LAST week, Mutya ng Pilipinas held a triple event, welcoming the reigning Miss Intercontinental Líª Nguyíªn Báo Ngoc from Vietnam and sending off two of its queens: Iona Gibbs for Miss Intercontinental and Jeanette Reyes for Miss Tourism International.

Statuesque at over 6 feet tall, Bao, as the current Miss Intercontinental is fondly called, arrived at the event at CWC Interiors BGC in Taguig City straight from her arrival at NAIA where she was welcomed by no less than Mutya ng Pilipinas president Cory Quirino and the RV Group of which she is a product endorser.

She was here to fulfill her foremost wish to do a charity visit at Philippines General Hospital where she was scheduled to meet with neurosurgeon Dr. Gerarddo “Gap” Legaspi, director of UP Manila – PGH.

On the side, Bao did a quick tour of Intramuros and was hosted for lunch by Ilustrado Restaurant.

Now in the thick of competitions in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia is Mutya \ng Pilipinas Tourism International Jeanette Lopez Reyes, 25, from Pasacao, Camarines Sur. She left for Sabah the next day after her sendoff.

Jeanette is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She is also a Philippine Coast Guard volunteer where she holds the rank of auxilary lieutenant (addressed Aux Lt Jeanette L Reyes PCGA).

Jeanette has also worked as an AirAsia cabin crew and flight attendant.

Not new to pageantry, Reyes was also adjudged Miss Bicolandia 2022 2nd runner-up.

Jeanette is aiming to become the 6th Miss Tourism International from the Philippines after Peachy Manzano (2000), Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2012), Ange Gomez (2013), Janjannie Loudette Alipo-on (2017) and Cyrille Payumo (2019).

The 26th Miss Tourism International finale will be held in Kota Kinabalu on November 25.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian beauty Iona Violeta Abrera Gibbs, 21, is set to leave next week for Miss Intercontinental’s 52nd edition which will be held in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt on December 15.

Born in San Juan City to Canadian Bernard Gibbs and the former Zoila Abrera from Limay, Bataan, Iona and her family moved to Canada where she grew up and finished grade school. She moved back to the Philippines in 2015 where she finished high school at MIT International School in Alabang.

Iona is currently completing her degree at De La Salle University, specifically Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science, major in Organizational and Social Systems Development.

Her multi-racial background has allowed her to speak three languages fluently: English, Filipino and French.

Iona is also into music, having recorded originals and covers that are available in national airwaves.

Coming from a family of fishermen in Limay, Iona has partnered with Oceana Philippines in her other passion to conserve and nourish back our waters.

Iona has prepared long and hard to achieve her goal to win the country’s third Miss Intercontinental title after Karen Gallman in 2018 and Cindy Obeñita in 2021.

RIZA Oben Dormiendo, an entrepreneur/philanthropist who holds a doctorate degree in humanities, was crowned very recently as the first ever Miss Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines International titleholder.

Dormiendo, who held the title of Mrs. Face of Beauty International Philippines in 2019, is, indeed, a classic example of beauty inside and out after topping the beauty pageant organized for the United Nations Day celebrations recently of Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines District 383 at One Shangri-La Place, BGC, Taguig City.

Dormiendo won the pageant representing the Inner Wheel Club of Muntinlupa Filinvest District 383 where she is club president.

One hundred fifty delegates from different districts participated in the glittering pageant. They were narrowed down to Top 20 then shortlisted to Top 10 and eventually, the Final 5. The final Q&A sealed the fate of the winner.

The event was graced by Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines Inc. national president Sofie Lee with her NBOT Team, District 383 – Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. district chairman Analie Bolinao, other district and club presidents.

Doc Riza, as Dormiendo is fondly called, effortlessly channeled her inner Cleopatra in an ensemble by designer Gerard Quiogue and captivated the crowd with her grace, wit and poise.

The victory is a welcome addition to Doc Riza’s long list of achievements in various fields through the years.

As a steadfast advocate of “collecting moments, not things”,” Doc Riza certainly cherishes this accolade.

“Thank you so much to my Sisterhood in IWC Muntinlupa Filinvest District 383, to my district chairman Analie Bolinao and national president Sofie Lee for making this possible,” Doc Riza posted in her social media pages.

Meanwhile, Inner Wheel Club Muntinlupa Filinvest D383 also congratulated its president via its social media page:

“It is with great pride and joy that we announce that our Inner Wheel Club of Muntinlupa Filinvest District 383 Club president Dra. Riza Oben Dormiendo was crowned as the first Miss IWCPI 2023 at the Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines Inc (IWCPI) United Nations Day celebration at the One Shangri-La Place, BGC, Taguig City….We congratulate president Dra. Riza Oben Dormiendo for this remarkable feat and wish her more successes in the months to come.”

International Inner Wheel (IIW) is one of the largest women’s service voluntary organizations in the World. IW is active in over 103 countries with 3,895 clubs with 103,000 members as of Inner Wheel Year 2020-2021. The Inner Clubs of the Philippines (IWCPI), has a governing body (National Board), the board of trustees composed of nine officers comprising the EXECOM and nine district chairmen in different districts.

The Inner Wheel Club of Muntinlupa Filinvest (IWCMF) is one the chartered clubs in District 383.

THE 10th year of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (MMCP) got underway with 20 young Chinoys and Chinays, or “GenXins,” all vying for the chance to be the next ambassador and ambassadress of the Chinese-Filipino youth.

Currently the only pageant in the Philippines for the Chinese-Filipino community, MMCP is the flagship project of Miss Chinatown Foundation, which it co-organizes with CHiNOY TV. For its 2023 edition, the project is represented by 10 male and 10 female hopefuls, or known as GenXins.

“’GenXin’ originated from Generation and Xin, which means ‘new,’ so we coined this word to depict the next generation Chinoys,” shared CHiNOY TV president Alvin Kingson Tan. “With the candidates being mostly from the Gen- generation, we are utilizing MMCP as a platform for GenXins to share their ideas, improve themselves, but more than anything, for them to be appreciative of their Chinoy roots.”

Mikko Araneta, who is MMCP’s pageant director since 2018, adds that the project’s 10-year mark is also an opportunity to broaden its vision and contributions to the wider community. “I think we are trying to redefine what pageantry means in this time and age. Aside from the gloss and spectacle, it really is about the contestant’s journey and what meaning they can draw out of it when the contest is done.”

All candidates will be taking part in a series of training sessions and challenges to help them learn more about their culture, discover their skills, and showcase their potential, such as the Cultural Costume Competition or Chinatown Day, where they will parade in elaborate getups that symbolize Chinoy culture. There will also be a Ting Hun-inspired Chinatown Ball which will take place in Hilton Manila. Finally, the GenXins’ journey will culminate on November 19, where they face off for the last time at the coronation night at Newport Resorts World Manila.

This year’s official female candidates are: Jamille Aguilar, Mary Grace Khu, Shaun Omillo, Glezlie Ong, Lesly Sim, Jercy Raine So, Allysandrea Tan, Arine Ejercito Tan, Mary Justine Teng and Aya Ti.

The official male candidates are: Howie Chang, Seaver Choy, Kenneth Co, Steven Conde, Janoah Policarpio,  Matthew Ian So, Geremy Tanenggee, Lance Tiu, Newson Shann Uy and Kay Zhang.

At the presscon held at Ramada by Wyndham in Binondo, Manila, Justine Teng won all three awards at stake, namely, Darling of the Press, Miss Ramada Manila and Miss Derma World.

In the male division, the winners were Geremy Tanenggee, Darling of the Press; Newson Shann Uy, Mr. Ramada Manila; and Lance Tiu, Mr. Derma World.

Witness the journey of MMCP’s 10th-year candidates by following Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Philippines and CHiNOY TV on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The same will be shown in a four-part limited series of the documentary “Chinese By Blood, Filipino By Heart,” which airs on CNN Philippines.

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Soulful balladeer and composer Dindo Fernandez is set to take the stage in his upcoming concert dubbed “Dindo Fernandez…Live at Teatrino with Musica Chiesa,” and promises to make it unforgettable in the local concert scene.

It will be a night of unforgettable performances. The show will be tomorrow, October 28, 8 p.m. at Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills and Dindo promises it to be “a night of unforgettable performances.”

Michael Bulaong of the chamber orchestra Musica Chiesa, is his musical director, and to be directed by award-winning light and stage director Joey Nombres.

The concert is presented in collaboration with the Jesuit Communications Foundation Inc. (JesCom).

MISS Aura International 2021 and seasoned triathlete Alexandra Faith Garcia conquered the Sydney Marathon recently, finishing the race in a personal best record time.

The Sydney marathon is a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM). Over the next 3 years, the Sydney Marathon will be required to meet strict criteria to achieve “majors” status by 2025 in order to join an esteemed group of races, namely: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.

“This is my second marathon and the first one was way back 2017 at Macau Marathon,”  said Faith Garcia. “Conquering the Sydney Marathon last Sept 17 was no walk in the park! These rolling hills and ‘Pinas-level heat made every step a challenge!”

In 2017, her finish time was 4 hours and 54 minutes. “I’m happy that I got my PR, crossing the finish line at a time of 4 hours and 35 minutes!” Faith enthused.

More than 40,000 runners lined up for the Sydney Marathon, a record turnout for the event, and the biggest marathon held in Australia, according to organizers.

The race started at Milsons Point and was packed by the 17,000 people that took part in the main 42-kilometer event.

Temperatures reached 30 degrees along the course with the Bureau of Meteorology sending a warning to runners prior to the start at 7:10 a.m.

“Those last kilometers proved to be really tough especially with the heat which was not normal and considering that this is a 42-km. run, I need to really stop at every hydration station to hydrate and get some ice to pour into me just to cool down,” Faith continued. “My expected finish time was around 4-5 hours since this was just my second marathon.”

Faith was able to meet a group of the Pinoy running community in Sydney and was able to bond with them in a lunch Saturday before the race.

“Comparing this course to Macau, the route there was flat and the weather there during December is cold but overall I am really happy with my finish time here in Sydney,” recounted Faith. “That weekend was not just all about the Sydney marathon as I was able to meet-up with my younger brother (Keith Garcia – IT Professional working at an IT Consulting firm) who is currently residing in Australia and it was his first year anniversary since moving in Australia.”

Faith prepared two sets of running clothes, one was for cold weather running like when she runs in Baguio, and her usual running gear when running in and around the Philippines. “I expected to run in cold weather but during that weekend they announced that it will be unusually hot so I changed my plan and used my normal running attire,” Faith recalls.

Faith is proud to be part of the DTE Endurance influencers. She got to meet a lot of new friends in the running community and other influencers as well from across the region. “I was amazed with the dedication and commitment of the other runners that I met during that weekend for running,” Faith continued. “The overall experience was quite awesome and they were really organized starting from the accommodations, roundtrip tickets, tours and overall race experience. Watch out for updates as the registration for the Sydney Marathon next year will happen soon. They will be providing the Endurance Travel Package for an awesome all-in-one race experience.”

“Since we were part of the Influencers group, we were seeded at the start of the marathon together with the elites and knowing that they will be having a fast pace to start the run, I just tried not to get too excited and paced myself correctly to have a strong finish,” said Faith. “I am looking forward to joining this marathon again next year since it will be bringing in the Abbott Wanda Age Group World Championships.”

MERANIE Pabular Gadiana Rahman, a Filipina based in Hawaii, won the 46th Mrs. Universe finals held at the Newport World Resorts Theater in Pasay last Sunday.

Besting about a hundred married delegates worldwide, Rahman, who is originally from Misamis Oriental, was crowned by Elena Maksinova from Russia, last year’s winner, and became the first woman from the Philippines to win the coveted title.

Born in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental and schooled in Cagayan de Oro City, Meranie married Dr. Inam Ikeda-Rahman Perreira 12 years ago; she has been based in Honolulu, Hawaii for the last 17 years.

Meranie has also competed for Mrs. World twice, first as Guam’s delegate in 2019 where she made it to the top 8, and last year as the Philippine delegate.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Universe Philippines Arlene Cris Damot, a registered nurse and aesthetics clinic owner, was the second runner-up to Rahman.

Rounding up the circle of winners are: first runner-up Kalpana Shukia who represented India-UK; third runner-up Emma Melik-Adaman from the Black Sea; and fourth runner-up Anna Pechurina from Moscow.

The top five came from 25 semifinalists that also included another Filipina, Thea Isla Sian, who represented North Pacific Asia.

The Bulgaria-based Mrs. Universe Organization, headed by Sava Tsekov, came in full force. Tsekov expressed his gratefulness and admiration for the Philippines’ hosting the annual event that showcased the unparalleled brand of Filipino hospitality that is renowned across the globe.

Mrs. Universe Philippines national director Maria Charo Calalo spearheaded the organizing committee and production team that successfully staged the global beauty extravaganza that gathered married women in a camaraderie of friendship and united stand to stop violence against women and children.

Hosted by Jojo Alejar and former Miss Philippines Water Samantha Purvor, the three-and-a-half-hour show also featured actress Ara Mina as one of the judges.

Former Binibining Pilipinas titlists also graced the show, namely Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez Lawyer, Miss Universe 4th runner-up 1975 Chiqui Brosas Hahn, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1979 Dang Cecilio-Palanca, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1981 Maricar Mendoza-Du, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 1993 Jenette Fernando-Dizon, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 1994 Sheila Marie Dizon-Carlos and Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 1977 Emma Yuhuico.

SEXYBABE” grand winner Sam Coloso has a new title!  She is “Spingorgeous Sam,” John Arcilla’s co-host in TV5’s newest and biggest interactive gameshow, “Spingo,” with prizes of up to P1.5M to studio contestants and up to P100,000 to televiewers.

As Spingorgeous Sam, she will bring luck to players from Monday to Friday, 5:30-6:30pm. This is a great opportunity for Sam because she will be with John in giving the prize. Sam will also sing, dance and act with “Heneral” while hosting the show.

Currently, Sam is also host of “Showtime Online U” and guest host of Pie Channel’s “Sinong Manok Mo?”

Last year, Sam won “It’s Showtime’s” “Sexybabe” segment after passing the daily, weekly and semifinals en route to a rousing victory at the grand finals.

Sam was also chosen as Miss Face of Beauty Philippines in 2019 and became the official representative of the Philippines in the Face of Beauty International 2019 held in the Philippines. She also became Miss Mapua Cardinals 2018.

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Maricel Tagawa, a 41-year-old lady electrician who is originally from Davao, southern Philippines, is all set for the Mrs. Universe Official finals after crowning and sash-pinning ceremonies conducted by national director Myla Villagonzalo Tsutaichi at the press huddle held at Heritage Restobar, Heroes Hotel, Santa Ana, Manila yesterday afternoon.

According to Tsutaichi, Maricel is, so far, the only certified Pinay electrician in Japan. Married to a Japanese, Maricel has been living and working in Japan for 20 years and has made it her second home after embracing her calling to be a lady electrician.

Tsutaichi, the national director of the Mrs. Universe (Official) in Japan, herself a Tokyo-based Pinay kimono teacher who is originally from Baliwag, Bulacan, picked Tagawa to represent the Land of the Rising Sun in the beauty pageant for married women that advocates for human rights.

The Mrs. Universe (Official) finals, only on its second outing, happens at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on October 12.

BINIBINING Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Yance Borromeo, 22, was given a warm sendoff last Wednesday at the new Quantum SkyView activity center of Gateway Mall II in Araneta City.

Gracing the event in support of Nicole’s international pageant campaign are her Binibining Pilipinas sisters Gabrielle Basiano (Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022), Stacey Gabriel (2nd runner-up 2022), Anna Valencia Lakrini (Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023), Katrina Anne Johnson (1st runner-up 2023) and Atasha Reign Parani (2nd runner-up 2023).

Also present was Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc., Araneta Group.

At the event hosted by Gines Enriquez, Nicole expressed her excitement for her upcoming pageant journey, which will mark her second visit to Japan.

Nicole was in Japan last year to witness Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold compete, and eventually place in the top 15, at the 60th edition of the pageant also in Tokyo.

Nicole was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 in July 31, 2022 succeeding Hannah Arnold, who competed for the 60th Miss International on December 13, 2022, after it was delayed for two years because of the pandemic.

Nicole, in turn, is competing for the international pageant after turning over her Bibnibining Pilipinas crown to Angelica Lopez last May 28; Lopez will compete for Miss International next year.

Nicole expressed her readiness to embrace the Miss International competition with open arms. When asked if she was prepared to win the 7th prestigious pageant crown for her country, Nicole humbly acknowledged that one can never be fully ready for anything, but she is welcoming the experience with open arms, bringing a fresh perspective to the world.

For the record, Miss International is dearest to Filipinos’ hearts. The Philippines is the most successful Asian country, having won the coveted crown six times: Gemma Cruz in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979, Lara Quigaman in 2005, Bea Rose Santiago in 2013 and Kylie Verzosa in 2016.

Nicole also highlighted her advocacy about the importance of physical and mental well-being, as well as having a safe and decent place to call home. Nicole’s platform aims to eliminate poverty and promote a world where everyone has access to a secure and comfortable living environment, even as she expressed confidence in the platforms provided by Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International to achieve this vision.

REIGNING Miss World 2022 Karolina  Bielawska, together with Miss World Organization founder and chairperson Julia Morley, arrived in Manila Wednesday and marked their Philippine visit with a special press conference yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Center.

Also in attendance were Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and Mr World 2022 Kirk Bondad.

Organized by Bluewater Day Spa and Skin Elements, the press meet  highlighted the statuesque Polish beauty queen’s first visit to the country, while marking the fourth year since Julia’s last visit to Manila last 2019.

Karolina, Julia and their Miss World Organization entourage will be the special guests of honor who will lead the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the opening of reigning Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol’s advocacy project for the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) foundation, a two-storey learning hub located at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila. The formal launch is scheduled tomorrow.

For her part, Julia Morley looks forward to revisiting her longtime advocacy project, the Tuloy Foundation, a non-governmental organization headed by Father Rocky Evangelista that is committed to the transformation of poor, abandoned, homeless and at-risk children.

“It’s always inspiring to know that our queens live up to our ‘beauty with a purpose’ advocacy, and education remains a top priority for global change,” Morley remarked.

Through the past years, the foundation has been one of the many beneficiaries of the Miss World Organization, and Julia’s visits have always been a great source of joy for the children.

“It’s a pity that it took us a long time to come back here because of the global pandemic, but we remain resolute with our commitment to Father Rocky and the children,” Julia added.

Meanwhile, as the reigning Miss World, Karolina looks forward to being part of all of the organization’s advocacy and charity projects all over the world. “It’s a game-changer for me to travel in these parts of Asia. We hope to align with like-minded organizations who support our advocacies and charities,” she said

Karolina is also looking forward to experiencing the Philippines’ world-acclaimed brand of hospitality, as well as visiting some scenic tourist destinations, sampling some of our famous Filipino dishes, and doing some fashion photo shoots.

Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria warmly welcomed Karolina, Julia and the Miss World Organization delegates, and regards their visit as an affirmation of the two organization’s firm and resolute partnership.

“Julia and Karolina’s visit is a testament to the solid partnership between the Miss World Organization and the Miss World Philippines Organization. This should put to rest any rumors or speculations that have come up within the past weeks regarding the organization’s directives,” said Vegafria.

After their Manila visit, Julia, Karolina and company will be gearing up in preparation for the much-awaited 71st edition of the Miss World pageant, to be held in New Delhi, India on December 16.

The 2023 Miss World pageant will be telecast via GMA-7 and ALV TV streaming platform.