Miss Universe 2012 Update: Fabulous Evening Gowns

Croatia 

Georgia 

Peru 

Venezuela

Photos Courtesy of:  MissUniverse.com

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 2: International Avenue, Santa Barbara, Iloilo

The INTERNATIONAL AVENUE 

by Global-Estate a Sister Company of Megaworld Corp. 

It's More Fun In Iloilo 

Because We're BOOMING Non Stop. 

ILOILO means BUSINESS. Invest Now! 

Western Visayas To Experience Global-Estate Resorts, Inc.'s 'Township' Lifestyle 

       Something new is coming to the shores of Western Visayas – the 'township' lifestyle. This 'township' lifestyle brought by Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) to the Sta. Barbara Heights development will follow after the “live-work-play” concept pioneered by its sister company, Megaworld. 
       Sta. Barbara Heights is a mixed-use development that will consist of residential spaces, a town center, an IT park and various establishments. The 170-hectare property, which is the first of its kind on its region, is poised to propel Iloilo into a future 'central business district'. 
       “As pioneers of the township concept in Metro Manila, we would like to revolutionize how our fellow Filipinos live in other parts of the country, starting with Sta. Barbara Heights in Iloilo,” says Noy Mercado, GERI's Head of Sales and Marketing. 
      The residential estates signify the 'live' component of the township. All are residential lots, complemented by Sta. Barbara's expansive rolling hills and natural lake as backdrop. Topnotch amenities include a multi-purpose clubhouse with a 260 square-meter swimming pool and tennis and basketball courts, children's parks, a picnic area and other activity areas. 
      The 'work' and 'play' element, on the other hand, will be incorporated in the upcoming Iloilo International Business Park. This six-hectare park will be home to an IT cyberpark, BPO centers and various office strips. Future residents will benefit the ease of access with the 2.7-kilometer Iloilo International Avenue that runs through the township, bringing the nearby Iloilo International Airport closer. Adjacent to Sta. Barbara Heights are the historical landmarks of the Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club as well as the Santa Barbara Church and Convent, to the advantage of its future tourists. 
      Other projects on the pipeline for the development include commercial strips, food chains, hotels, an international school and a football field, with the aim of fusing business and pleasure into one hotspot. 
      “By putting the 'live', 'work' and 'play' aspects side by side, we are bringing a new lifestyle that's tailor-made for the fast-paced lifestyle of the Ilonggos,” Mercado adds. 

About Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. 

Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc., (AGI) one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates, under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO Andrew L. Tan. The company handles the development of the country's world-class tourism estates such as those in Boracay (Boracay Newcoast), Tagaytay (Twin Lakes) and Iloilo (Sta. Barbara Heights), all marketed by Megaworld Global-Estate, Inc.

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 1: Proposed Iloilo Central Market

Iloilo Central Market Promenade View From The Podium

           The Iloilo Central Market is a proposed building construction project with a heritage restoration feature for its front facade. The present structure occupies 1.37 hectare and is bounded by major avenues in the city such as Iznart, Rizal, Aldeguer and Guanco streets. 
        Once completed, much of the area of the central market will be occupied by a 3 five-storey mixed-used structure that will be leasable to private establishment and businesses. It will also include a parking building and internal roads to improve traffic and accessibility. 

Land use components are the following: 
a) Commercial arcade for the existing Heritage building; 
b) Office/residential towers and a parking building linked by a podium for the main area behind the Heritage building; 
c) Wet market and dry goods area under the podium; 
d) Open public promenade adjacent to the Heritage building; and 
e) Miscellaneous commercial stall strip along Aldeguer and Guanco strips. 

           The beautiful art-deco 2 storey V-shaped facade of the central market will be preserved and restored. Between the retained facade and the main complex will be a promenade that will include open spaces, restaurants, and possibly an activity center. 
           The project also calls for another effort to take the welfare of present vendors into consideration. The pre-feasibility study suggested the creation of training and organization programs with the help of NGOs, including microfinance mechanisms, in order to enhance business practices and consumer services of local vendors or “hawkers”. 
            It is important to note that the basic concepts of this project is to improve infrastructure and utility to make the present market an interesting and convenient urban consumer area while preserving the city’s heritage. By making the heritage feature an integral part of this redevelopment effort, the city hopes to attract more tourists and foster a pride of place for Ilonggos in general. 


Source: Iloiloilove.com

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH ILOILO: The Next Big Thing Series

The Proposed Iloilo City Bridge at the Diversion Road 

Iloilo City by Night featuring the Iloilo Customs House (right) and Iloilo City Hall (left) 
 

I will be featuring a few series of proposed, planned and on-going projects and investments for Iloilo in the next few years for this decade. The real "Queen City of the South" also known as the "Sleeping Giant of the South" is waking up and is now gearing towards being one of the most livable and elegant city in the Far East. We are hoping that more big businesses and investments will come into the province providing more jobs and opportunities to the people.

Miss Universe 2012 Coverage: Watchful Eyes Best Lingerie Portraits

Here are now my choices and are my Best 10 Official Lingerie Portraits: 

Georgia - Tamar Shedania 

Australia - Renae Ayris 

Czech Republic - Tereza Chlebovska 

Malaysia - Kimberley Leggett 

South Africa - Melinda Bam 

Philippines - Janine Tugonon 

USA - Olivia Culpo 

Indonesia - Maria Selena 

Mexico - Karina Gonzalez 

Croatia - Elizabeta Burg 

Photos Courtesy of: MissUniverse.com

If You Can Be A Miss Universe 2012 Contestant, Answer These

Let's say you are a Miss Universe 2012 contestant competing with 88 other contestants, (the REAL contestants that are NOW in Las Vegas, Nevada) representing your own country instead of your current representative (put yourselves in their shoes temporarily), can you answer the following: 

1. How will you prepare yourself for the upcoming competition? 

2. Do you have any routine, exciting or unusual prior to competing in the Miss Universe 2012? 

3. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, what is the first thing you will do? 

4. Is there anything you do prior to walking up to the stage? 

5. Aside from your current roommate, who else among the 88 contestants would you like to be your roommate? 

6. Who among the other 88 contestant would you like to make friends with, talk to and learn from? What do you want to talk to and learn from her? 

7. What would be your assets / strengths that can give you an edge over the others? ( you can answer this with reference to your country's Miss Universe 2012 contestant ) 

8. What would be your flaws / weaknesses that you want to improve? ( you can answer this with reference to your country's Miss Universe 2012 contestant ) 

9. What interesting things about you that you would like others to know? 

10. What interesting, beautiful things about your country that you would like to share with all of the contestants? 

11. What country would you like to visit or live aside from your country? 

12. Do you have any memorable moments in life would you like to share? 

13. What would you consider as your defining moment as a woman/man? 

14. If you win, what advocacy, programs or causes you want to pursue? 

15. Why you should be the next Miss Universe? 


Now if you are going choose among the other 88 contestants (except yourself of course and your country) which of them: 

has the most perfect figure / you want to have 
has the most beautiful face 
has the most luscious lips 
is the most friendly, warm and sincere 
is the most Photogenic 
is the Smartest 
is the Funniest 
is the Sexiest in All Aspects 
is the most Interesting contestant 

would you like to be with you as the "last two women standing" 

would be the most likely to be the next Miss Universe 

would be the dark horse who can snatch the crown from favorites 

would be the underdogs or the least favorite contestants you would like to make it to the Top 16 

Choose only one... 

Coke or Pepsi 
Apple or Samsung 
Blush on or Lipstick 
Miss Universe or Career 
Survivor or The Amazing Race 
PC or Smartphone 
Dance or Sing 
Talent or Skill 
Music or TV 
Facebook or Twitter 
Beach or City 
Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates 
Shoes or Barefoot 
Hot Guys or Rich Guys 
Sexy But Very Ugly or Beautiful But Very Fat (both are poor; not wealthy)

Bwakaw: Will This Be The First Philippine Entry to Oscar Academy Awards

Bwakaw Movie Starring Eddie Garcia in the Lead Role 

  
          Will Bwakaw be the first Philippine Entry which will SUCCESSFULLY make it as a nominee to the Best Foreign Language Film of the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013 in Kodak Theater, Los Angeles, California and if ever win the coveted golden statuette, Oscars. It is now competing among other international submissions from 71 countries to be shortlisted to nine (9) and finally only 5 will be the official nominees for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The Philippines has never been an awarded nor a nominee in the Academy Awards for Foreign Language Film but in Asia, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and Israel has so far only won for Asia. Usually, the awards show happens last week of March in the 1990s and early 2000s but lately it is moved early in February for unknown reason (much better if its in late March) and people in the Philippines slowly losing interest in the Academy Awards because no Philippine entry has made it or even won the award and maybe considering boycotting or will not send an entry for some years and some other countries are also losing interest in the event. 

          Bwakaw is a drama-comedy about growing old, and everyone's fear of growing old alone. Rene is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 70. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is Death. He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution. He has even paid for a coffin, taking advantage of a funeral home's Summer Sale. Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer. Rene is surprisingly affected, and he realizes that he values Bwakaw more than he thinks. In his struggle to get Bwakaw cured, Rene finds comfort in the most unlikely person: Sol, a tricycle driver who helps him bring Bwakaw to the vet and befriends him. Buoyed by Sol's friendship, Rene starts living. Little by little he discovers simple joys. To the surprise of his friends, he even has his hair dyed to look younger. One day, he finally decides to make a move on Sol. The revelation that Rene is gay and has feelings for him surprises and disgusts Sol. He rejects Rene and leaves in anger. In the meantime, Bwakaw's condition gets worse. Not even Rene's ancient Santo Entierro (a supposedly miraculous statue of Jesus Christ) can save Bwakaw. Bwakaw dies, and Rene's neighbors help him bury the faithful dog. But Bwakaw's death, even while it was still only imminent, has made a difference. Rene has found a new appreciation for life and what is most important. He decides to unpack the things that he has already willed to other people and make his house more inhabitable. He is, after all, still alive. 

          Bwakaw has received rave reviews and positive responses from critics around the world and many insiders says that this one to watch out for movie has a high chance of making it at least as one of the five official nominees for the 85th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film and hopefully it will and the outcome will determine if we still have to submit entries to the Academy Awards or not. By the way, Philippines will never make it to the Academy Awards because most members of the academy are British who hates the Philippines so much. I don't know why British make it as members of the Academy since it is America and not British. Does that mean British are so insecure with America that they interfere and participate in America's affairs and events?

Miss Earth: Donald Trump Next Big Project?

Since Miss Earth is becoming bigger and its very significant and important advocacy and awareness campaign for the environment is taken seriously by people around the world, the beauty pageant competition looking for an ideal woman who will serve as a good ambassador for environments needs an upgrade and improvement so therefore needs a lot of help it needs to make it more prestigious, more grander as well as more effective beauty pageant. It needs a lot of money to upgrade and improve this beauty pageant and the ideal person to help this important beauty pageant is Donald Trump who is also co-owner of Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageant. I think it is fine if we seek the help of Mr. Donald Trump to help upgrade and improve the competition as it grows older. Miss Earth has a lot of promises and good things to come. Good luck and god bless!

Will These Two Girls Be The Next Miss Universe From The Philippines?

Mary Jean Lastimosa 

Maegan Young 

       These two will hopefully represent the Philippines in Miss Universe. One of them will compete next year and the other one in 2014. Which of which of them. Anyway I will give some background information. 

          Mary Jean Lastimosa, 25 years old from Davao City, Davao del Sur is a pageant veteran model. She has joined Binibining Pilipinas for quite some time now in the hopes of representing the country in the most prestigious beauty pageant of all - Miss Universe. Prior to joining and competing in Binibining Pilipinas national pageant, she was the winner of Reyna ng Aliwan 2008 representing Davao City as part of grand cultural fiesta competition, Aliwan Fiesta which gathers the biggest and most beautiful festivals around the country to compete in one event. Her stint and experience in modeling and the competition help her a lot enough for her to join the national pageant which chooses Philippines representative to Miss Universe, Miss International and other international competitions. 
         Maegan Young, on the other hand, is a model, actress and television personality. Prior to joining the entertainment industry, she joined and competed in Starstruck, a competition searching for the next celebrities in the country. Although she did not win, her beauty caught the attention of many and soon found her way into show business. The rest they say is history. Hopefully if ever these two will represent the Philippines in Miss Universe, they will make their country proud because they are worthy contender and good enough for that elusive third Miss Universe crown.

Czech Republic Is Miss Earth 2012!

Miss Earth 2012 - Tereza Fajksova of Czech Republic 

Miss Earth 2012 and Her Runners-up 

Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines - 23-year old Tereza Fajksova of Ivancice, Czech Republic beats 79 other lovely hopefuls from around the world to win the crown of Miss Earth 2012 held in Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa. 1st runner up and crowned as Miss Air is Philippines, Stephany Stefanowitz, 2nd runner up and crowned as Miss Water is Venezuela, Osmariel Villalobos and 3rd runner - up and titled as Miss Fire is Brazil, Camille Brant. Top 8 finalists were contestants from Nepal, Russia, South Africa and U.S.A. The final question was "What is your defining moment as a woman?" and the top 4 contestants gave their best answer to impress the judges but it was Czech Republic's Tereza Fajksova whose honesty of misunderstanding of the question but gave a poignant and thought provoking call to protect the Mother Earth for us and the future generations to come capture the heart of many and judged as the best of all. Her sincerity and beauty inside out help her clinch the Miss Earth title for the first time for her country. Some of the Special Awards given were: Photogenic chosen through online votes goes to Venezuela, Congeniality goes to India and Best in National Costume goes to Thailand. These are some of the major awards given aside from the minor awards given during their challenges and activities done throughout the competition. The rest of the result is as follows:

Miss Earth 2012 -  Czech Republic,  Tereza Fajksova
1st runner up (Miss Air) -  Philippines,  Stephany Stefanowitz
2nd runner up (Miss Water) -  Venezuela, Osmariel Villalobos
3rd runner up (Miss Fire) -  Brazil, Camila Brant 

Top 8 Finalists
Nepal - Nagma Shrestha
Russia - Nataliya Pereverzeva
South Africa - Tamerin Jardine
U.S.A. - Siria Bojorquez

Top 16 Semifinalists
Costa Rica -  Fabiana Granados 
Germany - Nel-Linda Zublewitz
Italy -  Giulia Capuani
Japan - Megumi Noda
Korea - Kim Sa-ra
Mexico - Lourdes Paola Aguilar
Poland -  Justyna Rajczyk
Scotland  - Sara Pendar

Special Awards: 

Photogenic - Venezuela
Congeniality - India
National Costume - Thailand 

Presenter:

Marc Nelson - Sports TV Magazine Show Host
Ginger Conejero - TV Presenter and Miss Philippines Air 2006
Sandra Seifert - Miss Earth Air 2009

Performers:

Billy Crawford and the G-Force    
 

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Qwarl on Pinterest

Miss Earth 2012: My Final ELITE List

Tonight, one of the 80 hopefuls will be crowned as the new Miss Earth 2012 and will succeed Olga Alava from Ecuador. Who among them will be the luckiest woman tonight? Find out LIVE from Versailles Palace, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines only through STAR World and other international broadcasters in their respective countries. For the meantime, this blog features of Miss Earth 2012 will not be complete without my own choices for the earthly crown so I made a decision and come up with my final picks of the stunning lovely natural beauties who I believe shows prowess, beauty, brilliance and wisdom. This will be the first time that I created such a list for this beauty pageant. Previously, I created my list mainly for Miss Universe and Miss USA and this time around, it will be Miss Earth's turn. It will depend on tonight's outcome if I will make future lists for this pageant. My decision was based on the ladies performance on the activities, challenges and major competitions as well as how the ladies project, behave during the competition and how images portrays them as a picture speaks a thousand words. So here it is...

Watchful Eyes Of A Silhouette Favorite Choice 

Earth's Most Beautiful Enchantress

Czech Republic - Tereza Fajksova 

South Africa - Tamerin Jardine 

USA - Siria Bojorquez 

Turkey - Ilknur Melis Durasi 

I chose these magnificent four lovely and stunning women as my favorite choices for the crown as they could be an ideal ambassador for mother earth and effectively raise awareness about environmental issues and protection as they pursue their respective advocacy effectively and efficiently sharing and implementing them in the global community. They are for me an ideal example for women with a cause, care and concern for their green planet - an epitome of beauty, grace and wisdom. 


The REST to Watch Out For... They can either hit or miss the top 16 but can also be potentially be a pleasant surprise as a Top 8 or Top 4 given they have this radiant personality and make themselves a standout in tonight's finale. 

Brazil 
Costa Rica 
India 
Kenya 
Lebanon 
Moldova 
Mongolia 
Netherlands 
Nicaragua 
Norway 
Philippines 
Poland
Puerto Rico 
Russia 
Slovenia 
Sweden 
Thailand 
Wales 

Although I have to admit that all of them are noteworthy women of substance and accomplishments, I have all my respect and admiration for all these 80 magnificent contestants. Good luck to all of you!

Miss Earth 2012 National Costume Competition

Miss Earth 2012 Best In National Costume Winners 

Miss Earth 2012 Most Photogenic Winner Chosen By Online Votes 

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City - The Miss Earth 2012 National Costume Competition titled "Moment With The Earth" was held last Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Miss Earth 2012 Official Residence, F1 Western Premier Hotel ballroom arena in Global City, Taguig City with the winners were awarded with medals. It is an exclusive private event attended by foreign dignitaries and officials. Also in the same event, a charity auction of the gifts brought by the contestants also took place with the proceed goes to the Miss Earth Foundation chosen charity institution. The Best in National Costume gold medal or 1st place went to Thailand, Waratthaya Wongchayaporn, silver medal or 2nd place went to South Africa, Tamerin Jardine and bronze medal or 3rd place went to Malaysia, Deviyah Daranee. Also during the event, the winners of Photogenic Award chosen by fans and followers through online voting were announced. The winners were for the gold medal, Venezuela, Osmariel Villalobos, silver medal went to Thailand, Waratthaya Wongchayaporn and bronze medal went to Costa Rica, Fabiana Granados.Congratulations to all the winners!

Miss Earth 2012 National Costumes

Here are some of this year's Miss Earth 2012 National Costumes: 

Brazil - Camila Brant 

Cook Islands - Teuira Napa 

Costa Rica - Fabiana Granados 

El Salvador - Yaritza Rivera 

India - Prachi Mishra 

Indonesia - Chelsy Liven 

Malaysia - Deviyah Daranee 

Philippines - Stephany Stefanowitz 

Puerto Rico - Darla Pacheco 

South Africa - Tamerin Jardine 

US Virgin Islands - Carolyn Whitney Carter 

Venezuela - Osmariel Villalobos 

Vietnam - Do Hoang Anh