...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 S & P outlook on PH

S&P raises outlook on PH

 

by Kathleen A. Martin,

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/20/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Standard & Poor's on Thursday upgraded its outlook on the Philippines' credit rating to positive.

In a statement, the debt watcher revised the outlook and affirmed the country's BB+ rating, which is one notch below investment grade.

A positive outlook means a country's rating may be raised within the next year.

"We revised the outlook to positive to reflect our reappraisal of the political and institutional factors underlying the ratings," analyst Agost Benard said in the statement.

"In our view, the current administration possesses a level of legitimacy, support, and stability that reduces political uncertainty and allows for improved legislative efficiency. This conducive political setting enables the administration to focus on its key policy objectives of fiscal consolidation, increased infrastructure provision, and poverty reduction."

S&P on July 4 upgraded the Philippines' credit rating to BB+ from the BB assigned in November 2010.

The country's revised outlook already takes into consideration its low income, weak fiscal profile and high but improving public debt and interest burden, the debt watcher said. Such were weighed against the Philippines' strong economic growth and robust external profile.

"The positive outlook reflects our more favorable assessment of the prevailing political conditions and of the administration's improved capacity to pursue its reform agenda," S&P said.

"We may raise the ratings next year on an improved government revenue structure, a continued diminished reliance on foreign currency government debt financing, or a lower government debt burden," it added.

The debt watcher also noted that the country's rating may be raised if reforms result in improved investment environment and better growth potential.

But S&P warned "we may revise the outlook back to stable if the Philippines' commitment to fiscal consolidation weakens or if the country's external liquidity position deteriorates significantly."

After the outlook on the sovereign credit rating was upgraded, S&P also revised the ratings outlook on four Philippine firms: Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Management Corp. (rated BB+); National Power Corp. (rated BB+); Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (rated BBB-), and Development Bank of the Philippines (rated BB+/B).

Credit ratings of the four companies were affirmed by the debt watcher.

The country is also rated a notch below investment grade by Fitch Ratings, which last June 19 maintained its BB+ rating for the Philippines with a stable outlook.

Moody's Investors Service, meanwhile, rates the country Ba2, two notches below investment grade, although it raised its outlook to positive from stable last May 29.

...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 PH growth outlook 2012, 2013 (World Bank)

WB hikes 2012, 2013 growth outlook for PH

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/19/2012

 

MANILA, Philippines - The World Bank has upgraded its 2012 and 2013 growth projections for the Philippines, saying the country's economic performance so far can be sustained through more reforms and additional revenues.

 

In its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released Wednesday, World Bank raised its 2012 forecast for the Philippine economy to 6% from the 5% announced in October.

World Bank also hiked its 2013 outlook for the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 6.2% from 5%.

"Going forward, the country's high growth could be sustained and made more inclusive provided that economic reforms are aggressively pursued to create more and better jobs and reduce poverty at a faster rate; more revenues are raised to finance higher spending in physical and human capital; and global growth is supportive and rebalancing in the region continues," World Bank said.

The new 2012 projection is now equivalent to the high-end of the government's 5% to 6% target, but the 2013 outlook hovers near the low-end of government's 6% to 7% goal next year.

The economy expanded by a faster-than-expected 7.1% in the third quarter, bringing GDP growth to 6.5% in the nine months to September.

World Bank said that consumer spending, which accounts for 75% of GDP, will continue to drive growth this year until the next, as remittances from overseas Filipinos are expected to remain strong.

The main risks for the country's growth path, World Bank said, are the weak economic activity in the US, the European Union and Japan; the looming US fiscal cliff; and the slowing Chinese economy.

"With further structural reforms, especially in areas which will have more impact on the lives of the poor, along with investments in infrastructure, education, and health, the Philippines can take advantage of new opportunities arising from the global economic rebalancing and the strong growth prospects of the East Asia region," World Bank said.

"By building on its previous and current successes and by ensuring that it is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that are coming its way, the government stands to make a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos."

World Bank sees the Philippine economy further expanding by 6.4% in 2014.

...the Filipino design and craftmanship

2012: Filipino design and craftsmanship continue to wow the world

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

DESIGN icon Giulio Cappellini and Suyen Corp. chair Ben Chan at the new Cappellini store on Bonifacio High Street.

 

 

The world continues to look at the Philippines as a gold mine of talent and craftsmanship. And big international names see the country as an attractive place to forge business partnerships.

1. Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue continues to reap international prizes. The Cabaret Collection has won two awards: Best of the Year Award in Outdoor Furniture Seating Category from the prestigious Interior Design Magazine. It won Top Pick Award for Innovation by the American Society of Interior Designers during the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, a four-day trade show in New York.

 

 

 

The Cabaret Collection is made of fabric tubes woven on steel framework, resulting in a web pattern.
 

“Outdoor furniture is usually made of woven plastic. The Cabaret Collection is different because it uses acrylic and outdoor foam. This one is a soft material and has a tactile feel,” says Cobonpue.

Cobonpue was one of the “game-changing” entrepreneurs who represented the Philippines in the global campaign of the whisky company John Walker & Sons. The online video series “City Portraits” showed celebrities in their milieu and what drove them to be forward-thinking.

BAGWIS Malacca by Tony Gonzales for Locsin International wins the Katha Award.

2. Design icon Giulio Cappellini launched the first mono brand store in Asia. The Italian designer with a knack for spotting talent graced the opening of the Cappellini store in partnership with Ben Chan’s Suyen Corp. on Bonifacio High Street.
 

On opening week, the designer pieces (with prices ranging from P50,000 to P1.2 million) were snapped up by style-centric buyers. Marcel Wanders’ Antiques Chair (from P70,000 to P120,000) was the most popular.
 

3. Local developer taps major designers. The world’s first branded Missoni Home will rise in the Philippines. Real estate firm Century Properties is collaborating with top designers to design public spaces for the towers in Acqua Private Residences, the residential condominium development in Mandaluyong.
 

Vittorio Missoni, scion of the knitwear fashion family and head of Missoni Home, liked the riverfront concept. Missoni Home will work on the 52-story Acqua Livingstone.

ITO Kish’s Gregoria chair,made of turned balusters, wins the Katha Award.

British celebrity developer John Hitchcox and co-founder of Yoo design firm, was attracted to the gentrification of Barangay Hulo in Mandaluyong, where Acqua is located. His partner, design icon Philippe Starck, gave his inputs for designing Iguazu, Acqua’s tallest residential tower.
 

4. Designer Tony Gonzales’ residential project and installation lands on the December cover of Habitus Living Magazine. Gonzales worked on the interiors of the designer-driven residence of architect-exporter Renato Vidal. The cover features Gonzales’ famous suspended rock garden, originally made for Yuchengco Museum. Habitus’ online edition also features some of the works of sculpture Impy Pilapil. Her “Bloom” collection is one of the focal points in Vidal’s house.
 

5. Going green. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are the latest criteria in evaluating design. This year, Manila FAME honored companies that used sustainable or recyclable materials. Katha Award winners Milo Naval’s Coco Lamp, made of coconut husks, Kinks and Curls rattan lamp made by Accessoria Inc., and Bagwis Malacca Daybed by Locsin International, used discarded materials and rapid-growing wood in their works, which injected a touch of humor and whimsy.
 

Another Katha winner, Ito Kish’s Gregoria two-seater, is made of balusters of different heights and a cane-seater. It is a reference to the architecture and airiness of ancestral homes. Kish’s chair uses Malay beech wood (Gmelina arborea) which is known for its rapid regeneration.

KENNETH Cobonpue’s Phoenix automobile of natural materialsmade it to the top picks of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Likewise, Kenneth Cobonpue’s Phoenix Car, touted as the World’s First Biodegradable Car, was chosen by the China-based Modern Decoration Magazine as Best in Design. Made of bamboo and rattan, the car is shaped like a leaf. It challenges the conventional car design using heavy industrial materials.
 

The owner has the option to replace the outer shell while the inner structure remains intact.

Cobonpue says the engine is being installed and a German factory is working on the car.
 

6. Dedon chair wins the Wallpaper* Design Award 2012. French designer Jean Marie Massaud’s SeaX chair got the nod from the judges, staffers and contributors of the London-based Wallpaper* Magazine.
 

Winner in the Best Backyard category, the SeaX collection was inspired by the director’s chair and racing sailboats. It uses innovative weather-resistant materials. The Dedon furniture company is based in Cebu.
 

7. Opening of Dedon Island in Siargao. It was once called Pansukian, the resort owned by Frenchman Nicolas Rambeau. Bobby Dekeyser, the Belgian-German founder of Dedon furniture company, bought it and transformed it into Dedon Island.
 

French designers Daniel Pouzet, Jean Marie Massaud and their local counterpart, Maritess Lampert, worked on the modern tropical interiors.
 

“The designers wanted to preserve our culture and designs. We used all local things such as handwoven fabrics from Baguio, iron wood, carved headboards made in Cebu and tinalak pillows from Davao,” says Lampert. The launch of this exclusive resort made a splash in the international press.
 

8. Architect Lorenzo Calma and his son Eduardo held a retrospective exhibit at LRI Plaza. The older Calma showed his minimalist sculpture and jewelry designs while Ed showed models and photographs of his works. Ed’s recent public space, Mind Museum, which opened in March, embodies the organic architecture trend.
 

9. Design duo Tony Gonzales and Tes Pasola refurbished the Jiyuan tea house in Shenzhen, China. The project was a renovation of an old building. Gonzales worked carefully to preserve its architecture while infusing modern elements. “The interior is ornate. It bridges the old and the new.”

GIANT paper lanterns designed by Gonzales dominate Jiyuan’s
dining area.

He worked on everything, from the logo to the menus, furniture and lighting.
 

10. Architect Calvin Tsao and celebrity events planner David Monn graced the Manila FAME. Two of the most influential names in design visited the Philippines upon the invitation of designer Josie Natori.
 

Tsao designed Mercer Hotel in New York, Joyce Boutique in Hong Kong and Suntec City in Singapore, among others. Monn has done big events for celebrities and White House state dinners.

He is the planner of choice of America’s billionaires. After seeing the Manila FAME show, they were impressed with Filipino design and craftsmanship works that celebrate Filipino ingenuity.
 

“Here I find playfulness and exploratory quality,” said Tsao in an interview.