BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2014: WOMEN ON TOP

          Just a week from now, Binibining Pilipinas 2014 will take place on March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Forty (40) contestants from around the Philippines will compete for the following titles: Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, Binibining Pilipinas-International, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism and the newest title up for grab is Binibining Pilipinas-Intercontinental. The two month long competition saw the girls actively participating and enjoying some of the activities of the pageant most especially socio-civic activities as well as fashion shows and sponsors visits. After most of the activities has just concluded, there are consistent stand out in the bunch of beautiful ladies. Although, some Binibini contestants who were not included in this list were just a little bit short of making a good impression to make it they might still pull some surprises in the finals since all of them will compete on March 30 finals in both swimsuit and evening gown competition to find out who will make it as finalists who will answer the final question and from there, the Top 5 who will get the five (5) coveted titles. There are still possible spoilers and usurpers in the finals. 

          Here are the Binibini women to watch out for whom Watchful Eyes Of A Silhouette blog believe gave some stunning impressions towards the conclusion of the event and my ratings for them. 

Note: Play the Youtube music video of Kylie Minogue's Into The Blue while reading this article. See also all of the contestants in the Youtube video below.

The HOT FIVE To Watch Out: 

North Cotabato - Mary Jean Lastimosa (Binibini No. 25) - 92.359

Misamis Oriental - Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (Binibini No. 8) - 90.53

Mindoro Oriental - Diana Arevalo (Binibini No. 17) - 89.871

Taguig City - Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti (Binibini No. 22) - 89.83

Albay - Yvethe Marie Santiago (Binibini No. 35) - 89.734

Barging / Closing In 

Pangasinan - Parul Shah (Binibini No. 4) - 89.59

Makati City - Hannah Ruth Sison (Binibini No. 27) - 88.682

Mandaluyong City - Angelique Celine De Leon (Binibini No. 31) - 88.293

Marikina City - Kimverlyn Suiza (Binibini No. 15) - 88.28

Makati City - Laura Victoria Lehmann (Binibini No. 11) - 87.811

Nueva Ecija - Kenneth Santiago (Binibini No. 20) - 87.615

Manila - Julian Aurine Flores (Binibini No. 1) - 87.489

Las Piñas City - Ellore Noelle Punzalan (Binibini No. 18) - 87.393

Aklan - Ladylyn Riva (Binibini No. 39) - 87.159

Pangasinan - Joy Antonette Diaz (Binibini No. 9) - 87.069

Special Mentions: 

Pampanga - Emma Mary Tiglao (Binibini No. 14) - 87.067
Sultan Kudarat - Aiza Faeldonia (Binibini No. 7) - 86.987
Cebu - Kris Tiffany Janson (Binibini No. 13) - 86.961
Bulacan - Krystal Alonday (Binibini No. 36) - 86.683
Benguet - Shauna Indra Salina Curran (Binibini No. 10) - 86.476

 

Photo Source:

ABS-CBN Official Youtube Account - Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Promotional

JAG JEANS Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Official Glamshots 

Binibining Pilipinas Inc. 

Beauty Pageants Types Of Questions And Strategy To Answer

Miss Universe 2013 - Spain's Patricia Yurena Rodriguez Interview 

Miss Universe 2000 - India's Lara Dutta Interview 

The most grueling and the most crucial part of any beauty pageant competition is the final question and answer portion to decide which one will win the title. This part of the competition can make or break a contestant whether the heavily favored or the dark horse will win depends heavily on the way they convey their answers. The finalist will be asked a randomly selected question to answer impromptu in front of the judges and the audience. The format of the final question varies from time to time and according to the preferences of the respective pageants. Back in the old days and in some pageants like in Miss International, finalists must deliver a speech based on a specific topic. In Miss World,  there is a permanent question similarly asked to each one of the finalists - why you should be the next Miss World? In Miss Earth, finalists were shown either a painting, picture or series of videos in which they have to interpret or tell the message it conveys. Another format is that one question is similarly asked to each of the finalists one at a time. While one contestant is answering the questions, the other finalists who haven't answered the questions yet is either put on a sound proof booth (during the old days) or listen on a very loud music on a headset so they cannot hear the other contestant's answer. The most common format of the final question is that each of the finalists were asked different questions on news and currents events or relevant questions happening in the world. The questions they were asked were handpicked by the contestants themselves in a fishbowl.

Today, contestants handpick a judge name on the fishbowl with whom they will be asked a relevant current events question.

So regardless of the question is, the key to winning is how you answer the question. There is always a strategy on how to construct a concrete message to deliver a potent answer that will capture the hearts of many based on the type of question of being asked. Here are just some types of questions being asked.


Personal Questions like what do you want to change in your body needs a specific answer not just an answer in a neutral tone. Answer the question honestly and sincerely. For example, you  need to point out which part of your body you are most insecure of, envious of someone else or something that needs improvement or to be enhanced to boost your self-esteem or confidence and put more dramatic twist to it and end it with an impressive, lasting message like you want to inspire others by being beautiful, by being a better person than you previously are.
 
Being neutral or complacent in that kind of question is oftentimes weak and condescending and doesn't make much of an impact like I am happy with myself and I don't want to change a thing not unless if you can justify your satisfaction and contentment like what Binibining Pilipinas 2012 contestant Sherilyn Gonzales says,  then that could give you a merit. Anyway, the question itself is obsolete, tacky and abused that it should never be asked ever again.

Another beautiful personal question to note is the question about personal issues, problems or past mistakes or failures just like the question asked to Olivia Culpo, Miss USA who later became Miss Universe 2012. She was asked what and answered. This type of question also requires specific answer with sincerity and conviction like confessing your past mistake,  anything that you did to fix it and that you learn from it never to let it happen again. This question validates a contestant's frailty. It will test how human you are, that we have some imperfections that we need to admit. Answering the question in an arrogant way or in a neutral tone like I don't have any big past mistake  or if there is a mistake in the past shows that you are too good to be true or too perfect to be a human or people will ask you, are you real? and also vague answers like I already fix it and learn from it is like giving a blank or empty answers because you give no idea about you to others. It is like they are interested to know more about you but you just give them a blank stare and you tell them nothing. It gives them a negative impression about you therefore disappointing the  judges much more the listening crowd.

There are also questions about news, current events and about the world. You need to be well informed, updated about the news and current events and aware of your surroundings. You also need to do some research about some particular topics mentioned in the news. Once you are updated and well informed about the news which were asked in your question, then you can give a solid concrete answer giving your detailed, in-depth insights, views or opinions on that particular topic. You can say your opinion or even cite a trivia or statistics to give color and details to your answer. This type of question will test your knowledge on news and currents events and your awareness of your surroundings and the world.

Questions like if you could have a superpower what would it be and why or if you could make a new law, what would it be and why are questions that incite people's interest. They are the kind of questions that the judges and people would like to measure your creativity and cleverness. To nail these kind of questions, the contestant should be very witty, innovative, and so clever to give an astounding choice with very witty explanation. End the question with a quote or a potent statement to give a lasting impression. 


Photo Source:

concoction.in

WATCHFUL EYES BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2014 BEST NATIONAL COSTUMES

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 National Costume Presentation was held last Thursday evening, March 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Forty (40) lovely contestants of Binibining Pilipinas 2014 glided through the stage with sheer elegance, poise and grace only to be overwhelmed by their captivating smile give their best portrayal of a typical Filipina native costumes. All of these costumes were created by Filipino dress designers whereas Philippines' national costumes in Miss Universe in recent years were designed  by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza.

After seeing all the contestants who look so stunning and fabulous in eye catching, impeccable native Philippine costumes, Watchful Eyes Of Silhouette blog scored and ranked them based on portrayal/depiction, design (creativity, finesse, difficulty or intricacies), historical significance or accuracy, fabric or textile used and over-all elegance and sophistication reminiscent of a typical Filipina. So here are the national costumes which captured the attention of the Watchful Eyes ranked accordingly.

1. Rizal Province - Vanessa Saliba (Contestant No. 37) 

Costume Designer: Clod Berlandino 

2. Pangasinan - Parul Shah (Contestant No. 4) 

Costume Designer: Edwin Uy 

3. Bataan - Racquel Kabigting (Contestant No. 21) 

Costume Designer: Chico Estiva 

4. Aklan - Ladylyn Riva (Contestant No. 39) 

 Costume Designer: Cherry Samuya Veric 

5. Bulacan - Krystal Alonday (Contestant No. 36) 

Costume Designer: Chico Estiva 

6. Cebu - Kris Tiffany Janson (Contestant No. 13) 

Costume Designer: Cary Santiago 

7. Misamis Oriental - Pia Wurtzbach (Contestant No. 8) 

Costume Designer: Albert Andrada

8. Nueva Ecija - Kenneth Santiago (Contestant No. 20) 

 Costume Designer - Joel Acebuche 

9. Camarines Sur - Joana Angelica Romero (Contestant No. 3) 

Costume Designer: Ariel Alvarez 

10. Albay - Yvethe Marie Santiago (Contestant No. 35) 

11. Metro Manila - Ellore Noelle Punzalan (Contestant No. 18) 

Costume Designer: Jontie Martinez 

12. Metro Manila - Gabrielle Erika Tilokani (Contestant No. 33) 

13. Metro Manila - Carla Jenina Lizardo (Contestant No. 28) 

Costume Designer: Jot Losa 

14. Camarines Sur - Mae Liezel Ramos (Contestant No. 19)

Costume Designer: Ariel Alvarez

15. Metro Manila - Nichole Marie Manalo (Contestant No. 23) 

 Costume Designer: Roland Lirio     Accessories: Christopher Munar 

16. Metro Manila - Julian Aurine Flores (Contestant No. 1) 

Costumer Designer: Albert Andrada 

17. Metro Manila - Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti (Contestant No. 22) 

Costume Designer: Eric De Los Santos 

18. Isabela - Joy Marie Gangan (Contestant No. 30) 

Special Mentions: 

Metro Manila - Mary Ainjely Manalo (Contestant No. 2) 

Zambales - Janine Asanion (Contestant No. 38) 



Photo Source: 

Jory Rivera, OPMB Worldwide

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Memorable Moments

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics suffered a minor technical glitch when one of the snow flakes did not turn into an Olympic flame 

Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu whirlwind stellar performance on men's figure skating so great he created a new record holder 

Men's Hockey Semifinals Match, Canada versus United States 

Russia's newest star Korean-born Viktor An reacts on his winning performance 

Gus Kenworthy with his adorable adopted puppy 

Canadian coach Justin Wadsworth came to the rescue of Russian skier Anton Gafarov who broke his ski 

Sochi 2014 Olympics Closing Ceremony presentation made fun of the malfunctioned snow flake which did not turn into an Olympic ring during the Opening shows they have fun and laughter as well and enjoyed their hosting of the games

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics mascot extinguishing the Olympic flame signaling the end of the games 

United States' figure skater Jeremy Abbott falls and rise up to finish his program

Heart warming tribute of Sochi volunteers to Sarah Burke, half-pipe skiing pioneer who died in an accident in 2012

Gilmore Junio (right) of Canada gave up his spot in men's 1000 m speed skate so that his team mate Denny Morrison (left) could compete who eventually took the silver in the event      

      The spectacular Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics just recently concluded last February 23 in Sochi, Russia and the world saw magnificent and sometimes faux pas highlights of the games. Though the Winter Olympics, the biggest competition for winter sports last for more than 2 weeks only it showcases the strengths and weaknesses of Russia, saw the valiant heroism and stories of inspiration, chilly performances in the competition makes the world squirm as well as frigid news that shivers the world.
      The most expensive Olympic Games to date with dazzling, elegant Olympic Village has its own fair share of ohhs and ahhs. During the Olympic opening ceremony, the explicitly wonderful presentation and demonstration of Russia's contribution to the world, the visually stunning parade of nations which mark the very exciting and anticipated return of the Philippines in the Winter Games after 20 years (it last participated in 1992 in Albertville, France) and its debut in figure skating courtesy of their lone athlete, Michael Christian Martinez, the return of Jamaica in the bobsled competition after 25 years  (it last saw action in Calgary, Alberta in 1988) which was the inspiration of the 1993 film, Cool Runnings and their return in the Games after 12 years, the debut of the small and poor Southeast Asian country of Timor Leste, and most especially the dramatic participation of countries which boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow led by the United States. It was overshadowed only by a technical glitch caused by the malfunctioned snow flake which did not turn into an Olympic ring. It was as unusual as the creepy weird 1980 Olympic mascot bear which extinguish the Olympic flame.
      In its two-week run we have seen stunning performances and shocking results. The overwhelming, record shattering ice dance of Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu more than enough to avalanche the performance of the defending champion Patrick Chan of Canada on men's individual figure skating is as chilly as the shocking and controversial win of the billowy Adelina Sotnikova of Russia over Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics gold medalist South Korea's Yuna Kim paper weight program on ice. South Korea even filed an official protest before the IOC on the alleged controversial loopsided result. Their performance is as exciting and as astounding as the promising and impressive debut performance of Michael Christian Martinez in men's individual who finished 19th overall touted and expected by many as the star of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
     Onto the speed skating arena, the agility and stamina of the competition echoed by the crowd with surprising victory of Netherland's 1-2-3 finish in men's 500 m  courtesy of Michel Mulder, Jan Smeekens and Ronald Mulder who took gold, silver and bronze, respectively with Mulder brothers taking a medal each as well as in men's 5000 and 10000 m with Sven Kramer, Jan Blokhuijsen, Jorrit Bergsma, and Bob De Jong is also replicated by Norway, Russia and the United States in skiing. Their victory was also a frustrating performance for United States in speedskating as the team went home empty handied as they successively loss in every event. United States saving grace was only a silver medal in men's 5000 m relay short track. Their star player J.R. Celski failed to deliver and the most heart breaking moment for him is he only ranked 4th in men's 1500 m short track in which he took the bronze in 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver but fortunately, went home with a silver medal in men's 5000 m relay. Gilmore Junio of Canada voluntarily gave up his spot in the men's 1000 m in the speedskating event so that his team mate Denny Morrison could compete. However, the most brilliant story out of speedskating is the victory Viktor An brought to Russia. A Korean who immigrated to Russia, Ahn won 3 golds and a bronze for Korea in 2006Turin games and later move to Russia and winning to 3 golds and a bronze for his adopted country thus, making him Russia's newest speedskating sensation and one of the most accomplished short track speedskaters of all time.
   There are also storms and avalanche of great results and stories in my other favorite winter sports of luge, skeleton, skiing and snowboard. One of the biggest story of the games, however, came in my most favorite winter sports - hockey. The most buzzed and worldwide trending semifinals match between Canada and United States and eventually the loss of the latter generate so much heat in debates and discussions and made the two countries bitter rivals that Canada made a slogan "Loser Keeps Bieber" agitating United States a nasty confrontation between the two ensued.
   Incredible story of heroism and inspiration and decent amount of sarcasm warm the coldness of Winter Games. Gus Kenworthy extended some days after his silver medal win in slope style skiing to make sure he could bring home some adorable stray puppies Sochi officials plans to euthanize stray animals. His heart melting act made a headlines and captured the hearts of many receiving buzz and tweets from celebs including Miley Cyrus and inspired other athletes to bring home some puppies as well. Jeremy Abbott of United States falls on men's figure skating with excruciating pain and his strength to stand up and finish his program was very inspiring and moving story for others to do the same in real life. Alex Bilodeau of Canada gold medal triumph in men's mogul in both 2010 and 2014 was inspired by his brother who is suffering from cerebral palsy. The poignant reunion and celebration of the brothers captured the hearts of many. Swiss skier Dario Cologna who won the gold medal in the 15 kilometer cross country skiing patiently waiting for Peru's first ever Winter Olympian Roberto Carcelen. Halfpipe skiing pioneer Sarah Burke who died in a training accident in 2012 dream of seeing the sport be part of the Olympic but she did not live to see it two years later in Sochi 2014 Olympic as an official sport discipline. However, Sochi volunteers paid her a tribute in honor for her pioneering the sport in a heart shape before the half pipe finals. But the most inspiring story that defines true Olympism is about Canadian ski coach Justin Wadsworth came to the rescue of the Russian cross country skier Anton Gafarov who broke his skis on his way for the semifinals of men's freestyle sprint. Wadsworth ran from the sidelines to give the Russian a replacement ski allowing him to finish the race.

   This is what I love about the Winter Olympics, lots of stories, lots of life amidst the freezing temperature and more inspiration and heroism that I hope will spread among humanity and around the world. This shows that Winter Olympics stories is as cool as the games. See you again in 2018. Bon Voyage!

   Anyway, you have some inspiring Winter Games stories to share? Let us know and we can publish it.  

Photo Source:

AP
Telegraph.co.uk
Twitter: @guskenworthy
Mashable.com