced will take place atthe spectacular Sipopo Conference Centre in Malabo on October 12, 2013. The 2013 MissTourism World Philippines Grand Coronation Night will be held on May 17, 2013, 7:00PM at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to be telecast at GMA NewsTV Channel 11 on June 2, 2013 at 9:00PM.

BINIBINING UNIBERSIDAD 2013 WINNERS

Benjielyn Nama, a student of University of the East bested 19 other contestants to win the title of Bb. Unibersidad 2013 held Saturday night at AFP Theater in Quezon City. Other winners are Bridgette McBride Bonus of DLSU_CSB 4th, Amanda Feliz Inginiero of Our Lady of Fatima 1st, Linda Lee of National Teachers College 2nd and Aira Inoue of Lyceum 3rd. Benjielyn will represent the country in the Miss World University Pageant this year.

MISTER INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES 2013 AND MANHUNT 2013 LAUNCHED.

Every year, our country is looking for the most desirable man that will represent the country in the prestigious Mister International contest; this year is not an exception as we select the country’s finest young man that best describe the word “Dynamic Filipino”!

Lancaster Hotel - the official residence of Mister International Philippines and Prime Events Productions Philippines are working together in staging a male pageant at its best. The event aims to uplift the standard of male pageantry in the Philippines and sustain our dominance in the pageant world and duplicate our “country of the year” performance after topping the “Grand Slam Ranking” in male pageantry last year. 
World’s most ultimate man and reigning Mister International Ali Hammoud is now the Philippines and billeted in exquisite Lancaster Hotel in Shaw Blvd -http://www.lancasterhotelsph.com/manila/
. Ali officially started the event of Mister International Philippines 2013 with a well attended “Launching” at Excess Super Club . He also visited the Honorary Consulate of Lebanon in the Philippines and received warm welcome from consul Joseph Assad.

Mister International founder Alan Sim also graced the event making the launching truly special. Past winners and runners up of different male pageant including Mister Hawaii Rhonee Roxas supported the event.
First batch of Mister International Philippines Candidates were also presented last night with vibrant presentation of the pageant’s history. Produced by Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc, this year’s National Search will be a grandest celebration of talent, generosity, honor and diversity as we gather the most dynamic men all over the Philippine archipelago. This event empowers our young men to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to use their talents and intelligence to achieve a platform dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others by supporting our charitable causes. 
Mister international is also set to arrive in Boracay with the support of Alta Vista – the official residence of Mister International in Boracay to spice up the campaign “World’s best man meets world’s best beach”!
National finals of Mister International 2013 will be held in Arena of historic San Juan City on June 21 with full support from the city of San Juan. San Juan City also honored Mister Internatianal in a lavish ceremony in San Juan City yesterday headed by Hon. Mayor Guia Gomez.

Winner of Mister International Philippines will compete in Mister International 2013 finals in Indonesia this November.

opmbmetropolis:

18 WOMEN OF BEAUTY AND SUBSTANCE VIE FOR MRS. GLOBE-2013

Eighteen Filipinas who possess the rare combination of beauty and substance are set to showcase their grace and confidence and give their all to be hailed as Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013. After the success of its first-ever search last year, Mrs. Philippines-Globe returns with a bigger and better pageant as it opened its doors not only to married women but also to single mothers. “The first year of Mrs. Philippines-Globe received blessings of success and recognition we never expected in spite of the pageant being in the infancy stage. That is why we are invigorated to continue delivering the deeper meaning of this competition. For 2013, the pageant is bigger and better as we prepared more exciting activities that will further empower married women, and starting this year, the single mothers as well,” said Mrs. Philippines-Globe national pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo. One of the biggest international beauty pageants of its kind, Mrs. Philippines-Globe recognizes Filipino women of substance who play an important role in the society. It salutes women who do not let age and civil status get in the way of fulfilling their dreams, and whose achievements, charitable acts and life stories serve as inspiration to others. For its second search, the Mrs. Philippines - Globe has explored further and held screening in key cities and provinces in the country before coming up with 18 exceptional finalists. They are Soraya Borbe, Nanette Ballono, Michelle Garcia, Jane Lorraine Dimaunahan, Lubesly Tellidua, Mary Charlotte Fresco, Arah Margarita Ty, Jessica Eribal, Charina Clarin, Ruby Jane Lehmann, Jennylyn Isherwood, Marilou Villanueva, Mildred Buazon, Jessie Lou Lucero, Maria Rizza Padilla Singson, Ruby Salazar Papio, Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob, and Rachel Ann Felix. The eighteen finalists will take on the stage and compete for the coveted title during the pageant night happening on May 25, 2013 at the Sunset Pavilion, Sofitel Manila. The most remarkable and elegant contender will be crowned Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013. She will also take home Php 300,000.00 worth of prizes, and more importantly, will represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Globe 2013 World Finals on September 19 to 29, 2013 at Shenzhen, China. The candidates will also get a chance to receive special awards such as People’s Choice Award, Mrs. Talent, Mrs. Friendship, Make-Up Factory Most Beautiful Face, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Most Elegant Woman / Designer of the Year, Wacoal Career Woman of the Year, Life Story Award, and Solane Mother of the Year. Making this year’s pageant even grander, Mrs. Philippines-Globe teamed up with Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions company, and opened a search for smart and talented kids and teens. Dubbed as Little Miss Solane, the competition acts as a venue for young girls to unleash their potential, improve their talents and skills, and develop a good sense of accomplishment. More than just a celebration of beauty, Mrs. Globe in the US is affiliated with The Women In Need Foundation which aims to help abused women and children recover their self-esteem. The pageant emphasizes that women have the right to be heard, loved and respected. Mrs. Philippines-Globe is presented by Make Up Factory Maquillage Professionnel School of Make Up Artistry and Solane. It is also supported by Working Mom Magazine, Wacoal and 96.3 Easy Rock. Special thanks also to Transcom, Joylong Van and Coaster, Yamaha School of Music, Galderma, Restylane, Energen, Slimmers World, Venice Piazza. The show is organized and produced by Event Visions Incorporated.

Photos by Melvin Sia

ALCATEL LAUNCHED NEW LINE OF PRODUCTS

Alcatel, one of the pioneer in mobile phone industry in the Philippines launched its latest line of products. The event was held at the posh Rockwell Tent in Makati City last Wednesday, April 24, 2013. Present during the occasion are the people behind the success of the mobile brand led by the company’s Regional Director Liza Woods. Guests were treated in a sumptuous dinner specially prepared by Chef Laudico for the event. Also, Alcatel presented to the selected members of media the latest celebrity endorser of the mobile brand non other than TV personality and professional basketball player Chris Tiu. As one of the busiest celebrity in the country today, Chris singled out Alcatel as his choice of mobile phone brand for it meet and cope up with his hectic schedule and lifestyle. The event coincide with the VIP premiere of the movie Iron Man 3, the third installment from the hit series and one of the most anticipated film of the summer. Alcatel mobile phone was used and featured in the movie. Here are the latest line of products from Alcatel One Touch. One Touch Glory 2 - Smart and pocket friendly. Small and sexy, it still packs a punch with a 1GHz CPU running on Android Jelly Bean 4.1. Space is not wasted on this small wonder with its 3.5 inch HVGA screen. One Touch Idol - Light as a feather and skinny as a catwalk model, this original ONE TOUCH IDOL stands its ground as a style icon in its own right. The ONE TOUCH IDOL offers an over-sized 4.7-inch screen and the IPS display features deep and strong colours to browse the latest sites and shop the latest looks. The brushed aluminium finishing cues premium from the outside and the 8 Mpxl HD camera delivers high-technology visuals from the inside. And, at a mere 110g you won’t even notice you’re carrying this featherweight of the family! Available colours: Silver, Cranberry Pink, Slate, Red, Magic Blue, Mint Green. One Touch Idol Ultra - Since its global launch the ONE TOUCH IDOL ULTRA has put the ‘super’ in super slim smartphones and now this fashion favourite has some brand new looks – five new bright colours! The ONE TOUCH IDOL ULTRA is luxuriously designed with refined details, and a light-weight ergonomically designed casing that you’ll fall in love with after a single touch. Proving beauty is more than skin deep, the ONE TOUCH IDOL ULTRA delivers its best work once switched on. Echoing a mini-cinema, the crystal clear, 4.7-inch HD AMOLED display delights the eye with bright colours and the deepest blacks. Perfect for watching HD videos or looking at your favourite photos. The ONE TOUCH IDOL ULTRA packs an 8 Megapixel camera and powerful punch to drive all this amazing activity - a dual-core 1.2GHz processor running Android Jellybean. With Black, Red, Flash Yellow, Turquoise, Green, Fresh Rose to choose from, there is phone to suit every person’s style needs. Alcatel One Touch Inspire - As the Medium-sized member of the 1st series, the ONE TOUCH INSPIRE 2 offers a large, high quality 4 inch WVGA screen, but is still compact enough to fit comfortably in any pocket or purse. The 5 megapixel camera lets you snap quality pictures wherever you go and the HD filming capability means you can capture life around you at any moment. It all runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and is powered by a 1GHz CPU for a really smooth user experience. One Touch Sapphire 2 - The X-tra large and X-tra smooth member of the 1st series, the ONE TOUCH SAPPHIRE 2 is the phone for people who want to enjoy that cinematic experience. The 4.5 inch extra bright qHD screen brings Hollywood blockbusters, the latest games and HD videos taken on the phone to life. While a dual-core 1GHz processor under the hood will ensure you have no problem enjoying all it has to offer at once. A 5 megapixel camera with flash, auto focus and smile detection lets you snap quality pics wherever you go. The use of X-tra hard Dragontrail glass and the latest oleophobic coating guarantees that you won’t have to worry about wear and tear or unsightly smudges across that beautiful crisp screen. One Touch Scribe Easy - The ONE TOUCH SCRIBE EASY offers a big 5-inch screen to the world and an inspirational set up to help create and share – it’s the perfect set up to uncover hidden talents. The ONE TOUCH SCRIBE EASY is the perfect canvass for capturing flashes of genius on the move – it’s super-responsive, fast, and comes with a handy touch pen to scribble directly on the screen. It will even recognize handwriting, making it perfect for taking notes. The magnetic MagicFlip makes sure this creative partner stays in a perfect, scratch-free state no matter how much adventuring is done. Available colours: Flash Red, Fresh Blue, and Flash Yellow. One Touch Scribe HD - The ONE TOUCH SCRIBE HD is the perfect phone for the creative person. With a super-fast online connection, a beautiful, large HD screen and a sleek touch pen, this is the phone for scribbling down ideas, sketching out designs, editing photos and even cutting a movie. The Wi-Fi display means you can host the premier on your lounge-room big screen. Quad-core processor power beneath the hood running Android Jellybean 4.1 means everything functions at lightning speed. Combine this with the 3G+ connection of up to 42Mbps and you won’t skip a beat while connected. The ONE TOUCH SCRIBE HD comes in a selection of bright colours including Flash Red, Flash Yellow, Pure White or Black and with the magnetic MagicFlip, you’ll have the ultimate protection without sacrificing style. One Touch Tab 7HD - ALCATEL ONE TOUCH launches a new WiFi tablet: TAB7HD. Designed compact and light, The ONE TOUCH TAB7HD line features fast processors and the latest Android software, with full access to Google PlayTM at competitive price points. The line is characterized by accurate finishing. Soft touch or real metal battery covers, metallic details, refined shapes give users a friendly and comfortable sensation that makes ONE TOUCH TAB the perfect handy multimedia companion for anyone.

MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2013 TREE PLANTING AT PONTEFINO HOTEL AND RESIDENCES.

Last April 13, the 48 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2013 embarked in a tree planting exercise at Pontefino Hotel and Residences. This is one of the many activities that the candidates went through during their 2 days stay at the luxurious property located in the heart of Batangas City.

The environmental activity was attended by the officials of Pontefino - Miss Fely Ramos Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Tommy Tantoco - Chief Finance Officer. Pontefino is a sprawling 8.5 hectare estate of gently terrain located at Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, Batangas City. It offers 46 premium rooms and 14 suites with excellently-trained staff to give you the world class hospitality and service you deserve. 

Tree planting is a long term vision of the pageant to ensure the future protection of the natural resources and making it a habit within the property of Pontefino.

Miss Philippines Earth 2013 will culminates in a grand coronation on May 18, 2013 to be held at Mall of Asia-ARENA.

BINIBINING UNIBERSIDAD 2013 PRESS PRESENTATION

Photos by Melvin Sia

PONTEFINO HOTEL AND RESIDENCES PLAYED HOST TO MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2013 DELEGATES

Pontefino Hotel and Residences, the only 4-Star Hotel in South Luzon once again played host to 48 environmental savvy beauties of Miss Philippines Earth 2013. The ladies was graciously welcomed by the officers and staff of the hotel led by the Chief Operating Officer Miss Fely Ramos and Chief Finance Officer Mr. Tommy Tantoco. This is the second straight year that Pontefino is hosting an event for the 12 year old national beauty pageant that cares and protect for Mother Earth. The event was co-presented by Peugeot, the leading car brand in France. A special competition, the Resort Wear was held at the poolside of the hotel. The event was attended by local luminaries, foreign visitors as well as high ranking official from different field of businesses who served as judges of the competition. Also, a mini swimsuit fashion show was held as primer to the main show. Pontefino is strategically located at the heart of Batangas City where progress and growth of the province is located. It offers a unique combination of a modern home as well as a hotel like facilities and amenities. The entire property is also secured with 24 hours security service. Pontefino also offers townhouses with Neo Victorian theme composed of fully furnish units that elegantly designed and located just next to the hotel. Pontefino has 46 Premium rooms and 14 suites. A vast improvement will happen in the years to come, a 2 wing expansion from both side of the hotel will be constructed and more townhouse unit will be build to meet the growing demand both from local and international. There is also plan to construct another Pontefino property in Cagayan de Oro. Pontefino is located at Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, Batangas City and acessible thru Star Toll Expressway Two lucky ladies was bestowed with the titles of Miss Pontefino Hotel and Miss Pontefino Residences. Cabugao’s Jannie Loudette Alipo-on and Kristel Suizo of Misamis Occidental won the special titles respectively. Before the end of the night, 3 ladies captured the medals at stake for the Resort Wear competitioin. Kristel Guelos of Tanauan Ciy took home the bronze, Kristel Suizo of Misamis Occidental won the silver and Jannie Loudette Alipo-on of Cabugao Ilocos Sur took home the gold. The vent was capped with a party accompanied by live band and a sumptous dinner buffet was served to all the guest. For more information about Pontefino Hotel and residences, log on to www.pontefinohotel.com orwww.pontefinoresidences.com. OPMBworldwide would like to thank the officer and staff of Pontefino and also the PR Group led by Ms. Chin Martelino.