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Two of the stunning contestants of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011
Watch Binibining Pilipinas 2011 this Sunday, April 10, 2011 only in ABS-CBN or through TFC Channel Worldwide. Check out the website http://www.bbpilipinas.abs-cbn.com for more info.
Throughout its almost 60 years of glamorous beauty competition and pageantry, celebrating women of substance and accomplishments, the event has been a part of our culture, being held annually and watched by billions of viewers around the world. It is also a respected institution which funded lots of charities and campaigns several awareness programs and advocating issues of utmost importance. It has franchise from several countries all over the world proving that it is a very successful pageant by giving us jaw dropping bombshells, gorgeous alluring women who has done a lot of achievements. As what Eleanor Roosevelt once said “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” Miss Universe live up to her words by fulfilling women’s dreams into a reality by providing education, ensure a successful career and pursue its causes, advocacy and campaigns it champion.
Since Miss Universe have been an annual event being watched by many, we cannot avoid seeing some scenes or moments during the event that will never be erased in our memories. It can be regarded as classics that add color and art, very important elements to the beauty pageants giving us an enriching entertaining experience of Miss Universe that may somewhat dull and boring otherwise without the lighter moments. Here are just some of the lighter moments I observe and watch in the 60 years of Miss Universe pageant.
1952 – The very first Miss Universe is somewhat exciting as it is controversial. The stunning blue eyed lass from Muhos, Finland Armi Kuusela was declared the first winner. Almost a year into her reign, she suddenly got a whirlwind romance to a dashing debonair, a Filipino named Virgilio Hilario when she visited Manila for the Philippine Fair. She did not finish her reign because of the marriage to Hilario but she remained Miss Universe 1952.
1957 – Miss Universe 1957 is also an exciting year that is won by Gladys Zender of Peru. Prior to the finals night 15 semifinalist were called and one of them is Miss USA Leona Gage. On the eve before the finals the same night when the 15 semifinalists were called, it was discovered that she is in fact a married mother of two kids upon an anonymous phone call and it was confirmed the next day. Her placement was replaced by Miss Argentina Monica Lamas. She was also stripped of her Miss USA crown and was taken over by her runner-up Charlotte Sheffield of Utah but its too late for her to compete for the finals so she was sent to the Miss World contest instead later that year.
Leona Gage, Miss Maryland USA 1957, after she won Miss USA 1957
Leona Gage crying when it was discovered that she is a married woman with 2 children, therefore, forfeiting her the Miss USA crown and other prizes and automatically disqualifies her at Miss Universe 1957 where her semifinalist spot was taken over by Miss Argentina Monica Lamas
1964 – Miss Universe 1964 was held in Miami Beach, Florida, USA that time. It was won by Corinna Tsopei of Greece. During the finals night, 12 semifinalists were announced to compete in bathing suit and evening gown when everyone else went to the backstage, Miss Nigeria Edna Park suddenly went crying hysterically stomping for 30 minutes and her tantrum is uncontrollable that it takes a couple of security marshall and pageant officials to take her to the dressing room. Miss Nigeria could not accept the fact that she is not announced as one of the semifinalists that night.
1968 – Martha Vasconcellos classic reaction as she was announced the winner.
1969 – This is the year when a man first walk on the moon. It is also nice to note that behind every man’s success is a woman so it is just a fitting tribute and timely occasion to celebrate women of different colors. This year, Miss Universe was won by Gloria Diaz of the Philippines, the third Asian to do so. The memorable moments this year were in the interview portion of the pageant.
Switzerland’s Patrice Sollner was asked by the host Bob Barker during the casual interview of the top 15 if she has pets when to everybody's surprise asked what are pets or what is the definition of pets gave the audience a sudden burst of laughter. When Bob explained what it is, she named her pet and repeatedly named her pet Sheena which the host confused as having two cats named Sheena.
In the top 5 final interview, Miss Japan Kikuyo Osuka was the last of the 5 finalists to be called to answer the final question: “In the next day or so, a man will land on the moon. If the man from the moon landed in your hometown, what will you do to entertain him?” The Japanese interpreter had a trouble with herself in translating that her interpretation is longer than the actual question which makes the people laugh upon the sarcasm of the host Bob Barker. Miss Japan made a brief response in which she wants the “man on the moon” to see her city Nagoya which she eventually landed as fourth runner up.
But the classic response and regarded as one of the best answers in MU History was the answer of the eventual winner Gloria Diaz, beaming with smile, poise and confidence saying “Ah, just the same things I do I think when he’s been on the moon for so long, I think when he comes over, he wants to change, I guess.” She got a thunderous applause from the audience for that answer. Yeah, wearing that bulky astronaut space suit is really tiring and uncomfortable and of course, naturally the first thing an astronaut should do upon landing back on Earth is to change clothes before anything else including the entertainment and no one thought of that.
1973 – The first Miss Universe to be held outside continental America and first worldwide telecast of the pageant took place in an open air Herod Atticus theater in Athens, Greece which was won by Margarita Moran, the second Filipina to do so.
In the semifinals, all the 12 contestants who made the first cut undergo a casual interview which tackles their experiences and all about their background. India and Argentina made an unforgettable moments during the casual interview. Miss India Farzana Habib was asked about her prophetic or clairvoyant skills predicting on some of her fellow delegates. Finally, she offered to predict the host Bob Barker in which she said “that he (Bob Barker) would live a very long successful life only that he has a womanizing tendency.” She would have further continue by naming or describing his other women only to be halted by the laughing and blushing Bob Barker. Miss Brazil Sandra Mara Ferreira gave a dumb answer to Bob Barker's question of why she wanted to be a plastic surgeon. She responds that she wants to do faces, legs and all things as if she will be the modern Frankenstein creating a monster. Miss Argentina Susana Romero gave samples of some words she knew in English until she mentioned numbers in which she enjoyed saying much to the laughter of the audience.
But the most memorable in evening is the final interview question asked for Miss Israel Limor Schraibman. “If you could stop being you and become somebody else, who would you like to be and why? surprised in which she reluctantly asked for an interpreter. When all the other finalists answered a question, Bob Barker returned to her with an interpreter to help her with the translation when she suddenly grab the microphone from Bob Barker and say “I understand now”much to the amazement and laughter of audience and Bob Barker sarcastically say “Thank you for your tremendous contribution “ to the interpreter.
1992 – Miss Paraguay Pamela Zarza enormous costume, one of Miss Universe biggest national costume ever.
1994 – Miss Philippines’ Charlene Gonzales classic answer to the question “How many islands does the Philippines have?” in which she gave the host an option “low tide or high tide”
1996 – Alicia Machado shivering reaction as she was announced the winner.
1997 – Brook Lee’s classic answer to the final question that sealed her fate.
1999 – Miriam Quiambao’s classic answer to host Jack Wagner’s question: “One of your proudest achievement is to stand up to one of your professors back in college, now what have you stood up for recently?” Her answer is so powerful that inspires women around the world to stand up for their rights and let their voices be heard and her fall was imitated years later by both Miss USA in 2007 and 2008 Miss Universe.
Botswana’s bulging eye throughout the pageant is one of the most bizarre facial expressions ever in Miss Universe.
2001 – Puerto Rico made a scandal in that year that rocked the pageant world by being crowned in her hometown that was heavily criticized by many. Earlier she made headlines and controversy when she bagged home two of the four specials awards namely Miss Photogenic and the now defunct Clairol Herbal Essences Hairstyle Awards. It was obviously politically biased and considered one of the most tasteless pageant finals in history and Denise Quinones one of the most hated, undesirable and regrettable beauty queen in history.
2004 – The ugly, conceited assuming beautiful Trinidad & Tobago’s Danielle Jones acknowledging Miss USA Shandi Finnessey for the question in an attempt to win the judges didn’t work instead she ends up 4th runner up to Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins.
2005 – Miss USA Chelsea Scott Cooley famous endless whirlpool or roller coaster ride turn around as if she don’t want to exit.
Miss Peru Debora Sulca Cravero slids and almost fell on the side of the downslope platform during the swimsuit competition
Miss Mexico Laura Elizondo abnormal walk as if like limping like a polio infested woman
2006 – Hungary’s Adrien Bende reaction when she was called among the top 15 semifinalists
Miss Japan Kurara Chibana’s walkout after she was called as runner-up to Puerto Rico’s Zuleyka Rivera. People and fans around the world thereafter insulted, berated and lambasted the obvious favoritism of Miss Universe Organization towards the ugly and skinny Puerto Rican.
Puerto Rico’s Zuleyka Rivera lost consciousness shortly after the beauty pageant and prompting lots of health conscious women to be aware of anorexia and to stay fit. Zuleyka Rivera is regarded as one of the ugliest Miss Universe ever.
2007 – Some of the delegates stormed out of the stage crying because they could not accept their non-placement as a semifinalists as they deserves to be instead of Thailand, Venezuela, USA among others who made it. Next time, there should be 25 or 30 semifinalists to make sure all deserving ladies should be up there and to have a healthy and strong competition.
When Miss USA Rachel Smith was called as one of the semifinalist, she was kissed by Miss US Virgin Islands who was beside her Rachel Smith suddenly wiped her face because for her Miss US Virgin Islands carry viruses, germs and bacteria that she needs to be disinfected after she was kissed. Rachel Smith should not assume she is superior to US Virgin Islands or other candidates when it fact she is as filthy as shit and she is also black just like US Virgin Islands and her mouth is like that of a barracuda. A mandrill monkey, no matter how she is dressed, is still a mandrill monkey.
Rachel Smith trips on her gown, embarrassingly recover to the laughing, ranting and jeering crowds. I thought she is going to rub her butt on the floor because it is itchy. She later went on the finals answering a question while being booed, insulted and mobbed by the crowd. She is mobbed because of her rude behavior on and off stage.
The crown fell from the head of Riyo Mori of Japan as she bowed down as a sign of respect and gratitude after she was named Miss Universe 2007.
2008 – Miss USA fell on the stage for the second time in Miss Universe this time with Crystle Stewart during the top 10 evening gown competition and this time the gimmick didn’t work out. She did not went on further and missed advancing to the finals.
2009 – Pretty obvious that Puerto Rico makes a mistake in the dance when she lower down her hands earlier than other contestants embarrassing herself slightly. I think it is so tiring for Mayra Matos to have her arms up that long so she immediately put it down.
The top 5 finalists, who were regarded as the most stupid finalists ever, gave vague answers to questions asked by the judges that no one is fit for the crown and deservingly called Miss Universe.
2010 – Maria Venus Raj of the Philippines’ answer to the final question which surprises everyone. Most people including the judges expected Venus Raj to name the controversy about her birthplace to be the biggest mistake she had fixed. To her, it was not and she emphasized no big mistakes in her life she can think of by saying “major, major” in her answer. If only the she could counteract that controversy with a positive note and will serve as an inspiration to the rest of the women in the world, it could have worked effectively for her and make a big impact among the judges, the audience and the whole world as well. Maybe it is just plain destiny because if doors are closed, windows of opportunity will open.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2011, Philippines' prestigious national pageant which sends representatives to Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Supranational and other international beauty pageant competitions, held its primer or the national costume competition last Tuesday, March 29, 2010 at Club Republiq of the Resorts World Manila. The National Costume competition is just one of the few pre-pageant activities being held prior to the finals night on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in Araneta Coliseum.
There is no preliminary competition for the national pageant which should've seen the candidates compete in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds of which the total combined score will be the basis for the selection of the 15 semifinalists. There is also NO LIVE STREAMING in the Internet of pre-pageant activities and much more the national finals because they have no idea about it and no budget for internet exposure of the beauty pageant reflected in their mediocre and obscure official Binibining Pilipinas website though the official portraits were done in good taste. Ironically, Palarong Pambansa 2011, Philippines' national games for elementary and high school students, that will be held on May 8 - 14, 2011 in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte will be the first to utilize the LIVE STREAMING online of the games from the Opening Ceremony until the closing so that the world can see the games.
At the end of that night, the winner has been announced and the National Costume award went to Candidate No. 2 Elizabeth Durado Clenci with her daring ethnic tribal costume. At first, I dismissed the national costume winner as plain and ordinary but after I took a closer look at it, I saw the drama and intensity behind it why the consensus went to her. It was daring, sexy, exotic, provocative with high regards and respect to historical and cultural significance and value. It is done with good taste and accuracy. The picture below shows the winning national costume. According to Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc whoever wins the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2011 comes April 10, she will wear this winning national costume in Sao Paulo, Brazil in September because this will be the official national costume of the Philippines in Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. But I think the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. are known to order national costumes from Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza because the motive of Stella Marquez Araneta is to promote and market her friend Alfredo Barraza's creations which are not really impressive but tacky. Watch the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 primer this Sunday, April 3, 2011 9pm (Philippine Time) only on ABS-CBN. Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.
Elizabeth Clenci receives the award as the Best in National Costume
Clenci's ethnic tribal costume back view
To see some of the national costumes of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 and their reviews, click the link below
Iloilo City, Philippines - Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2011 opened last Sunday, March 20, 2011 in a simple ceremony and a 30 minute fireworks display. More than 3,000 athletes, coaches, sports officials, Department of Education and government officials attended the ceremony. This annual gathering of potential young athletes across the region converged in Iloilo City to see who's the best who will later compete at the national finals to be held in May in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.The sports competition is divided into two levels: elementary and secondary level boys and girls.
The WVRAA 2011 Literary Musical Contest was held last March 19, 2010 at the Cinema 6 of the SM City Iloilo Mall. Here is the official result of the concluded 2011 WVRAA Meet Literary Musical Contest. The result here includes the name of the contestants, in the parentheses the name of the school and the town or city they came from and also the province they represent. I could not find some contest piece information but I only included the contest piece of some I know.
Elementary Level:
English Declamation
Champion -Danelle Rose Ampunan (West Visayas State University - Integrated Laboratory School - Elem., Lapaz, Iloilo City) Iloilo Contest Piece: A Real Break For Me
2nd place -Diocel Glaiza Dalida (Pres. Manuel A. Roxas Memorial School – North, Pres. Roxas) Capiz Contest Piece: Ambush Vacation
Congressman Manny Pacquiao is being convinced by other politicians and groups to run for presidency in the future. He is pictured here as a woman considering his affiliation to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He is heavily criticized because he has recorded patriotic and nationalistic songs in the market today yet he is earning dollars or foreign money, working and has properties abroad.
Filipinos nowadays are fond of laughing sarcastically even at a slight provocations of other people speaking their usual negatives, acerbic commentaries, views and opinions on Philippine social issues recurring for over a century. They laugh at people who always say bad about the sad and hapless plight and conditions of the country. Some famous celebrities, politicians, broadcaster, reporter and journalists are known to have horrendous, maniacal laughter. They admit that it is already a hopeless case but refuse to accept the reality. It signifies the fall and hopeless case scenario of the doomed country and laughter, as a means of self-denial, is their best antidote, defense mechanism to counter or to block negative sentiments to sink into their sense and make them realizes about the grim realities of the country.
The Philippines is really helpless and hopeless about anything bad and worse happening affecting the country. Recent news like execution of three Filipinos in China due to illegal drug smuggling, a fugitive statesman who returned to the country and resurface after a year of hiding, divided nation because the very vocal and influential church condemned the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill in Congress meant to control population boom or explosion and avoid the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, the endless bureaucratic corruption from the time of colonialism until now even worse, the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the worst offender are just a few of the problems that will never vanish in the country always haunt them that eat their senses, rational thinking. These problems are endless, recurring and no solutions from the personality, attitude or character of the people here, you will know that indeed a cursed hellish place to live. People are slave of ignorance and immaturity. The only solution left for other decent, clean and honest people are to pack their clothes, leave the country and settle for good in another country. Sad but true so all these vulnerable slaves can do is to laugh and laugh and laugh and make some sarcastic comments and satire about others. Sorry doomed country of the Philippines only a glimmer of hope come from some few provinces and cities in the country who lived in peace, honesty, orderly and harmony.
Photo credits: www.sorsogonunited.wordpress.com, http://postmessages.blogspot.com, Chris Gregerson, 2005 www.cgstock.com, www.gettyimages.com, www.wn.com
A record for the Philippines. 12 million Filipinos shops online on stores and auction sites like eBay and Amazon and large department stores or supermarket like Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Neimann Marcus among others.
Yangon, Myanmar - Philippines win over Bangladesh 3-0 qualifies them for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in which the winner will be automatically qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. The first goal came from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo native Ian Araneta and the last two goals came from the Filipino- Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado to cap the winning performance and seal the fate of the country for Asian soccer football tournament. The Philippines is the leading team in Group A of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying rounds after accumulating a total of 5 points playing against Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh in which the latter is the newest casualty of the fierce, brave and fast Azkal team. Palestine is the second team to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup after accumulating 4 points. This is the first time in Philippine football history that the country has qualified to play for the Asian Football Confederation football tournament, one of Asia's most premiere soccer tournament after the Asian Cup. Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo is known as the Football Capital of the Philippines since football is life of the people in that simple small town in northern Iloilo, Philippines which they already sent players to the national team and some of them are already playing for other countries football clubs. It is also home to the National Football Training Center.
Huwag mong sabihing ika'y hamak
Kahit na isang mahirap
Pagka't ang tangi kong pag-ibig
Ganyan ang hinahanap
Aanhin ko ang kayamanan
Kung ang puso'y salawahan
Ang nais ko'y pag-ibig na tunay
At walang kamatayan
Maalaala mo kaya ang sumpa mo sa akin
Na ang pag-ibig mo ay sadyang di magmamaliw
Kung nais mong matanto, buksan ang aking puso
At tanging larawan mo ang doo'y nakatago
Di ka kaya magbago sa iyong pagmamahal
Hinding-hindi giliw ko hanggang sa libingan
O kay sarap mabuhay, lalo na't may lambingan
Ligaya sa puso ko ay di na mapaparam
English Translation:
Do not say you're small or belittle yourself
Even just a poor
Because my only love
That is what it is looking
What can my treasure do
If the heart is fickle
What I want is true love
And immortality
Would you remember your oath to me
That your love will never fade
If you want to realize, open my heart
And only your picture is hidden there
Will you not change your love
I will never my love to the grave
Oh how so sweet to live, especially with tenderness to someone
Joy in my heart will not vanish
11. Candidate No.36 Camille Alexis Baltazar, 20 - Paranaque City
12. Candidate No.29 Krystle Ann Grant, 23 - Pampanga
13. Candidate No.15 Arabella Hanesh, 24 - Dagupan, Pangasinan
14. Candidate No.33 Dianne Necio, 19 - Legazpi City, Albay
15. Candidate No.37 Sarah Clenci, 17 - Agusan del Norte
16. Candidate No. 5 Jennielyn Natividad, 22 - Quezon City
17. Candidate No.32 Jenn Roe Gubat, 20 - Calumpit, Bulacan
18. Candidate No. 1 Zephorah Mayon, 20 - Las Pinas City
20. Candidate No.31 Samantha Purvor, 23 - Quezon City
Leona Gage, Miss Maryland USA 1957, after she won Miss USA 1957
Leona Gage crying when it was discovered that she is a married woman with 2 children, therefore, forfeiting her the Miss USA crown and other prizes and automatically disqualifies her at Miss Universe 1957 where her semifinalist spot was taken over by Miss Argentina Monica Lamas
Elizabeth Clenci receives the award as the Best in National Costume
Clenci's ethnic tribal costume back view
Congressman Manny Pacquiao is being convinced by other politicians and groups to run for presidency in the future. He is pictured here as a woman considering his affiliation to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He is heavily criticized because he has recorded patriotic and nationalistic songs in the market today yet he is earning dollars or foreign money, working and has properties abroad.
