Watchful Eyes Miss USA 2015 Pre-Arrival Picks

         The 64th Miss USA 2015 will be returning to the red stick and bring back the festive mood back to the Baton Rouge, Louisiana where it will be held on July 12. Fifty-one (51) contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia will battle it out for the crown of Miss USA 2015 and to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2015 at a venue and specific date to be announced by the Miss Universe Organization. The reigning Miss USA 2014 and Miss Universe 2014 1st runner-up Nia Sanchez of Nevada will crown her successor at the end of the event. 
         Meanwhile, before the ladies hit the stage and compete for the title, photos of the 51 ladies surfaced on the web and the pageant fans and pundits including myself cannot help but make their own favorites or bets for the crown before their arrival and even before they compete. Here is my own list of pre-arrival favorites for the crown. These ladies whose timeless and effortless beauty, natural elegance and personality in the pictures captured my attention most. So here goes my early favorites for Miss USA 2015!

1. Texas - Ylianna Guerra 

2. Oklahoma - Olivia Jordan 

3. Virginia - Laura Puleo

4. Idaho - Claira Hollingsworth 

5. Vermont - Jackie Croft 

6. District of Columbia - Lizzy Olsen 

7. Colorado - Talyah Polee 

8. Florida - Ashleigh Lollie 

9. Massachusetts - Polikseni Manxhari 

10. Wisconsin - Haley Laundrie 

11. Arizona - Maureen Montagne 

12. Maryland - Mame Adjei 

13. Kentucky - Katie George 

14. Ohio - Sarah Newkirk 

15. Mississippi - Courtney Byrd 

16. Louisiana - Candice Bennatt 

17. Missouri - Rebecca Dunn 

18. Tennessee - Kiara Young 

19. Pennsylvania - Elizabeth Cardillo 

20. North Carolina - Julia Dalton 

Source: 

Miss USA Official Website

Watchful Eyes Mr. Gay World 2015 Pre Arrival Favorites

Mr. Gay World 2015 will take place from April 27 - May 3, 2015 in Cape Town and Knysna in South Africa with the finals happening in Cape Town. More than 20 countries representing the gay community around the world will compete for the title and will serve as an ambassador of goodwill for the gay community. Last year's winner is Stuart Hatton, a dance instructor from New Castle, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile here's Watchful Eyes of a Silhouette Top 10 Pre-Arrival Favorites:

Spain - Jesus Martin Marquez 

Uruguay - Luis Jorge Vicente 

Hong Kong - Emmanuel Mass Luciano 

Colombia - Jorge Alberto Escribano Pelaez 

Sweden - Antoni Jungberg 

Cuba - Leonardo Piloto Gonzalez 

Czech Republic - Daniel Frohlich 

Australia - Scott Fletcher 

 

Italy - Arziom Cristofaro 

Iceland - Troy Michael Jonsson

Source:

Mr. Gay World Organization Inc. official website


Photo Source:

Missosology Portal

World Cities Nicknames and Labels

Here are some of the world's cities nicknames and labels:

Algiers, Algeria - Paris of North Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - means "New Flower"
Baghdad, Iraq - Most Romantic City of the Arabian Nights
Baltimore, Maryland, USA - First Catholic City in the US
Bangkok, Thailand - Venice of the East
Beijing, China - The Forbidden City, City of Cities
Benares, India - Holiest City of India
Berlin, Germany - Formerly divided city of Germany
Bruges, Belgium - City of Bridges
Budapest, Hungary - Minneapolis of Europe
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Largest City in Latin America
Damascus, Syria - Oldest City of the World
Geneva, Switzerland - Seat of International Conferences
Hammerfest, Norway - Northernmost Town in the World
Holyoake, Massachusetts, USA - Paper City of America
Java, Indonesia - The Garden Island
Jerusalem, Israel - Oldest Holy City of the World
Khartoum, Sudan - means "Elephant Trunk" 
Kethikan, Alaska, USA - World's Salmon City
Lima, Peru - City of the Kings
London, England - Third Largest City in the World (after New York and Tokyo)
Madrid, Spain - where Dr. Jose Rizal studied medicine
Mecca, Saudi Arabia - Holiest City of the Muslims
Mumbai, India - Largest City in India
New York City, USA - America's Greatest Seaport and Financial Center
Pagan, Myanmar - City of Four Million Elephants
Paris, France - City of Lights, famous for its Eiffel Tower, one of the tallest in Europe
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - City of Brotherly Love
Pisa, Italy - famous for its Leaning Tower
Prague, Czech Republic - City of Hundred Towers
Rome, Italy - Eternal City, City of Seven Hills
Tokyo, Japan - one of the most richest and thickly populated city in the world
Tronsoe, Norway - Capital of the Arctic
Vancouver, Canada - Canada's Gateway to the Pacific
Venice, Italy - famous for its gondolas, Queen of the Adriatic
Vienna, Austria - Queen of the Danube


Photo Source: 

Travel Destination, http://view71.com/eiffel-tower-at-night-paris-france-wallpapers-hd-wallpapers/eiffel-tower-at-night-wallpaper

Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko

This is Iloilo province most popular folk song which is already anthemic to the people of the place. Written in Hiligaynon, the song evokes a sense of pride, loyalty and patriotism to the land where we born and grow up. Included here is the lyrics of the song in Hiligaynon with its English translation.

Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko Song featuring all the towns, festival, events and happenings in Iloilo 

Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko Reggae Version 

Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko performed by the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra



ILOILO ANG BANWA KO


Iloilo ang banwa ko guinahingadlan
Matam-is nga pulong ang amon guinmat-an
Indi ko ikaw bulagan
Banwa kong nahamut-an
Ikaw ang guintunaan sang kalipayan

Ilonggo ako nga tunay
Nga nagapuyo sa higad sang baybay
Manami magkiay-kiay
Sa tagipusuon
Bug-os ang kalipay



ENGLISH TRANSLATION


My beloved hometown Iloilo
Sweet words which we grew up with
I will not leave you my dear hometown
You are the source of joy and happiness

I'm a true Ilonggo
That lives by the coast
Beautifully swaying hips
In my heart full of joy 


Video Courtesy of:

Youtube Channels:

Ulysses Loresto
MrAlmio's Channel
Bernardo Arellano III

Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas Song Translation

The song is sung by Miss Sharon Cuneta, a local Philippine actress and was the official theme song of the 1986 movie of the same title. I love the song so deep, so enthralling that makes me sob and teary eyed. You can sing the song if you want. Here is the music of the song with the single cover of the song with Sharon Cuneta in the picture. Included also here is the English translation of the lyrics. It is the official theme song of the movie of the same title "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas" which was released in 1986 starring Sharon Cuneta, Dina Bonnevie, Cherie Gil, Dindo Fernando, Tonton Gutierrez and the late Jay Ilagan among others. 
 







Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas
by Sharon Cuneta

 I
Sana'y wala nang wakas
Kung pag-ibig ay wagas
Paglalambing sa iyong piling
Ay ligaya kong walang kahambing

II
Kung di malimot ng tadhana
Bigyang tuldok ang ating ligaya
Walang hanggan ay hahamakin
Pagka't walang katapusan kitang iibigin

Chorus:
Kahit na ilang tinik ay kaya kong tapakan
Kung iyan ang paraan upang landas mo'y masundan
Kahit ilang ulit ako'y iyong saktan
Hindi kita maaring iwanan
Kahit ilang awit ay aking aawitin
Hanggang ang himig ko'y maging himig mo na rin
Kahit ilang dagat ang dapat tawarin
Higit pa riyan ang aking gagawin

Sana'y wala nang wakas (sana'y wala nang wakas)
Kapag hapdi ay lumipas
Ang mahalaga ngayon ay pag-asa
Dala nang pag-ibig
Saksi buong daigdig (saksi buong daigdig)

Repeat II
Repeat Chorus

Coda:
‘Di lamang pag-ibig ko
‘Di lamang ang buhay kong ibibigay
Sa ngalan nang pag-ibig mo
Higit pa riyan aking mahal, ang alay ko


English Translation

I
Wish it will never end
If love is pure
Tenderness by your side
Is my happiness without comparison

II
If not forgotten by destiny
Put a halt on our happiness
Infinity will be cursed
Because I will love you endlessly


Chorus:

I can step on the thorns no matter how many
If that's the way to follow your path
No matter how many times you hurt me
I cannot leave you
I can sing just how many songs
Until my melody is also yours
I can cross just how many ocean
I can do more than that

III
Wish it would never end
When the pain has passed
What is important now is hope
Brought by love
Witness by the whole world

Repeat II
Repeat Chorus
Coda

Coda:
Not only my love
Not only my life to offer
In the name of your love
More than that my love, my dedication/offer

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Winners and Result

Visibly shaken in disbelief, 25-year old model and actress Pia Wurtzbach bested 33 other lovely hopefuls to bag the Miss Universe Philippines 2015 title. The Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental native competed at Binibining Pilipinas for three times before finally capturing the elusive Bb. Pilipinas Universe crown on her third attempt. She was a runner up in 2013 and a semifinalist last year. Other big winners include Palawan's Janicel Lubina winning Bb. Pilipinas International 2015, Camarines Sur's Christy Lynn McGary, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2015, Cebu's Rogelie Catacutan, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2015 and Pampanga's Ann Lorraine Colis, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2015. 1st runner up is Albay's Hannah Ruth Sison a notch higher of her placement a year ago while 2nd runner-up is Marikina, Metro Manila's pride Kimverlyn Suiza. Here's the rest of the results:


Miss Universe Philippines 2015     -  Misamis Oriental - Bb. 10 Pia Wurtzbach

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2015 - Palawan - Bb. 11 Janicel Lubina

Binibining Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2015 - Camarines Sur - Bb. 19 Christi Lynn McGarry

Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2015 - Cebu - Bb. 25 Rogelie Catacutan

Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2015 - Pampanga - Bb. 24 Ann Lorraine Colis

1st Runner-Up - Albay - Bb. 28 Hannah Ruth Sison
2nd Runner-Up - Metro Manila - Bb. 8 Kimverlyn Suiza


Top 15    

    Albay -  Bb 14 Princess Joy Camu
    Metro Manila - Bb 17 Brenna Cassandra Gamboa
    Metro Manila  - Bb 34 Teresita Ssen Marquez
    Pampanga - Bb 09 Maolin Yalung
    Davao del Sur - Bb 21 Alaiza Flor Malinao
    Davao del Sur - Bb 23 Justine Beatrice Felizarta
    Rizal -  Bb 22 Anja-Vanessa Peter
    Benguet - Bb 12 Kylie Versoza


Special Awards

Congeniality - Davao del Sur - #6 Toni Alyessa Hipolito
Talent - Metro Manila - #34 Teresita Ssen Marquez
National Costume - Metro Manila -  #34 Teresita Ssen Marquez
Photogenic - Bulacan -  #5 Caneille Faith Santos
Swimsuit  - Palawan - #11 Janicel Lubina
Long Gown - Palawan - #11 Janicel Lubina


Sponsor's Awards

Philippine Airlines -  Benguet - #12 Kylie Verzosa
Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Award - Bulacan- #5 Caneille Faith Santos
She's so JAG Award - Metro Manila - #34 Teresita Ssen Marquez
Creamsilk     - Misamis Oriental -  #10 Pia Wurtzbach

   
Best in National Costumes Designers

Metro Manila - #34 - Teresita Ssen Marquez Designed by  Frederick Peralta

Finalists    

Cebu -  Bb.25 - Rogelie Catacutan Designed by Phillip Tampus

Camarines Norte -  Bb.27 - Ina Dominica Guerrero Designed by John Cliff Dimaala

Zamboanga del Sur - Bb.29 - Nancy Lee Leonard Designed by Edwin Uy

Misamis Oriental - Bb.10 - Pia Wurtzbach Designed by Albert Andrada

Photo Source: 

Binibining Pilipinas Inc.

Countries Of The World Nicknames And Labels

Here are the nicknames and labels of countries in the world:

Albania - smallest Balkan state
Algeria - largest nation in North Africa
Argentina -  meaning "silver", Land of the Gauchos and the Tango 

Australia - The Land Down Under, Land of the Southern Cross
Austria - Land of Beauty and Music
Belgium - country of the Belgians
Bhutan - Valley of the Thunder Dragons
Bolivia - Indian Republic
Brazil - giant of the Tropics, largest nation in Latin America
Cambodia - Land of the Khmers
Canada - Largest country in the Western Hemisphere
Chile - The Shoestring Republic
China - The Land of the Rising Dragon, Largest and most thickly populated country in the world
Czechoslovakia - later became separate independent countries, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic or Slovakia, Land of the Czechs and the Slovaks
Cuba - Pearl of the Antilles; largest and richest island in the Antilles, the only Communist nation in the western Hemisphere, the first Soviet satellite in the Americas
Denmark - Europe's oldest kingdom
Dominican Republic - Cradle of America
Ecuador - Republic on the Equator
Egypt - gift of the Nile
Ethiopia - oldest existing African monarchy
Finland - Land of a Thousand Lakes
France - world's center of art and culture
Greece - cradle of Western Civilization
Haiti - first Negro Republic
Hong Kong - Fragrant Harbor; Center of World Trade
Hungary - Land of the Plain
India - World's Largest Democracy; Second Most Thickly Populated Country of the World
Indonesia - World's Largest Archipelago, Land of Volcanoes
Iran - Ancient nation with a new name; known as Persia in the ancient civilization
Iraq - Cradle of Ancient Civilization; formerly known as Mesopotamia
Ireland - Emerald Isle
Israel - Republic of the Jews, melting pot of religions in the world
Italy - Land of Song and History
Japan - Land of the Rising Sun; Most Industrialized Country in Asia
Jordan - Desert Arab Kingdom
Kenya - Land of the Mau Mau, meaning "ostrich" 
Korea - Land of the Morning Calm
Kuwait - tiny Arab Kingdom, World's Second Largest Exporter of Oil
Laos - Land of a Million Elephants
Lebanon - Half-Christian, Half-Muslim Republic
Liberia - oldest African Republic
Madagascar - formerly known as Malagasy Republic, Africa's Malay nation, the only Catholic Republic in Africa
Malawi - Land of the Flaming Waters
Mauritania - Country of the Moors 
Mexico - the only Latin Republic in North America
Monaco - tourist paradise in the Mediterranean
Morocco - land further West
Myanmar - formerly known as Burma; Land of the Golden Pagodas, Rice Bowl of Asia
Namibia - new name for Southwest Africa 

Nepal - Land of the Living Museum, where Mt. Everest, world's highest mountain is found
Netherlands - also known as Holland meaning "low lands" , land of the windmills
New Zealand - Long Bright Land
Norway - Land of the Midnight Sun
Pakistan - Land of the Pure
Peru - Land of the Incas
Philippines - Pearl of the Orient, Seven Thousand Emeralds, Archipelago of St. Lazarus (former old name), First Malayan Republic
Poland - State with a Glorious Past
Portugal - World's first colonizing power
Puerto Rico - meaning "Rich Port", Commonwealth under the United States flag
Romania - richest nation in the Balkans
Russia (formerly USSR) - formerly World's mightiest communist power, land of the Powers
San Marino - oldest Republic in the World
Saudi Arabia - Cradle of Islam; Largest and Richest Kingdom in the Arabian peninsula
Sierra Leone - Mountain of the Lion 

Singapore - Island-City state; its name means Lion City
South Africa - country with the richest deposit of diamond and gold
Spain - champion of Catholicism
Sri Lanka - Island of Jewels
Sweden - Land of the Swedes
Switzerland - Playground of Europe; Europe's Highest Country
Syria - Muslim Arab Republic
Taiwan - formerly known as "Formosa" meaning beautiful, otherwise known as Nationalist China
Tanzania - new name for the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar
Thailand - Land of the Free (never been colonized by any western countries)
Tibet - The Roof of the World
Turkey - bridge between Asia and Europe
United Kingdom - mother of Democracy 
United States - Greatest Champion of the Free World, Richest and one of the most powerful nations of the world
Vatican City - Capital of the Catholic church,where the pope lives
Venezuela - meaning "Little Venice", World's second largest producer of oil
Yemen - The fortunate land
Yugoslavia - home of the southern Slavs, largest Balkan state, it is a country from 1943 - 1992 until it broke up into several countries of Croatia (1991), Slovenia (1991), Republic of Macedonia(1991), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992), Serbia and Montenegro (1992 - 2006), Serbia (2006), Montenegro (2006) and Kosovo (2008).
Zimbabwe - new name of Rhodesia


Other Places: 

Tanganyika - where the world's richest diamond mine is found
Zanzibar - Island of Golden Coves
Africa - Dark Continent, land of Contrast, World's second largest continent
Central America - land of Banana republic
South America - world's fourth largest continent
Greenland - World's largest island
Hawaii - Paradise of the Pacific, Surfing Mecca of the World, 50th state of US
Sikkim - Smallest Himalayan Kingdom, landlocked Indian state






 
Photo Source: 
 
The World Flag Blog, http://www.theworldflag.org/blog/

Notable Filipino Literary Figure With Their Achievements

Melecio Figueroa 

Lope K. Santos

Melecio Figueroa -  engraver from Arevalo, Iloilo. First Filipino designer of Philippine coins.

Flavio Zaragoza Cano - poet from Cabatuan, Iloilo. Known as the "Prince of Visayan Poets," he was one of the three greatest Filipino poet in Spanish along with Fernando Maria Guerrero and Cecilio Apostol

Fernando Maramag - first Filipino poet in English to win awards and fame

Clemencia Joven - first short story writer in English

Zoilo M. Galang - first Filipino novelist in English

Carlos P. Romulo - first Filipino to win honors in English journalism

Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion - first Filipino poet in English to win recognition in American literary circles

Lope K. Santos - author of the first Tagalog novel "Banaag at Sikat"

Claro Caluya - prince of Iloko poet

Mena Crisologo - greatest Iloko dramatist

Leona Florentino - greatest Iloko poetess

Leon C. Pichay - Iloko Poet Laureate

Angel Magahum - greatest Visayan dramatist




Source:

Municipality of Cabatuan, Iloilo Official Website,http://www.reocities.com/cabatuan_iloilo/Heroes/flavio.htm


Photo Source:

La Villa Rica de Arevalo: Heritage and Greatness, http://www.mysmartschools.ph/web/LaVillaRicadeArevalo/greatpeop.htm

Rizal Provincial Government Official Website,  http://rizalprovince.ph/thegovernors.html

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Final 15 Hot List

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Finals will be on Sunday, March 15 while the Pre-Pageant Specials will be on March 8. Thirty-four (34) contestants will be competing for Binibining Pilipinas 2015 prestigious titles namely: Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational and Bb. Pilipinas Tourism with the latter I am not yet sure if they will retain the title or replace the franchise with an international contest with solid and stable reputation which they can be assured that it will take place. 

Taken from Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Official TV Commercial Plug, here's Watchful Eyes of a Silhouette Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Final 15 Hot List: 

Misamis Oriental 

Albay 

Palawan 

Camarines Sur 

Metro Manila 

Metro Manila 

Zamboanga City 

Pampanga 

Camarines Norte 

Metro Manila 

Pampanga 

Rizal Province 

Davao del Sur 

Metro Manila 

Misamis Occidental

Source:

Binibining Pilipinas Official Youtube Channel