...the Miss Earth 2014

Miss Philippines is Miss Earth 2014

 

by Robert R. Requintina
November 30, 2014

 

An owner of a dance company in Cebu won 2014 Miss Earth during grand coronation night held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City Saturday night.

MissVenezuela Maira Alexandra Rodriguez; Miss Earth Water; Miss Earth 2014 Miss Philippines Jamie Herrel. Miss Russia Anastacia Westropp, Miss Earth Fire.Miss USA Andrea Neu, who won Miss Earth Air

Jamie Herrel, 20, owner of Mactan Dynamics Dance Company, bested 83 candidates from around the world to capture the Miss Earth crown. This is the second time that the Philippines won in the environment-driven beauty contest.


In 2008, the 14^th Miss World Beauty Pageant saw Karla Henry, to the first Filipina to be crowned Miss Earth.

Other winners in this year’s contest were Miss USA Andrea Neu, who won Miss Earth Air; Miss
Venezuela Maira Alexandra Rodriguez; Miss Earth Water; and Miss Russia Anastacia Westropp, Miss Earth Fire.

Other candidates who finished in the Top 18 semi-finalists were representatives from Tahiti, Korea, Colombia, Scotland, Mongolia, Zambia, Brazil, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Egypt, Mexico and Spain.

Herrel, who stands 170 centimeters and measures 32-25-28 belongs to the Kagandahang Flores beauty camp, describes herself as hyper and adventurous.

She said “the Philippines is absolutely beautiful with their high mountains, blue beaches, their amazing sunsets, big waterfalls, the delicious food, the exotic animals, the hospitable people and so much more. It’s hard to promote one eco-tourism spot because the country itself is absolutely breath-taking and you can never get enough of the Philippines.”

 

...the Filipino women according to Gabriela

Ms. Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler: 'Filipino women are really beautiful'

            

By Chuck Smith

philstar.com

March 28, 2014

 

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler of Venezuela (Photo by Cris Cayanan)

 

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler of Venezuela is currently in the country to help crown the winners of this year's Binibining Pilipinas pageant on Sunday.
 

Gabriela, who arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, will also be one of the judges in the grand coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas, which chooses the country's representatives to international pageants such as the Miss Universe and the Miss International. She is accompanied by Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization.

 
 

“Like the Philippines, Venezuela is a huge fan of the beauty pageant. We work really hard to make our country happy,” the 26-year-old beauty queen told members of the press.

 

 

In the media gathering held immediately after his arrival in the country on Thursday, Gabriela acknowledged the Philippines has become a “strong” contender in the international beauty pageant circuit.

 

 

“I think the Philippines have become a really strong contestant not only in Miss Universe, but you have Miss International, you have Miss World. Philippines is always in the top five, top four, top three. So you're definitely doing something good,” Gabriela said.

 

 

 

She added, “The women here (the Philippines) are really, really beautiful.”

 

 

Gabriela bested 85 delegates—including the Philippines' Ariella Arida—to win the Miss Universe crown last year.

 

 

Asked to assess the Filipina beauty queen, Gabriela said: “I met Ariella (Arida), and also Janine (Tugonon, Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up). And both of them are really beautiful, they have this sort of exotic beauty. But as for the most important, they have this charm. They're really, really beautiful, they have a beautiful heart.”

 

 

Hardly halfway through her reign, Gabriela said she wants to be remembered later in life not as a Miss Universe but “as Gabriela,” a “normal girl.”

 

“I'm a real, simple girl. I just want to show that. I just want to show the girls that you don't have to be perfect, you just have to be real. You have to show your feelings, your emotions. And I just want to be remembered as a simple girl,” she said.

 

 

Her advice to other beauty queen hopefuls? “My advice is confidence. If you have confidence, it will show in your eyes, in your body, in your movement, in your words. You can have a beautiful face, beautiful body. But if you don't have confidence, if you don't believe in yourself, no one will believe in you.”

 

 

 

...the Miss Grandslam 2013

Megan Young is Miss Grand Slam 2013!

 

 

Posted on February 7, 2014

by Global Beauties (globalbeauties.com)

 

 

Miss Grand Slam 2013 could be no other than Megan Young, the first woman from the Philippines to be crowned Miss World. The woman who gave pride to her nation when she was crowned in Bali, was always a favorite for the Miss World title, right next to Brazil’s Sancler Frantz, for most her main competition in Miss World and in the Grand Slam. In Miss World, for some unknown reason, Sancler dropped from 2nd to 5th place at the last minute, but here she stands at a well-deserved 2nd position. Patricia Rodriguez of Spain, the Miss Universe favorite who finished 2nd, takes bronze (Miss Grand Slam’s 2nd runner-up).

Rounding out the Top 5 we have Miss Myanmar Supranational, Khin Wint Wah, who thanks to her fans’ support, won the award Miss Grand Slam Popularity 2013, and finished the competition in 4th place (the most voted among fans in this final round, would earn an extra position). Gabriela Isler, Venezuela’s 7th Miss Universe, finished in 5th place.

This is the first time since 1998, when the award was launched by Global Beauties, that a woman from the Philippines wins the Miss Grand Slam title.

See the complete results:

Miss Grand Slam 2013 – Megan Young, Miss Philippines World
2nd place – Sancler Frantz, Miss Brazil World
3rd place – Patricia Rodriguez, Miss Spain Universe
4th place – Myanmar Supranational
4th place – Venezuela Universe

TOP 10
6th place – France World
7th place – Philippines Supranational
8th place – Ghana World
9th place – Ecuador Universe
10th place – Latvia Supranational

Regional winners:
Miss Grand Slam Africa – Ghana World
Miss Grand Slam Americas – Brazil World
Miss Grand Slam Asia – Philippines World
Miss Grand Slam Caribbean – U.S. Virgin Islands Supranational
Miss Grand Slam Europe – Spain Universe
Miss Grand Slam Oceania – Australia Supranational

Special Award:
Miss Grand Slam Popularity – Myanmar Supranational
Miss Grand Slam World – Philippines
Miss Grand Slam Universe – Spain
Miss Grand Slam Supranational – Myanmar
Miss Grand Slam International – Philippines
Miss Grand Slam Tourism Queen – Latvia

Congratulations, Megan Young of the Philippines! You are MISS GRAND SLAM 2013, the best among the very best in 2013!!

Megan Young is Timeless Beauty 2013 2nd Runner-up

Posted by:  Admin

Missosology.org

February 3, 2014

 

- 3rd PLACE -

PHILIPPINES WORLD

(Megan Young)

Ines Ligron – 1st

Tomas Haberl – 3rd

Rafa Delfin – 3rd

Donald West – 4th

Peter Sereno -3rd

Madusha Mayadunne – 4th

Yael Markovich – 3rd

Steve Haynes – 3rd

Internet Poll – 2nd

TOTAL POINTS: 76

Megan Young’s entry into the pageant world is one of the best things that ever happened in Philippine pageant history. She was hyped to death, and supported by many believers, even when speculations about her rumored application for Bb. Pilipinas (the pageant that crowns the Miss Universe Philippines winner) started to spread in Missosology. When news broke out that she was not accepted to compete at the Philippines’ premiere beauty pageant, a lot were disheartened. Not everyone knew that Megan had already cleared that rumor, and that, she actually did not apply for Bb. Pilipinas, and that, her real goal was set on the Miss World Philippines crown. The rest was history. 

A few weeks after winning her national title, she became an instant favorite in Indonesia. Local and international fans alike were expecting her to do well in all of the events leading to the pageant night. She delivered. The Philippines won their first ever Miss World crown in Bali, and a lot of her fans were jubilant and ecstatic about it. Because of this triumph, Megan Young’s local showbiz career may have been temporarily interrupted, but, when she comes back, she’ll surely be able to capitalize on her newly found fame. But of course, she has to finish her reign first as Miss World, and we all know that she is doing exceptionally well, raising funds for various charity works that benefit the less fortunate. 

In the meantime, in a sea of equally lovely and unforgettable beauties from the BIG 4 Pageants, Megan Young emerged as one of the Top 3 Timeless Beauties for 2013! And at third place, here’s another reason for her country to be truly proud of!

 

...the Country of the Year!

Philippines is the Country of the Year 2013!

 

 

Posted on January 12, 2014

by Global Beauties (globalbeauties.com)

 

 

What a year for the Philippines! We can say that it “massacred” the competition in 2013, with superb performances by its five Grand Slam candidates and nearly a perfect record: a record-breaking three victories (World, Supranational, International), one finalist (4th place in Miss Universe) and 1 semi-finalist (top 10 in Miss Tourism Queen).

 

Philippines is the undisputed COUNTRY OF THE YEAR 2013,

 

with nearly the double of points obtained by the country which placed second, Spain.

 

Spain, nevertheless, deserves our respect for a very strong showing under new national directors and organizations. Brazil stood on the podium for the second consecutive year, again in a solid third place.

Venezuela, with a Miss Universe victory, but no placement in Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Tourism Queen, still manage to wrap 2013 up in a decent 4th place. France followed in the 5th position.

Indonesia truly stepped up as a pageant power in 2013: it had its first ever Grand Slam finalist (4th place in Miss Supranational), and placed with semi-finalists in both Miss World and Miss Universe. 6th place overall, something to be proud of.

The USA, “Country of the Year 2012″, had to settle for a modest 8th place in 2013. Ecuador, on the other hand, keeps on growing: it reached a Top 10 position for the 2nd time in history, this time in 9th place. Another great surprise in 2013 was Gibraltar, 13th overall with a Miss World finalist and a Miss International semi-finalist.

Philippines is BIG 4 Performer of the Year for 2013

Posted by: admin

missosology.org

 

 

With the conclusion of last night’s Miss International Beauty Pageant held at the posh Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, the Philippines ended the BIG 4 campaign for 2013 with a total of 680 points, the highest points ever amassed by a single country in a pageant year. The Southeast Asian country is officially declared by Missosology as the “Performer of the Year” for the second consecutive year.

The Philippine rallied strongly at the very first stage with a victory at Miss World, held in Bali, courtesy of the beautiful and outgoing Megan Young. It was also the first ever blue crown for the archipelago, which earlier before the pageant started, was devastated by floodings in the main island of Luzon. That victory, plus the Top Model special award, gave the Philippines a strong lead with 210 points. France and Ghana were the 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively, which meant that they were also the 2nd and 3rd placers at the beginning of the BIG 4 Performer of the Year leaderboard. They got 180 and 160 points respectively. Brazil, Gibraltar and Spain followed closely.

Just less than a couple of months after Miss World, came the much anticipated Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Russia. Unheralded Miss Venezuela, Maria Gabriela Isler, marched with an unexpected but deserving victory. That gave the pageant powerhouse 200 points for Miss Universe alone. However, since they only got 10 participating points at Miss World, it was not enough to put them on the lead. Ariella “Ara” Arida of the Philippines gave the Philippines their fourth straight Top 5 placement, with a 3rd Runner-up finish, giving 140 more points in addition to the 210 points that they already secured at Miss World. Spain’s Patricia Rodgriguez was 1st Runner-up (180 points), which gave Spain a total of 310 points, securing the second spot. At that point, it seems that there was a neck-to-neck battle between the Philippines and Spain, but alas, Brazil was also strong! Their 4th Runner-up placement was good enough to give them 120 points, in addition to the 140 points they secured at Miss World.

Last month, at the conclusion of Miss Earth, Venezuela once again emerged as the winner, giving the Philippines some reasons to worry about. Alyz Henrich gave Venezuela 206 points. It is only at Miss Earth that the special awards are only given six points, since they traditionally give five special awards every year: Miss Friendship, Best National Costume, Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. 30 points, divided by 5 is 6 points each. When a Miss Talent is declared, it is also given six points. Although Miss Earth is a strong ground for the Philippines, Angelee de los Reyes only settled for a Top 8 placement this year, which is still good enough for 130 points. Spain made it into the Top 16, while Brazil failed to enter the semis for the first time since 2008.

At Miss International, the Philippines grabbed the crown once again, eight years after Precious Lara Quigaman won the title in Tokyo. The Philippines, a pageant that loves beauty pageants and treats their beauty queens like royalty concluded the BIG 4 Pageant Year with a bang for a country. Bea Rose Santiago effortlessly took the fifth MI crown for her country, just a month after the region where she came from was devastated by one of the world’s strongest typhoons ever recorded. It seems that for the Philippines, every natural disaster is followed by a victory in a BIG 4 pageant.

 With Venezuela failing to place, and Spain convincingly sweeping the pageant year with an impressive placement at all BIG 4 pageants, this year’s Performer of the Year is given once again to the Philippines, while her runner-up is Spain.

BIG 4 PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

TOP 10 LEADERBOARD

 

Pageant Year 2013

 

1. Philippines – 680 points

 

2. Spain – 510 points

 

3. Venezuela – 426 points

 

4. Brazil – 370 points

 

5. USA – 350 points

 

6. France – 290 points

 

7. Ecuador – 280 points

 

7. Thailand – 280 points

 

9. Netherlands – 260 points

 

10. Gibraltar – 230 points

 

...the Miss Universe 2013 runner-up

Ariella Arida is Miss Universe 3rd runner-up

 

by Miguel Dumaual,

ABS-CBNnews.com

11/10/2013

Coronation night dedicated to PH, Vietnam

Ariella Arida takes the stage in a yellow Alfredo Barazza dress at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia during the Miss Universe preliminary competition. Darren Decker, REUTERS

MANILA  -- The Philippines' Ariella Arida on Sunday (Manila time) finished 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2013, a feat she dedicated to her countrymen who were devastated Friday by the world's most powerful typhoon this year.

Venezuela's Gabriela Isler won the title, besting 85 other candidates during the coronation night held at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia, which hosted the 62-year-old pageant for the first time.

Said to have one billion viewers in over 190 countries, the event was announced in the opening minutes to be dedicated to the Philippines and Vietnam, neighboring countries in the path of destruction of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

Isler, a marketing graduate and professional model, was crowned by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo of the United States to become the new titleholder for one year.

The runners-up, in order, were Spain's Patricia Rodríguez, Ecuador's Constanza Báez, Arida, and Brazil's Jakelyne Oliveira.

The Philippines' bet was notably the only Asian in the Top 5.



Fan favorite

Dubbed an early favorite leading up to the finals night, Arida earned a spot in the Top 16 after winning the official online polls. She then took the stage in a red bikini for the swimsuit portion, along with her fellow semifinalists.

Advancing into the Top 10, Arida proceeded to parade in a yellow Alfredo Barazza dress for the evening gown segment.

In the final round of the pageant, Arida was asked by judge Tara Lipinski: "What can be done about the lack of jobs for young people starting their careers around the world?"

The Filipina beauty answered: "For the people who have lack of jobs, I do believe that we people should invest in education and that is my primary advocacy, because we all know that if everyone of us is educated and well aware of what we are doing, we could land into jobs and we could land a good career in the future. Education is the primary source and ticket to a better future."




Isler, meanwhile, was asked by judge Steven Tyler: "What is your biggest fear and what is your plan to overcome it?"

She responded through an interpreter: "I believe that one may have a lot of fears but nonetheless, this is nothing negative. I believe that we should all overcome our fears, and this in turn, would make us much stronger. And thusly, we can become stronger persons. As soon as we overcome our fears and we're sure of ourselves, we can face any challenge."

Of the five finalists, Arida was the only candidate who answered in English and without an interpreter.

With her 3rd runner-up finish, Arida replicated the success of Shamcey Supsup, the Philippines' candidate in the 2011 pageant. Janine Tugonon and Venus Raj finished 1st runner-up in 2012 and 4th runner-up in 2010, respectively.

The Philippines is still hoping to produce its third Miss Universe winner after Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

'For the Philippines'
A day before the coronation night on Sunday, Arida, through a video on the official page of Miss Universe on Facebook, addressed her fellow Filipinos amid the destruction brought by "Yolanda" in several parts of the Philippines.

Said to be the strongest typhoon in recorded history to make landfall, "Yolanda" wiped out entire structures and left at least 138 dead as of Saturday night, according to the local disaster management council, with hundreds more feared unaccounted for.

"This fight, I offer to you guys, to all my Filipino people," Arida said in the online video. "It's for the Philippines. Keep safe and keep on praying. Be strong."

Amid news of the widespread destruction, Filipino pageant fans kept hopes high for Arida to take home the crown. Leading up to the finals night, Arida was widely tipped to win the title after her string of special appearances in pre-pageant events.

Viewing parties were held at different venues, including a government-sponsored gathering in her home province and packed bars, despite the coronation night kicking off at 2 a.m. local time.




In Moscow, some 700 supporters carrying banners and Philippine flags were gathered by the Filipino Association in Russia at the Crocus City Hall. The strongest cheers were heard whenever Arida took the stage, ABS-CBN News' Dyan Castillejo reported Sunday from the venue.

The same zeal for international pageants was also evident early this year, particularly with the back-to-back wins of Filipinas Megan Young and Mutya Datul in Miss World and Miss Supranational, respectively.

 

...the PHL medalists at Czech rifle meet

PHL team wins six medals at air rifle meet in Czech Republic

August 30, 2013

GMA News

 

 

The Philippines won six silver medals at the 2013 Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) European and World Cup Championship at the Plzen Shooting Range in Plzen, Czech Republic from August 3 to 15.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine National Benchrest Team includes the country’s top benchrest shooters.

"Participating countries include Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela," the DFA said in a news release.

The WRABF Championship is held every four years, and is the biggest so far with over 130 registered competitors.

Winning the medals were the Heavy Varmin Team of Bernie Paras Gan, Louie Gonzales, and Randy Paronda in the 25 meters rimfire; and the Sporter Team of Dondi Santos, Marlon Palmario, and Felino Neri in the 50-meter rimfire event.

Mission chief Richard Fernandez, team statistician Mariano Manuel Cacho III, Team Captain Tony Olbes, Co-captain Enchong Formoso, Team Coach Randy Paronda, and Gun Smith and Athlete Ronaldo Hejastro led the mission.

The 19-member team consists of Josefino Alvero, Eleuterio Canivel, Jose Maria Esteban, Augusto Estrada, Lorenzo Formoso, Augusto Gan, Bernadette Gan, Luis Gonzales, Edwin Jeremillo, Frumencio Lagustan, Eugene Manalastas, Jimmy Maniwang, Felino Neti, Antonio Olbes, Marlino Palmario, Randy Paronda, Maria Blanca Parsons, Francis Purez, and Paulo Santos.

"(A)lthough this is the first time that the Philippine team joined the World Cup, Filipinos must be proud of the Philippine benchrest shooting team’s excellent showing in the shooting matches" Philippine Chargé d’affairés Consul and First Secretary Juan Dayang Jr. said.

Dayang added the Philippine team earned the respect of powerhouse international benchrest shooters through their hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. - VVP, GMA News

 

 

...the world's best performing currencies

Peso is 3rd best-performing currency globally

By Prinz Magtulis

The Philippine Star

April 28, 2013

 

MANILA, Philippines - The peso remains one of the world’s best performing currencies, debt watcher Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) said Friday.

The local currency ranked third globally, appreciating 25 percent in real terms from March 2007 to March 2013, according to the S&P report.

Only the Chinese renminbi and Singapore dollar outperformed the peso. The two currencies have strengthened 29 percent and 26 percent, respectively, from their levels six years ago.

The performance was calculated using the real effective exchange rate (REER), which measures the inflation-adjusted value of currencies versus a basket of other units from trading partners.

“No single member of the 27-member European Union and only one of the 34-member Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is among the top 10 most appreciated currencies,” S&P noted.

Behind the peso, the Australian dollar ranked fourth, rising 23 percent from its 2007 level. It was followed by the Brazilian real, Colombian peso and Peruvian nuevo sol, which rose 22 percent, 21 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

Rounding up the list was the Russian rubble, which firmed up 18 percent, and Saudi riyal and Venezuelan bolivar, which both appreciated 15 percent, the report stated.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the peso has strengthened 6.8 percent versus the greenback last year. It closed at 41.22 to a dollar last Friday, up four centavos from the previous day.
In real terms, the peso increased its value by 6.5 percent versus currencies of trading partners, according to the BSP. “The peso lost external competitiveness in 2012,” it said.

Concerns have been raised against the continued appreciation of the peso, especially on how it trims the value of dollar export earnings and remittances from overseas Filipinos.

The BSP, for its part, has implemented various macro-prudential measures to temper capital inflows causing the peso’s strong performance.

Among others, foreign funds were banned in parking at special deposit accounts (SDA) last July. Interest paid on SDA - money of banks and trust departments with the BSP - were also slashed by 150 basis points this year.

Foreign exchange rules were also further liberalized this month to encourage more outflows and balance the inflows to prevent pressure for the peso to rise.


 

...the 2013 Miss Tourism International winner

Filipina Wins Miss Tourism Int’l Title

By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

Manila Bulletin

January 1, 2013

 

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippines continued its winning streak in international beauty pageants after Miss Philippines Rizzini Alexis Gomez was crowned 2012 Miss Tourism International during a New Year's Eve pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the second time that the Philippines captured the title, initially won by Ma. Esparanza Manzano in 2000, in the beauty contest, which is the most extensive pageant that promotes the tourism industry.

Gomez, 22, a registered nurse, bested 55 other global beauties for the coveted title. At the same pageant, the Cebuana beauty, who stands 5’10”, also won Best In Evening Gown. Gomez is the daughter of former basketball player Roel Gomez of Alaska. She is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday.

Other winners were Miss Venezuela Marieles Alejandra Perez (Miss Tourism Global), first runner-up; Miss Australia Monika Rodulovic (Miss Tourism Metropolitan), second runner-up; Miss Paraguay Lourdes Rolon (Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan), third runner-up; and Miss Malaysia Jun Yong Wan Jun (Darling of the Year), fourth runner up.

With two winners from the Philippines, the country now ties for the most number of wins with India (2001, 2008) and Poland (1998,1999).

Gomez earned the right to represent the Philippines in the 2012 Miss Tourism International when she was crowned 2012 Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism. She also bagged the Best In Swimsuit, a major special award, in the same national beauty contest.

Earlier, Gomez also joined the 2012 Miss Philippines World beauty pageant, won by Queenrich Rehman, who made it to the semis of the 2012 Miss World beauty contest held in Ordos, China.

Other Philippine representatives who placed in the Miss Tourism International contest in recent years were Barbara Salvador (third runner-up, 2010), Sherilynne Reyes (third runner-up, 1995), Mellany Montemayor (second runner-up, 1998), Racquel Uy (first runner-up, 1999), and Maria Riza Martinez (fourth runner-up, 1994).

Introduced in 1994, the Miss Tourism International beauty contest is operated by its president and franchise owner Datuk Danny Ooi. While the pageant is usually held in Malaysia, the contest has been staged in China in 2006. No contest was held in 1996, 1997 and 2007.

Gomez’s victory capped a successful year for Filipinos in international beauty contests in 2012. Last week, Janine Tugonon won first runner-up in the 61st Miss Universe beauty contest held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Other winners were Kevin Balot, Miss Tourism Queen International; June Macasaet, 2012 Manhunt International, both crowned in Bangkok,Thailand; Andrew Wolff, 2012 Mr. World, first runner-up, in London; Elaine Kay Moll, 2012 Miss Supranational, third runner-up, in Poland; Stephanie Stefanowitz, 2012 Miss Earth, first runner-up, in Manila; and Ayellee Marie Dasalla, 2012 Miss Humanity International, second runner-up, in Barbados. Nicole Schmitz also placed in the semis of the 2012 Miss International beauty contest in Japan.

...the world's most positive people

Pinoys among world's most positive people

 

 

By Kim Arveen Patria

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Fri, Dec 21, 2012

Zamboanga city is marketed as Asia's Latin city. One of the highlights of the Hermosa Festival is the street dance competition participated by different schools, held a day before the actual fiesta, October …more 12. Dancers are dressed in the traditional Hispanic costumes; they are seen in Flamenco dresses, Fallera dresses, ruffled skirts, butterfly sleeve, mantilla, peineta comb, barong, and sombrero cordobés. (Photo by Gael Hilotin) 

Pinoys may not be the richest based on "traditional economic indicators," but they didn't have to be rich at all to be counted among the world's most positive people, results of a new poll showed.

The Philippines was ranked 7th out of 148 countries in terms of "highest positive emotions worldwide" in a list put out by U.S. pollster Gallup.

Results of the survey, which Gallup said showed that "higher income does not necessarily mean higher well-being," are based on telephone and face-to-face interviews conducted in 2011 with 1,000 adults globally

Respondents were asked "whether they experienced a lot of enjoyment the day before the survey and whether they felt respected, well-rested, laughed and smiled a lot, and did or learned something interesting."

Despite their penchant for melancholic soap opera, the percentage of Pinoy respondents who admitted experiencing positive emotions is higher than the global average according to the survey.

This, even as Gallup noted a "relatively upbeat world," with results showing that 85 percent of total respondents worldwide felt treated with respect, 72 percent smiled and laughed a lot, 73 percent felt enjoyment and 72 percent felt well-rested.

"The only emotion that less than half of people worldwide reported experiencing was getting to learn or do something interesting the previous day, at 43 percent," Gallup said.

"Despite many global challenges, people worldwide are experiencing many positive emotions," it noted.

Latin Americans are found to be the most positive people in the world, with eight countries in the region landing in the top 10 of the list.

Panama and Paraguay shared the top spot with 85 percent of respondents admitting feeling positive emotions.

They were followed by El Salvador and Venezuela, tied at 84 percent; as well as Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand, 83 percent.

The Philippines shared the 7th spot with Guatemala.

Rounding out the top 10 in the list are Ecuador and Costa Rica, which both posted positivity scores of 81 percent.

"These data may surprise analysts and leaders who solely focus on traditional economic indicators," Gallup said.

It noted that Panama, which topped the list of countries with positive emotions, ranks 90th in the world with respect to gross domestic product per capita.

Residents of Singapore, on the other hand, which ranks 5th in the world in terms of GDP per capita, are the least likely to report positive emotions.

Singapore emerged as the country with the "least positive emotions worldwide," with less than half (46 percent) of respondents saying they experienced positive emotions.

It was followed by Armenia at 49 percent; Iraq, 50 percent; Georgia, Yemen and Serbia, 52 percent; Belarus, 53 percent; as well as Lithuania and Madagascar, 54 percent.

Sharing the 10th spot in terms of being least positive are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Togo and Macedonia, all at 55 percent.

Gallup said the survey showed that "leaders who are looking for ways to further improve the human condition in their… need to do more to incorporate wellbeing into their leadership strategies."

...the happiest countries

Philippines among 10 'happiest' countries

(philstar.com)

December 20, 2012

 

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is among the 10 happiest countries in the world, according to a recent survey by a US-based polling firm.

 

US based polling firm Gallup Inc. said that the nation with "highest positive emotions worldwide" were Panama and Paraguay with 85 percent answering YES to the questions: Did you feel well-respected yesterday? Were you treated with respect all day yesterday? Did you laugh or smile a lot yesterday? Did you learn or do something interesting yesterday? Did you experience the following feelings during a lot of the day yesterday? How about enjoyment?

 

Next to Panama and Paraguay were El Salvador and Venezuela with 84 percent and on third place were Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand with 83 percent.

 

The Philippines shared the 4th place with Guatemala, where 82 percent of the surveyed persons answered YES to the six questions.

 

The last pair on 5th place was Ecuador and Costa Rica, which both got 81 percent.

 

An Associated Press news article quoted one of the surveyed Filipinos: a 35-year-old security guard named Felicio Sayat.

 

Sayat commented in the survey: "Just being with my family makes me happy ... We have fun together as a family. ... We have bonding time and we say prayers together. ... They are my inspiration. As long as we are all healthy, I am happy. There is nothing better than that."

 

Sayat works as a security guard at a parking lot in Manila.

 

Gallup Inc. said that the surveys were conducted in 148 countries in 2011.

 

"Results are based on telephone and face-to-face interviews with 1,000 adults, aged 15 and older, conducted in 2011 in 148 countries and areas," it said.

 

Meanwhile, the polling firm reported that the country with the "lowest positive emotions worldwide" was Singapore, where only 46 percent answered YES to the six questions.

 

Following Singapore was Armenia with 49 percent; Iraq with 50 percent; Georgia, Yemen and Serbia, with 52 percent; Belarus with 53 percent; Lithuania and Madagascar, both with 54 percent; Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Haiti, Togo and Macedonia with 55 percent.

...the Miss Universe 2012

Janine Tugonon is Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/20/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Just like her predecessors Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Janine Tugonon almost clinched this year's Miss Universe title, placing first runner-up.

 

 

Miss Universe 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon

 

 

The coronation night, held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila), was hosted by Andy Cohen, Bravo's executive vice president of development and talent, and entertainment journalist and fashion and beauty expert Giuliana Rancic.

 

Olivia Culpo of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2012.

 

 

 

 

The other candidates include:

• Second runner-up -- Irene Sofía Esser Quintero of Venezuela

• Third runner-up -- Renae Ayris of Australia

            

 
 

 

• Fourth runner-up -- Gabriela Markus of Brazil

The Filipina beauty was given a Twitter question from judge Nigel Barker: "As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?"

She answered: "For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's being able to influence and inspire other people. As long as your heart wants to serve and you have a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe."

Dubbed as an "early favorite," Tugonon has appeared in several pre-pageant activities such as TV guestings on talk shows.

Tugonon's predecessors almost clinched the Miss Universe title, with Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj placing third and fourth, respectively.

...the Miss Earth 2012

Czech wins Miss Earth 2012; PH finishes runner-up

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

 11/26/2012

 

 

 

 

Miss Earth 2012 winners: Miss Brazil (Miss Fire), Miss Czech Republic (Miss Earth 2012), Miss Philippines (Miss Air),  Miss Venezuela (Miss Water)

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Czech delegate to the 12th annual Miss Earth pageant bested 80

international candidates as she was crowned winner in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Saturday.

Tereza Fajksová of the Czech Republic - Miss Earth 2012

Tereza Fajksová of the Czech Republic was named Miss Earth 2012 at the coronation night held Saturday night at the Versailles Palace.

The Philippines' Stephany Stefanowitz was named Miss Air (1st runner-up); Venezuela's Osmariel Villalobos, Miss Water (2nd runner-up); and Brazil's Camila Brant, Miss Fire (3rd runner-up).
For the pageant's Question and Answer portion, the Top 4 beauties were asked, "What would you consider as your defining moment as a woman?"

Stefanowitz drew applause for pointing to her fight for the conservation and preservation of the environment, as well as her advocacy for renewable energy. At first admitting she did not understand the question (asked in English), Fajksová, meanwhile, answered that it is everyone's duty to protect and respect Mother Earth.

Philippines' Stephany Stefanowitz - Miss Air (1st runner-up)

Miss Earth 2011 Olga Álava of Ecuador awarded the crown to her successor. In turn, an emotional Fajksová took the runway and paraded in her long gown. After falling on her knees from tripping on her gown, Fajksová took no time to stand with aid from her fellow contestant.

Venezuela's Osmariel Villalobos - Miss Water (2nd runner-up)

Delegates from South Africa (Tamerin Jardine), Russia (Natalia Pereverzeva), Nepal (Nagma Shrestha), and the United States of America (Siria Bojorquez), completed the Top 8 finalists.

Brazil's Camila Brant - Miss Fire (3rd runner-up)

Rounding out the victors of the special awards are India's Prachi Mishra for Miss Congeniality; Venezuela's Osmariel Villalobos, Miss Photogenic; and Thailand's Waratthaya Wongchayaporn, Best in National Costume.

...the PH diplomat to WTO board

PHL envoy appointed to WTO management board

 

 

 

November 10, 2012

GMA News

 

 

A Philippine diplomat has been appointed to the Management Board of the Advisory Center on World Trade Organization Law (ACWL), the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

 

 

The DFA said Philippine permanent representative to the WTO Esteban Conejos Jr. will have a two-year term and may be reappointed for another two years.

"Conejos succeeded Ambassador Bozkurt Aran of Turkey. His term will be for two years, and he will be eligible for reappointment for a further two years," the DFA said.

ACWL aims to provide developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with the legal capability necessary to enable them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the WTO.

Conejos was unanimously nominated by the ACWL's Category B member countries to be their representative to the board, the DFA said.

These countries include Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The Philippines has been a member of ACWL since its establishment in 2001.

It has benefited from services such as legal assistance in dispute settlement cases, legal opinions, training courses, and a secondment program for government trade lawyers.

During the past 10 years, ACWL had been involved in 21 percent of all new WTO dispute settlement proceedings.

WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy earlier said the ACWL helps make sure the legal benefits of the WTO are shared among all members.

Lamy added the ACWL contributes to the effectiveness of the WTO's dispute settlement procedures, and to the realization of the WTO's development objectives.

Management board

The Management Board makes decisions to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the ACWL and reports to the General Assembly.

It has six persons serving in their personal capacities who have been selected on the basis of their professional qualifications in the field of WTO law or international trade relations and development.

Three Board members are nominated by the developing country members, two by the developed country members and one by the LDCs. The Executive Director serves ex officio on the Board.

The DFA said Conejos attended his first Management Board meeting on Nov. 7, and was welcomed by other board members, including ACWL Executive Director Niall Meagher.

At the meeting, they discussed the operational and financial standing of ACWL, as well as the accession of Cuba.

G-33 meet

On behalf of Indonesia, the Philippines through Conejos chaired the G-33 Heads of Delegation meeting on November 7 – a tradition being observed every time the coordinator of the group is not available.

The G-33, previously known as the Alliance for Special Products and Special Safeguard Mechanism, is a coalition of 46 developing countries pressing for S&DT flexibility for developing countries in the agriculture Doha Round of talks for ensuring food security, livelihood security and rural development.

Its key members include Barbados, China, Dominican Republic, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, Korea, the Philippines, Turkey and Zimbabwe.

The G-33 discussed the Indian proposal entitled "Some Elements... for Early Agreement to Address Food Security Issues," which India and the Philippines are seeking for G-33 sponsorship.

The proposal under "Green Box" of the WTO Agreement of Agriculture aims to exempt developing countries from factoring in government support payments for public stock-holding for food security purposes.

It particularly focuses on the procurement from "low-income or resource poor producers" and provision of subsidized food prices for urban and rural poor in their AMS ("trade-distorting subsidy") monetary limits.

The proposal is part of the considered "80 percent agreed and stabilized areas" in the 2008 Chair's agriculture modalities text which India and the Philippines hope to be harvested early during the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali in December 2012, in advance of the full conclusion of the Doha Round.

The proposal may be submitted to the COA-SS Chair John Adank and circulated to all WTO members before the agriculture talks resume on 16 November 2012 in Geneva. — LBG, GMA News

...the earthly beauties

PH bet finishes 3rd in Miss Earth 2011

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 12/04/2011

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ candidate Athena Imperial finished third place at the 2011 Miss Earth beauty pageant held on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Imperial, a native of Casiguran, Aurora, was crowned Miss Water (equivalent to second runner-up).



Imperial was joined by Olga Alava from Ecuador, Brazil’s Drielly Bennettone, and Venezuela’s Caroline Medina in the top 4.

Alava was crowned Miss Earth 2011 by India’s Nicole Faria, Miss Earth 2010 winner.

Brazil’s Drielly Bennettone won Miss Air while Venezuela’s Caroline Medina was named Miss Fire.

The coronation night was held at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

...the Miss World runner-up

Gwendoline Ruais is Miss World first runner-up

by Rose Eclarinal,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

11/07/2011

LONDON - Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais was named first runner-up during the Miss World beauty pageant's coronation night at Earls Court, London, Sunday.

Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais, is crowned after being named as first runner-up in the Miss World 2011 contest in Earls Court in west London on November 6. Reuters

Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos was crowned Miss World 2011 winner. Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Victoria Vilanova Perez came third.

Miss World Organization chairman and chief executive Julia Morley said there was only a small difference between the scores of Miss Venezuela and Miss Philippines in their fight for the crown.

Ruais was happy to have the support of her fellow Filipinos who flocked to Earl Court to watch the pageant. She said she was offering her crown to her parents and Filipino kababayan.

In an interview with Ruais after the coronation, she said her nervousness was gone and she only wanted a good night's sleep.

The beauty queen said she had only wanted to give honor to the Philippines. After placing first runner-up, Ruais expressed hope that Filipinos would be proud and happy for her achievement in this competition.

Miss Venezuela wins

During the glittering final ceremony in London, Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos, was named winner of the Miss World beauty pageant. Wearing a pink dress with diamante studs that had giant frills slashed below the waist, the 22-year-old threw her hands to her face as she was announced the winner.

Last year's Miss World, Alexandria Mills of the United States, placed the sparkling crown on her successor's head.

"I believe that the next Miss World should be a woman of responsibility and reason," Sarcos said before winning the title.

"I believe the woman should be committed to the organisation and help people in need. Beauty with a heart", added the Venezuelan, who works for a broadcasting company and has a degree in human resources.

Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais, was named the runner-up, while Miss Puerto Rico, Amanda Perez, came third in the contest, which was back in its home city to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Some 113 beauty queens from Albania to Zimbabwe took their place on the stage, with the show being broadcast live to an estimated audience of more than one billion viewers in 150 countries.

Around 50 feminists staged a demonstration outside, waving placards reading "Objectification won't achieve world peace", "Being a woman is not a competition" and "Sexism is pretty ugly".

Around a half dozen were veterans of the 1970 pageant protest, which caused a major disturbance.

Inside the Earls Court Two auditorium in west London, the few thousand fans cheered, waved national flags and shouted for their favourites.

To whittle them down to the 15 semi-finalists, several point-scoring rounds were held during the contestants' tour of Britain over the previous two weeks, with the results revealed on stage.

Miss Venezuela topped the interview round; Miss Dominican Republic, Marianly Tejada Burgos, was named the general sports champion; home favourite Miss England, Alize Lily Mounter, won the beach beauty title, while Miss Kazakhstan, Zhanna Zhumaliyeva, was named top model.

The crowd were played clips from the talent round -- where performers sang, danced and gave piano recitals -- won by Miss Chile, Gabriela Paz Pulgar Luco.

Miss Ghana, Stephanie Adwoa Agyeiwaa Karikari, and Miss Indonesia, Astrid Ellena Indriana Yunadi, were the joint winners of the beauty with a purpose category, where contestants can highlight a charity project.

With the scores in and only the top 15 going through to the semi-final, Miss Puerto Rico topped the leaderboard, ahead of Miss Venezuela, Miss Philippines, Miss Ukraine and Miss Scotland.

The final seven, chosen by the judges, were Miss England, Miss Korea, Miss Philippines, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Scotland, Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela.

It was announced that Ordos in Inner Mongolia, China, will host the 2012 competition. -with Agence France-Presse

...the queens of beauty

Bravo Shamcey, Eren, Brenna and Diana! Bonne chance, Gwedoline!

By Filipinos Abroad

October 7th, 2011

Jose D. Patao Jr. – Pageant Watch – Malaya Business Insight

Miss Universe Philippines 2011 Shamcey Supsup was given a rousing welcome when she arrived from her record-setting feat as 3rd runner-up at the 60th Miss Universe Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil last Sept. 12. She made it two in a row for the Philippines after Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up finish in Las Vegas last year, a feat unprecedented in the history of the pageant; there has been no other occasion where two Filipinas made it to the finals for two consecutive years. Congratulations Shamcey, may you inspire more Filipina beauties in their quest for more honors in the international pageant arena!

Meanwhile, Mrs. Philippines-Universe and bank executive Erilene Noche-Tumali won two special awards in the recently-concluded pageant for married women held in Sofia, Bulgaria. She was named Mrs. Sponsors and more significantly, Mrs. Universe Ltd., where she will serve as spokesperson for the Mrs. Universe organization’s advocacy "No to Violence". The 2011 pageant was won by Venezuela’s Moira Farmas and Erilene will travel to Caracas, Venezuela for next year’s Mrs. Universe pageant.

As we write, Brenna Cassandra Gamboa, a 21-year-old, 5’9" BS Nursing student from Cavite, is set to arrive from Fiji after emerging as first runner-up in the World Supermodel Pageant held in the tiny South Pacific island last Sept. 30. The title went to Lebanon’s Danielle Salamoungy with South Pacific’s Mikaela Swany winning the Miss Teen Supermodel title. Brenna was also voted as Best in Evening Gown. Australia’s Casey Newport was 2nd runner-up.

Last Oct. 3, Diana Sunshine Rademann was crowned as Sympatie Miss Princess of the World in Prague, Czech Republic, sharing the limelight with Miss Princess of the World 2011 winner Carmen Isabel Chavez of Mexico, 1st Vice Princess Michaela Karakova of Slovakia and 2nd Vice princess Yen Cao of Vietnam. A BS Biology student from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Diana was also voted as Miss Friendship and was a top 3 finalist in the talent division where she did the "Pandanggo sa Ilaw" Filipino folk dance. Forty-one contestants worldwide competed.

Meanwhile all eyes are now on newly-crowned Miss World Philippines 2011Gwendoline Ramos Ruais (pronounced roo-wes), the 6-feet tall Filipino-French beauty who will vie for the country’s first Miss World crown in London, UK on November 6. Ruais threw a thanksgiving party at the Midas Hotel last Friday for all the people who supported her in her triumphant experience. Gwen intimated that if she wins as Miss World, it will be the proudest moment for her and the Philippines. Having the heart, passion and dedication to make the country proud, Gwen said that the Philippines should be recognized in the world’s oldest and longest running world beauty pageant.

Bravo Shamcey, Eren, Brenna and Diana! Bonne chance Gwendoline… bring home our first Miss World crown!