50 Beautiful Years of Binibining Pilipinas!

It's the premier pageant institution in the country where the most beautiful Filipinas from all parts of the Philippines come in an take their chances in becoming Binibining Pilipinas - Universe, Binibining Pilipinas International and Binibining Pilipinas Tourism. From thousands who applied in one of the most largest turnouts in Binibining Pilipinas history, they only picked 50 gorgeous girls to vie for three titles this 2013!

The candidates were earlier announced and some of my friends have their personal favorites.

1.Ria Rabajante
2.Ma. Bencelle Bianzon
3.Zandra Flores
4.Nicole Kim Donesa
5.Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen
6.Yvette Chantal Mildenberger
7.Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales
8.Abbygale Monderin
9.Katherine Anne Enriquez
10.Anna Carmela Aquino
11.Ana Carmina Antonio
12.Camille Carla Nazar
13.Charmaine Elima
14.Mary Rose Pujanes
15.Pia Wurtzbach
16.Joanna Cindy Miranda
17.Carin Adrianne Ramos
18.Christine Paula Love Bernasor
19.Hannah Ruth Sison
20.Bea Rose Santiago
21.Lourenz Grace Remetillo
22.Ellore Noelle Punzalan
23.Leona Paula Santicruz
24.Cassandra Naidas
25.Merry Joyce Respicio
26.Anna Fernandina Buquid
27.Vania Valiry Vispo
28.Mercegrace Raquel
29.Pauline Quintas
30.Maria Theresa Gorgonio
31.Maria Angelica De Leon
32.Cindy Abundabar
33.Parul Shah
34.Grace Yann Apuad
35.Theresa Marie Fenger
36.Angel May Villafuerte
37.Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay
38.Mariz Ong
39.Mutya Johanna Datul
40.Jan Helen Villanueva
41.Ariella Arida
42.Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo
43.Rhea Nakpil
44.Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom
45.Imelda Schweighart
46.Amanda Noelle Navasero
47.Aiyana Mikiewicz
48.Angeli Dione Gomez
49.Herlie Kim Artugue
50.Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

They were doing the talent portion and it was nice to see them in a different light.

I am doing a fearless forecast here because I was able to see them a few days ago. I love Candidate #45 Imelda Schweighart, Candidate #48 Angeli Dione Gomez and Candidate #36 Angel May Villafuerte. I hope they get to win some of the posts above. They are all so gorgeous in person and I want to see them all do well in this pageant. 

Some of them sang, danced, declaimed etc. The standouts were quite a few. I specifically remember the one who performed magic tricks, and the dance that had a hoola hoop with it. Aside from that I think the others were just soso. It's all good but of course the unique ones would really stick into the mind of the audiences.

Then we got to see these beauty queens up close. We literally had dinner together. =) I know how hard it is for these gorgeous women to stay still smiling after working hard that afternoon. They managed to still be nice and not cranky. The press was impressed because even if they were a little busy eating, they can stop and pose for photos if you kindly ask them to. These girls are all good.

First runner-up in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant Janine Mari Raymundo Tugonon was so happy to say her wishes for the girls. They know that they have a lot of responsibilities if they get to win the title. The Philippines has been able to do quite good placing in the Miss Universe pageant and it's about time that we win something for the country, and help a lot of people along the way.

Madame Stella Araneta still so gorgeous after all these years; did you know she was the first ever Ms. International? Hence her passion to make Binibining Pilipinas the premier pageant sending candidates to the best of the best international competitions.

We really didn't run out of title holders as the reigning beauty queens were also there.

It was so nice that Candidate number 1 Ria Rabajante stopped for photo ops while we were lining up for the buffet. She was so nice.

One of my bets is in this shot. The one on the left most part. She's gorgeous no? Lovely too.

And if the day wasn't too good, she comes along and graced my camera.

Shamcey Supsup, no wonder she won and placed in Miss Universe. She's really gorgeous. She was kind enough to take some shots even if she was on a phone call at this time. Thanks Shamcey! =)

These girls have shown how much talent and fervor they have to win the competition. But the best part of this is they get to do charity work while the pageant is ongoing (via Operation Smile) and also after that. That is priceless and I've always have high regards to what Binibining Pilipinas charities is doing all these years. Now let's all support whoever wins the crown and I'm sure we'll get that coveted Miss Universe crown we've all been waiting for these past few years. We are also doing good in other pageants and its possible that pretty soon we'll all win them in one blow! Congratulations to the people behind Binibining Pilipinas 2013, I couldn't wait come April 14 when they hold the coronation night and will announce the winners!

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas

Visit http://www.bbpilipinas.com

Sofitel Manila - The Vietura Launch!

I was so glad to hear that Vietura opened it's doors last March 5, 2013 at the posh Sofitel Manila. I saw this during its last few days of construction and was excited because of the things they had to offer. Vie is the French word for Life and Tura came from Natura or au naturelle. As the words imply this is an aesthetic lifestyle center that introduces a holistic and comprehensive approach to wellness. This institute combines full aesthetic procedures and uses natural integrative medicine and provides  lifestyle coaching. This is something unprecedented in the Philippines because they offer 100% non-

invasive procedures and match it with gradually induced treatments that only Vietura and Sofitel Manila can provide.

The launch got us all into one of Sofitel Manila's function rooms which they completely transformed into a dreamy, heavenly white place that's also filled with Sofitel Manila's Executives, some of Vietura's first clientelle and media representatives. It was also nice to see some of my fashion blogger chums whom I haven't seen in a while.

JM De Guzman's Album Launch: Tensionado

The place was packed when I got there. It was really good to see these guys wait for one man. He's been in the industry for quite some time now and he's been able to maintain a huge following even after his program in ABSCBN ended a few months ago. This time, he's got something up his sleeves other than being the Prince of Drama. He's an accomplished singer and since he's taken his time to write a couple of songs and did some covers, JM De Guzman deserves what he's getting now. A new album called "Tensionado".

Opening up for him were a couple of performers

This band called Kaligta was nice. Their genre depicted a little of Christian, and a little of pop rock music. That afternoon they performed some covers by Creed I think. They've also got a self titled album that's got six tracks being sold at the event. Very promising.

Then he came up the stage and the crowd went wild!

"KALAYAAN" – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila

Have you ever thought how Manila was won during world war II?

I have no idea.

It's probably because nobody bothered to teach us the 1945 liberation of Manila. It could have been easier to see it right in textbooks but I didn't find that in the curriculum or my history books. That bothers me, we've lived here for the longest time but nobody knew how our own capital Manila was fought for.

It's a good thing there are people out there who believe we should know what exactly happened at that time. Buhay na Kasaysayan, MD Juan Enterprises in cooperation with the Intramuros Administration, Department of Tourism and HERO Foundation proudly presents “KALAYAAN – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila”. This will happen at the grounds of the Old PC Cuartel on Sta. Lucia Street, Intramuros, Manila on March 24, 2013 that's on Sunday at 4:30 PM. All proceeds of this event will go to HERO Foundation, Inc. who provides scholarship and support grants to kids and families of our fallen soldiers. This is their way of helping these kids have a new lease in life. This private organization has already helped 2,376 scholar orphans and need more to help children and or dependent siblings of Filipino soldiers who are killed on duty or completely incapacitated while serving the people of this country.

For those who would like to inquire about this presentation, kindly confirm via www.herofoundation.com.ph or contact HERO’s contact number at 0917-822HERO (4376). It's not to late to be a hero, even in your own little way.