Beauty Queen Turns into Chihuahua Mom

Adventures of a Beauty Queen has been offline for almost A WEEK now (horrors!) for I have unexpectedly become a brand new Chihuahua Mom!

My Darling Rames!

After the violent death of my darling kitten Peppy (he was attacked by a big dog) I was so despondent that I bought a Buy and Sell to look for a Chihuahua and found THIS LITTLE GUY. But before you click that link, let me make it VERRRY clear that nothing could ever replace my darling Peppy but I felt that maybe a little puppy could ease the heartache.

I will be honest that I became severely impartial to small doggies after meeting Sugar, the Chihuahua of my friend and Missosologist Eton Bonifacio, at the press presentation of the Miss Earth 2009 candidates. Sugar was such a “CHI-VA” (chihuahua diva) minus the bad-attitude, that I fell in love permanently with her species.

Meeting Sugar at the Miss Earth 2009 Press Presentation

My late Fox Terrier, Andrew Love

Soon enough, I found myself purchasing my own Chi – a 3 month old boy; white with big black spots and orange eyebrows (he looks like a mini-version of my late Fox Terrier Andy Love) a slightly deformed left paw and no balls. His previous owner explained that he had undescended testicles and that THAT only affected his ability to procreate and did not make him a chicken.

Well, I didn’t give a woof. I wanted him and he was MINE!

After a FAMILY debate on whether we should call him Behemoth or Mothra, we decided on the more suave and kingly RAMSES.

Ramses' baby photo

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BUY A CHIHUAHUA, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. Chihuahuas are a one-human dog.

Out of all my family members, Ramses has picked me to be his human BFF! He will follow me all over the place and answer my call above all others. When I am gone, his yaya Paning takes care of him but he isn’t truly happy until I get home. And because Chihuahuas are like children, I spend time playing with him and his little collection of toys and I usually tuck him into bed at the end of the day.

To make sure Ramses doesn’t become anti-social and exclusively focused on me, I share him with everyone in the family and bring him to work to meet other people. I’ve also taken him shopping so he can get used to bustling crowds.

2. Chihuahuas are true lap-dogs.

Little Ramses is a frisky little bundle of fur who enjoys chasing around but if I put him on my lap, HE STAYS THERE. It’s a wonderful change from the typical puppy who can’t wait to rush off and explore the house or chew your shoe. This trait makes chihuahuas such wonderful companions in and outside the house.

3. Chihuahuas are small.

So they eat small. And they poo small. Two things I am EXTREMELY grateful for. LOLOLOL!

4. Chihuahuas do not know they are small.

These guys think they are blue whales or something. They do not hesitate to attack creatures of all sizes if they feel threatened. Ramses has a surprisingly low bark when he is trying to ‘protect’ me from ’strangers’.

5. Chihuahuas and Children DON’T GET ALONG.

Because Chihuahuas are small, children think they’re toys. That’s of course until the chihuahua bites back.

6. Chihuahuas need displine.

Because they are too cute for your shorts, Chihuahuas can get away with more than just your SHORTS!!!  But DON’T let them take over! The second you bring your Chi home, establish who is boss. You do this by setting a daily pattern that they HAVE TO follow religiously. For example: Ramses has 3 meals a day and right after each meal he is put in the bathroom to poo. If he accidentally poos outside the bathroom, I show him I am displeased with a stern voice. If he poos or pees in the right place, I tell him that he is a good boy.

After Ramses is potty trained, I will attempt to train him with the help of a few internet resources that I have found.

While discipline is great, never yell at or spank your Chihuahua. And don’t rub his nose in his doodoo as punishment for pooing in the wrong place. A displeased tone of voice is enough to tell him that what he did was wrong.

7. Chihuahuas tend to follow your mood.

When you get excited, they get so tickled pink that they go peepee. But when you are calm, they start to relax and chill out.

In the mornings, Ramses wakes up REALLLY early. But he patiently waits in his little bed (which is next to ours) until Ron and I wake up. When Ramses sees that we are ‘ready’ he greets us a good morning with his wet nose and wiggly body. Then it’s playtime and breakfast!

8. Chihuahuas easily get cold.

I’ve already bought Ramses 3 tshirts. Each one big enough to comfortably cover a coffee mug. But with the shocking cost of size-zero doggie tees I am seriously thinking of putting up an ukay-ukay for pets.

Animal fashion is JUST TOO DOGGONE EXPENSIVE!!!

IF YOU ARE A CHIHUAHUA OWNER, PLEASE TELL US TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHI IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!!!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

Rawrrrr!!!

I’m on the Lifestyle Section of the Inquirer!!!

This FRINGE-Y Top by Lyle Ibanez is CLASSY!

Serendipity led me to today’s Philippine Daily Inquirer which features a LOVELY photo of me on the CATWALK!

It happened this way. We were up at the crack of dawn, a rare occurence for night owls like us, to bring my daughter to the meeting place for her college retreat. I brought some of my favorites from my harem of pillows and my mini-comforter and settled into the car for the long ride to UST.

On the way back home, we decided to break our fast (and our diet as well, hohoho) at a MacDo drive through. I have determined that the least unhealthy option on the breakfast menu is the Egg McMuffin minus the meat. So I had that AND a cappucino (thank God for McCafe, you can upsize the regular blah coffee to a cappucino or a latte, etc.) while the hubby got some pancakes.

As the lady at the drive-through counter handed us our orders, she gave us a complimentary copy of the PDI. After wading through the stories on the Hillary Clinton visit and Father Sinnot’s release from abduction, I saw my beautiful self in the Lifestyle section, page E1. The photo was part of a great article by Larry Leviste where he gives Tips on Plus Size Couture for the Holidays.

If you’re a Size 12 and above, you’ll pick up a LOT of pointers, so check the article out!!!

Here are a few more photos of my and my daughter’s plus-size modeling stint at the last Fashion Week:

Fringe CITY!!!

Diandra Zach, my one and only daughter, models for the first time together with me!

Wild ZebraWOOOMAN on the LOOOOOSE!!!

 

 

Melody Gersbach Dedicates Miss International 2009 Bid to Late Aunt

Bb Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach

If Bb. Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach were a doll, you wouldn’t find her on the Barbie shelves. Or in the Bratz’ section .

She’d DEFINITELY be in the classic Baby Doll collection with her big baby doll eyes, pink baby doll cheeks and…  basta, baby doll siya ALL OVER!

Unfortunately, I didn’t see that at first. Melody wasn’t in my Top Picks for Bb Pilipinas 2009 and now I know why – I was forced to make my selections via online photos and didn’t have the chance to see her in person.

She is buckets prettier face-to-face!!!

Although our Miss International representative this year has a German last name and heritage, Melody Gersbach is a PINAY through and through. She grew up in Bicol studying at St. Agnes Academy then moved to Manila to study Management in University of Asia and the Pacific. She speaks three languages – English, Geman and Pilipino – and understands Bicolano and a little Kapampangan.

Melody Gersbach’s plan in life WAS to become a businesswoman and to take over the family business. The Gersbachs own a resataurant called Gasthof (the German word for ‘inn’) and she was preparing to take over management duties once she had gotten out of college. They have a branch in A.Venue on Makati Avenue; and in the cities of Naga and Legaspi in Bicol.

But then her favorite Aunt, Maridel Gonzalez insisted that Melody was meant to become a beauty queen FIRST! Melody admits that her dear Aunt was a frustrated beauty contestant and never had the chance to join a beauty pageant.

But it didn’t take too much urging to get Melody to cooperate. Before she knew it, she was handing in her Bb. Pilipinas application form. And winning one of the major titles – Bb. Pilipinas International 2009!!!

Bb Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach takes last minute Mandarin lessons from Photog Melvin Sia in preparation for her trip to China

But not all stories have happy endings. Little did she know that she would lose her favorite Auntie, the driving force behind her success,  3 weeks after being crowned one of the Philippines’ top beauties. On April 1, 2009, the day of Melody’s homecoming in Bicol, Tita Maridel was fatally shot 7 times in a violent shooting incident. Police are looking at a love triangle and a business dispute as possible angles.

Although Melody was devastated, she vowed to continue living her Auntie’s dream.Preview As she leaves for China today, Nov. 12, 2009, to represent the Philippines in the Miss International, she dedicates it all to her Tita Maridel.

Auf Weidersehen Melody Gersbach! I’m sure Tita Maridel is cheering for you in heaven as you compete in the Miss International 2009 pageant on November 28 in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.  Your story ISN’T over yet; I’m banking on a Happy Ending!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen…

Melody Gersbach off to Miss International 2009!!! Photo by Eton Bonifacio

Daisy Reyes Sings AND Belly Dances in MRS World 2009!!!

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

Still thrilled over Daisy Reyes who is wearing the Philippine Sash PROUDLY in the MRS World 2009 being held in Vietnam !!!  Her BFF and agent, John dela Vega is in touch with her – they regularly talk on the phone and here’s the update I received from him:

Hello! Here are Daisy’s pics in Vietnam. Will update you time to time as Daisy and I regularly talk on the phone. Btw she’s singing a Shakira medley while belly dancing for the talent competition. She brought with her an authentic black, fully-beaded belly dancing costume. She is wearing an all-white Swarovski-studded Grecian gown for the finals. The layered-chiffon gown is a Jontie Martinez’s creation.  She wore that during the gala night. Though I only had three days to prepare her as the notice for her to compete came so late, i believe she is prepared for the competition.Will update you Ms. Joyce!

Oh, my THREE DAYS???  That reminds me of the time when I won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 1985. I had to fly to Miami for the Miss Universe contest THREE DAYS after I won!!!

Well, I agree with John that Daisy Reyes is prepared. She is, after all, a cross between a girl scout and a beauty queen: always prepared for kikay events like this! No matter the pressures of her business and life in general, Daisy always makes sure to maintain her GORGEOUSNESS!!!

Btw, if I may be catty for just this one time: nakita ko na yung mga photos ng mga kalaban. HELLLO silang lahat kay Daisy!!!

Here are the photos from John dela Vega!!!

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes with her room mate Mrs South Korea

Mrs Philippines World Daisy Reyes... walang kupas ang kagandahan!!!

Mrs Philippines World Daisy Reyes Makes an Elegant LEG!

Daisy Reyes Wears the Philippine Sash in MRS World 2009!

Me with Beauty Expert Felix Manuel

I finally got to meet one of my favorite missosologists – Beauty Expert Felix Manuel. He is in town from New York to cover the Miss Earth pageant. We originally met on Facebook and for the past few months have kept a casual friendship online. Now we have shared stories over ice-cream at Dairy Queen Thank God for FACEBOOK ha?!!

Well, I picked up the story below from him – about Daisy Reyes representing the Philippines in the Ms World competition in Vietnam. I had the opportunity to meet her at the La Bulaqueña 2009 beauty pageant in Bulacan (like where else would it be held?) a couple of months ago. I was mesmerized not just by her beauty but by her grace and poise. Daisy Reyes is also very eloquent and knows how to speak to a crowd of people – something I witnessed when she was interviewed on stage by the host of La Bulaquena.

Visit Daisy Reyes’ website here to find out more about her beauty titles, her singing and acting careers and her business.

And now, the article…

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Daisy Reyes Is Philippine Bet In Mrs World 2009

Former Bb Pilipinas-World 1996, Daisy Garcia Reyes -Iqbal( awarded Ms Personality during the 1996 Ms World Pageant held in India) is now in Ba Rua Vung Tao, Vietnam competing for the 2009 Mrs World title to be held on November 22. She will be wearing Jontie Martinez creations throughout the duration of the world’s most prestigious pageant for married women.

The Concept for “Mrs. World” has its roots in one of the oldest and most respected of all competitions- “Mrs. America.” That extravaganza was reorganized by David Marmel featuring a more contemporary and glamorous approach. While beauty is the key element, contestants are also urged to voice their opinions about marriage and current events.

All married women – young wives, mothers and even grandmothers – are eligible to participate. By providing this unique forum, in which delegates from around the world can coem together and share a common purpose. “Mrs.World” successfully fosters greater communication, friendship and mutual understanding among all people.

Over the years, “MRS.WORLD” has been produced in many fascinating locations around the world including: Queensland; Australia; Jerusalem; israel; San Jose; Costa RIca; Honolulu; Hawaii(4 years); Las Vegas, Nevada (3 years); 2005, Amby Valley, India near Bombay;2006 in St.Petersburg, 2007 in Sochi Russia and 2008 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Best of luck dearest Daisy!!!

Photos courtesy of Felix Manuel and OPMB Worldwide. Please visit OPMB for the latest in Pageant News!!!

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

Miss England Resigns After Punching Beauty Contestant in Bar

When Beauty Queens misbehave it is just pathetic. I came across this story and it made me cringe. Although my blog is dedicated to supporting beauty queens and pageants in general, I just can’t turn a blind eye to bad behavior.

What makes it more painful, at least in this particular story, is that the Beauty Queen in question is the first black beauty to win the Miss England title. Shouldn’t that honor make her more careful about her actions, specially in public?

The second thing that ticks me off is that she puched out another beauty contestant. That certainly doesn’t dispel the stereotype that beauty contestants are catty.

And the third thing that is so disappointing is that Rachel Christie also happens to be a serious athlete in training. You would think that discipline and self-control would be part of her lifestyle.

All I can do is shake my head and pray that this lady has learned her lesson! Read on and tell me what you think…

Rachel Christie MISS ENGLAND 2009

The reigning Miss England, Rachel Christie, has had to step off her beauty queen platform, after getting into a brawl at a bar.

The 21 year old reportedly picked a fight with a fellow beauty queen, while partying at a nightclub last week. The brawl included Miss England punching Miss Manchester’s Sara Beverly Jones, in the face several times. The two were attending an “adult” themed costume party.

Jones thought it would be a good idea to show Christie a provocative text message that Jones had received on her cell phone. The problem was that the text happened to be from Christie’s boyfriend, David McIntosh. McIntosh is also known as the Tornado on the Gladiators show. The 24 year old Jones, is his x-girlfriend.

Christie who practices tae kwon do, was released on bail, and will work to clear her name after the little misunderstanding. She has a court hearing in January when she will face the assault charges. She will continue to train for the 2012 Olympics where she plans to enter in the heptathlon.

Article above was found on this site.

Read more on Miss England Rachel Christie’s heptathlon training here.

Beauty Queen’s Earthy 18 Picks in Miss Earth 2009!!!

My head continues to spin with all the action happening in the beauty pageant world – there are three big ones coming up – MRS International, Ms International and Ms World. THEN there’s the MISS EARTH 2009 that is on-going right on Philippine soil!!! Get it? EARTH…  SOIL…  LOLOLOL!!!

I have to think of all that, take care of family AND try to make a living – my pretty little head can take only so much!!!

So, here we goooo!!

Lorraine Shuck (the woman behind the Miss Earth franchise) and I go a looong way back. When she was still acting on television soaps, I would run into her and we would spend time chatting about stuff. Although we were never really close, we maintained a good friendship that lasts to this day.

I am really proud of what Lorraine has done with the Miss Earth pageant. It is now a well-respected pageant with over 70 nations joining every year. And it is a pageant with a dual purpose – to celebrate the beauty of women and to raise awareness on environmental issues. There’s nothing like hearing a five-foot-ten blonde bombshell in a bikini tell you that “waste management is key to sustainable development.”And don’t hee-haw over that. I’m suspicious that the Miss Earth contestants all understand what they are talking about, thanks to the ‘earth classes’ they have to attend during the pageant.

So when I attended the Miss Earth 2009 Press Presentation, I thoroughly enjoyed the part where each contestant would introduce themselves and then say something about the earth and how we should care for it.

And now, my list of 18 girls that I believe are the pageant-winner types and have the best chances of making it into the semi- finals. My super top favorites are highlighted in RED!

1) Krysal Brown, Miss Bahamas

MISS BAHAMAS Krystal Brown

According to this Beauty in Pageants article, there is some controversy as to why Krystal Brown was sent to the Miss Earth 2009. She was a non-finalist in the Miss Bahamas pageant and yet was appointed to take the place of the original Miss Bahamas Earth Ife Bethel Sears who resigned to continue her studies.

I had the chance to chat with Krystal when she was getting her hair done for the press presentation and she strikes me as an intelligent woman. We talked mostly about her country – I had the opportunity to visit the capital Nassau (it is the capital of Bahamas right?) but only for 3 or 4 hours as we took a day trip there via cruiser from Miami. Krystal Brown says next time I visit the Bahamas, I need to stay longer, like a week at least and then I should go to the smaller islands which are far more relaxing than Nassau.

Krystal Brown MISS BAHAMAS

2) Larissa Ramos Miss Brazil

MISS BRAZIL Larissa Ramos

When Miss Brazil Larissa Ramos stepped into the scene, all the photographers held their collective breath and double-timed their clicking. If there is anything I know well, it’s that photographers have a keen eye for beauty pageant winners. I’m betting this Biology Student is going back to the state of Amazonas with one of the Miss Earth titles.

Aside from being an Amazonian beauty, Larissa Ramos is also a professional fashion model and made it as a finalist in the Top Model competition in Amazona, Brazil in 2007 after competing against more than 1,500 applicants.

Click here to see more photos of Miss Brazil Larissa Ramos.

3) Lateesha Ector Miss Canada

MISS CANADA Lateesha Ector

Miss Canada Lateesha Ector was one of the first Miss Earth 2009 contestants I got to chat with backstage. Lateesha Ector is a Psych major who works for Air Canada. Her parents are originally from Trinidad and Tobago and have a mixed heritage: Black, Chinese, Scottish and Venezuelan. But the Ector family considers Pierresfonds, Quebec thier home.

In our chat, Lateesha said that the pageant community in Canada is a small one; everybody knows everyone. Although Canadians in general don’t follow pageants, she says there are small but very strong communities that support such events. I warmed up immediately to this dusky beauty who welcomed my nosiness even while she was getting her hair done.

More photos of Lateesha Ector HERE!

Lateesha Ector MISS CANADA

4) Jamilette Gaxiola Miss Cuba

Jamilette Gaxiola MISS CUBA

Miss Cuba Jamilette Gaxiola certainly gained ooooh’s from the photographers who once again went double-time with the clicking. Since I was just using a lowly point-and-shoot I couldn’t compete. Jamilette Gaxiola’s bigesst asset is her baby-doll face that makes you want to reach out, grab her and take her home to play with. I mean that in a clean baby-doll way, OKAY!

After visiting Miss Cuba’s Model Mayhem website, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Jamilette Gaxiola absolutely refuses to do any modelling jobs that involve any form of nudity or compromising position. I have MUCH respect for physically beautiful women who keep boundaries on what is intimate.

Visit her website to see her list of modelling projects and more photos…

5) Tereza Budkova Miss Czech Republic

Tereza Budkova MISS CZECH REPUBLIC

As Miss Czech Republic Tereza Budkova is new to the modelling world, she is understably a bit awkward with her walk and doesn’t have too many impressive photos online. But that did not prevent me from seeing the potential in this lady to make it into top magazines and fashion shows. This 18 year old grammar student has TONS of photos on this site… and a great interview with Critical Beauty here.

Tereza Budkova MISS CZECH REPUBLIC right before the press presentation...

6) Maria Luisa Santos Miss Guam

Maria Luisa Santos MISS GUAM

Miss Guam Maria Luisa Santos, also know as Malu, is an early winner in the Miss Earth 2009 after she recieved the Miss PASIGandahan award during the National Costume competition on November 4, 2009. Click here to see Kat Kattera’s report on the competition.

During the Miss Earth Guam 2009 Maria Luisa Santos not only took home the title, she also walked off stage with four other awards: Miss Photogenic, Best in Native Costume, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. When she’s not busy doing the beauty queen thing, “Malu” Santos teaches children at an Elementary school in her hometown of Dededo and is proud to carry some Pinoy DNA in her genes.

7) Luna Isabella Voce Miss Italy

Luna Isabella Voce MISS ITALY

Miss Italy Luna Isabella Voce does justice to her family name by speaking 5 languages fluently. She can challenge you in Italian, English, German, French and DUTCH!!! Although Luna Isabella Voce is passionate about writing, design and fashion, she has decided not to pursue a creative course. Instead, she is investing her time earning a Natural Sciences degree at the University of Calabria.

8 ) Pascale Nelide Miss Martinique

Pascale Nelide MISS MARTINIQUE

Notice how Miss Martinique Pascale Nelide cocks her head to the right? She is the sweetest girl in this whole batch if I read her body language correctly. Throughout her whole presentation to the press, she kept that sweet little girl demeanor in her movements, voice and smile. Get to know Pascale Nelide a bit more by joining the Facebook Group – Martinique Queens.

9) Sabrina Anijs Miss Netherlands

Sabrina Anijs MISS NETHERLANDS

This year’s Miss Netherlands, Sabrina Anijs is a working student at the University of Leiden taking up law.  Although she has a future in modelling, Sabrina Anijs aims to become a lawyer by profession. Her current job is in the customer service department of a cable company.

Her exotic looks come from her grandparents who are from Surinam. Find out more about this delicate beauty in this interview with Critical Beauty.

10) Geraldine Higuera Miss Panama

Geraldine Higuera MISS PANAMA

Don’t you just LUUUUUUHV my shot of Miss Panama Geraldine Higuera? I was just using my itty bitty point-and-shoot and somehow got this gorgeous shot while she was walking right in front of me. Well, I discovered that this bouncy beauty has perseverance! Geraldine Higuera had joined the Miss Panama beauty pageant last year but did not win. She came back to try it again and finally reached her dream: To represent her country in the Miss Earth pageant!

Another coool shot of Geraldine Higuera, Miss Panama

11) Gabriela Rejala Miss Paraguay

Gabriela Rejala MISS PARAGUAY

Oh my golly, she is just TOO delicious to look at. Head to toe. She’s the winner in my heart. Miss Paraguay Gabriela Rejala is a beauty queen through and through with several titles under her wing. She represented Paraguay in the Miss World 2008 in South Africa and in the 2008 Reina Hispanoamericana pageant in Bolivia and won 2nd runner-up. In the photo below, she’s hanging out with other Earth beauties in the basement of Mother Ricky Reyes’ Valle Verde mansion.

Miss Paraguay Gabriel Rejala relaxing with Misses, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Japan

12) Sandra Siefert Miss Philippines

Sandra Seifert MISS PHILIPPINES

Sandra Seifert, our Miss Earth Philippines 2009 says playing host to the seventy plus other contestants is extra pressure, but she is holding up with a lot of grace to spare. In Mother Ricky Reyes’ basement where all the girls were getting ready for the Press Presentation, Sandra Seifert, who was still decked in curlers, gamely posed for photographers! I just love the shot below which I took; check out the angel behind her – I noticed it belatedly and wondered if that was a sign that God was watching over our girl.

In Mother Ricky’s living room, I had the chance to have a word with her and she gave me her life story in a nutshell: She was born in Taiwan (where my parents got married) grew up in Germany and the Philippines, spent her college years in the US (she’s a Registered Nurse) and returned to the Philippines to work as a fashion model. She joined Bb. Pilipinas 2009 but got disqualified due to some ‘racy’ FHM photos of her but was vindicated after she won the Miss Earth Philippines 2009 pageant.

Check out her recent photo spread featuring the wooden clutch bags of Miss Universe Photogenic 2005 Gionna Cabrera HERE!

Sandra Seifert Miss Philippines

A candid moment with Sandra Seifert Miss Philippines

13) Diana Kubasova Miss Latvia

Diana Kubasova MISS LATVIA

Miss Latvia Diana Kubasova is the proud owner of a  pet center called Lilly Pet boutique and spa where pet owners can pamper and buy fun things for thier little furry friends. Because she comes from a wealthy Riga family and became famous after starring in a local TV show, Diana Kubasova is often compared to Paris Hilton. Click here to find out more about Diana Kubasova!

Diana Kubasova MISS LATVIA

14) Graziella Rogers Miss Switzerland

Graciella Rogers MISS SWITZERLAND

Miss Switzerland Graziella Rogers began volunteering at age 13. Her first mission was with an NGO that traveled to South India to launch a sewage cleaning project. Aside from her regular volunteer work, Graziella works as a model. In fact, she recently landed a dream job: she’s the new face of Revlon in Switzerland! This part Sri Lankan model will be the star of Revlon Switzerland’s poster campaign across the nation. Find out more about Graziella Rogers’ new exciting job here!

Graciella Rogers Miss Switzerland right before the press presentation...

15) Niuriki Teremate Miss Tahiti

Niuriki Teremate MISS TAHITI

When Miss Tahiti stepped out to introduce herself and share her environmental focus I thought – Whoa! Mutiny on the Bounty!!! But Niuriki Teremate is far from being mutinous; she’s a social worker who has made it her passion to help families because she believes that happy families are the foundation that children need. She sure is some enchanted earthling…  lalalalalalaaaaaah….

Oh, just a PS before I wash that man right out of my hair – according to this Bombyo Radyo article, Niuriki Teremate has Pinoy relatives that live in Las Pinas. It really is a small world after all…

16) Rujinan Phanseethum Miss Thailand

Rujinan Phanseethum MISS THAILAND

According to Wikipedia Miss Thailand Rujinan Phanseethum’s pet name is Ma-Meaw. Get it? PET name? Ma-Meaw?!!  LOLOLOL!!!

Forgive me for being my usual corny self I have never truly mastered the art of comedy. But, seriously, among all the Asian candidates, Miss Thailand is the prettiest along with Miss Philippines Sandra Seifert. At least that is my humble opinion. I would be extremely surprised if Rujinan Phanseethum, aka Ma-Meaw would not make it into the semi-finals.

Rujinan “Ma-Meaw” Phanseethum’s job as Miss Earth Thailand is not an easy one. She has been given the job of heading Project: Children for Earth in Thailand. The project aims to teach children how to take care of the earth – thier target is to plant a thousand trees in the rainforest of the Noandindaeng district in an attempt to reinvigorate the area and fight global warming. Full details of the project HERE!

Miss Thailand Rujinan Phaseethum gives her best smile!

17) Amy Diaz Miss USA

Amy Diaz MISS USA

Out of all the candidates in this year’s Miss Earth 2009 pageant, Miss USA Amy Diaz has the most well-toned body. So it did not come as a surprise when I discovered that Amy Diaz (who I overheard speaking Spanish fluently backstage) has a Master’s degree in Sports Management. What DID surprise me was that she had 2 more degrees – Master in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication with a minor in Psychology. WHEW! What is she going to do with all those degrees? Win Miss Earth? LOLOLOL!!!

In spite of her academic marks, Amy Diaz seemed nervous when she introduced herself during the press presentation. She made up for it though with her perkiness and gorgeous smile.

Amy Diaz MISS USA

18) Dominique Dyer Miss Wales

Dominique Dyer MISS WALES

Miss Wales Dominique Dyer, is the final addition to my Earthy Eighteen choices in this year’s Miss Earth pageant. As Miss Earth Wales, Dominique Dyer takes part in many green activities like clearing streets and beaches of litter, planting trees, taking part in environmental campaigns and promoting the idea of recycling and reusing. When she is not busy taking care of the earth, she works as an optical assistant.

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So, that’s my Earthy Eighteen for you; I hope you enjoyed reading the little tidbits I had on each contestant.

Violent reactions are welcome as long as they are made RESPECTFULLY!!!

Encouraging words though are my preference

May the earthiest chick win!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen…

 

 

 

Bb. Pilipinas World 2009 Marie Ann Umali Leaves for South Africa!

Marie Ann Umali, Bb. Pilipinas World 2009

After a night of partying with Cesar Obrero and the rest of my Fashion Week friends, I had to drag myself out of bed to catch the 9am send-off party for our Bb. Pilipinas World 2009 winner Marie Ann Umali. With red wine still coursing through my veins, I somehow made it to the gazebo at the back of the Araneta Coliseum where Bb. Pilipinas beauties are traditionally said good-bye to. Although I have retired from my party animal days and frown upon over-indulgence, there are some people that are worth “partying for”.

And then there are others who are worth waking up for in spite of a splitting headache and upset stomach.

When I arrived at the gazebo, I saw the throng of press folk and pageant fans surrounding not just Marie Ann Umali, but also Bb. Pilipinas Universe Pamela Bianca Manalo and Bb. Pilipinas International Melody Gersbach! They were there in a strong show of support for their co-beauty pageant winner.

Kissing Queens! L-R Bb. Pilipinas Universe Pamela Bianca Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas World Marie Ann Umali and Bb. Pilipinas International Melody Gersbach

First thing I noticed: Marie Ann Umali looked slightly slimmer than the night she won her title 7 or 8 months ago. With the help of fitness guru John Jay Cuay of Gold’s Gym, she was able to shave off 4 pounds to make a perfect 35-24-35. She swears by his Pilates routine and says that that’s how she got her waistline down from 25.5 to 24 inches. That’s about how big my thigh is. Drat!

But I jest! Marie Ann Umali was a sight to behold with her tawny golden eyes that made me wonder if she was wearing colored lens. But she assured me she wasn’t and upon closer inspection I was convinced well enough. With looks like that, I wasn’t surprised to find out that she had joined several pageants in the past – two in her home province of Batangas where she placed runner-up (on both occasions) and the Bb. Pilipinas pageant in 2006 where she placed in the Top 10.

2006 headshot of Marie Ann Umali

2009 Headshot of Marie Ann Umali

Marie Ann Umali's Miss World 2009 Headshot

One piece of wisdom she gave to beauty queen hopefuls – finish your studies first before joining a major pageant. When she joined Bb. Pilipinas in 2006, she wasn’t focused because her attention was divided between the pageant and her Hotel and Restaurant Management studies at Saint Benilde Taft.

But that’s all water under the bridge now; Marie Ann Umali came back a 2nd time in March this year to win the Bb. Pilipinas World title (a dream come true she says) and now she is off to her international competition! Her first stop is London where she and the other contestants in the Miss World 2009 will participate in the charity auction. Her gift is a set of jewelry made of Philippine pearls.

From London, all the Miss World 2009 contestants will fly to Johannesburg, South Africa to begin the formal competition for the crown which will be given away on Dec. 12, 2009.

Is Marie Ann Umali ready for it? She says she is 99.9% ready after 7 months of rigorous training under Bb. Pilipinas Universe Pamela Bianca Manalo and other beauty experts. It was like being in college again with classes almost everyday. She had sessions on walking, posing, public speaking, grooming, hair and make-up and fitness.

Thanks to the internet, Marie Ann Umali has been able to check out the competition and although she isn’t too worried or nervous (yet) she feels that Ms Mexico is a strong contender for the Miss World crown, a crown that no Filipina has been able to bring home to date. Nevertheless, she has set her eyes on it and is believing she will be the first one to do so.

She is quick to admit that she will miss her family and boyfriend during her 5 week sojourn. But apparently they’re behind her all the way: Marie Ann Umali’s mother and boyfriend will fly to South Africa to watch her on pageant night.

Her message to all her fans:

Support me. Pray for me. I will try to make you proud and bring home the crown.

My message to Marie Ann Umali:

Whatever happens, you mean the WORLD to us. Go kick some pageant butt, grrrrl!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

Farewell, Bb Pilipinas World Marie Ann Umali!!!

Abby Cruz: Breaking up with Paolo Bediones opened doors in showbiz

Abby Cruz

This story was lifted directly from this article by Philstar.com’s Ricky Calderon.

I am a strong believer that relationships should be prioritized over work. But sometimes a boyfriend or a girlfriend can get in the way of a rising career path. Its about time Abby Cruz starts flying!

Former beauty queen Abby Cruz had long wanted to give showbiz a try but she didn’t get the break that she had wanted. Although she was a runner-up to the Bb. Pilipinas pageant two years ago, Abby didn’t think that would lead to a career in showbiz. She confessed that she was kind of reluctant to give acting a try then. She did land a role in the TV series “Lupin” starring Richard Gutierrez, but this did not give way to major showbiz opportunities, apart from the appearances in several TV shows of GMA 7.

When Abby learned from a friend that there’s an audition for the role of Eunice in the ABS-CBN teleserye “Lovers in Paris,” she didn’t hesitate to give it a try. But the role was given to Assunta de Rossi. Abby was, nevertheless, elated when she was picked to play the role of Assunta’s friend. The role was created for her since there was no character as such in the original story.

“Maybe the production staff of Lovers in Paris liked what they saw when I auditioned so they offered me the role of Assunta’s friend,” said Abby who was pleasantly surprised to bag the role.

Aside from the ABS-CBN program, Abby also hosts “Home TV Shopping” for Solar TV. She also just finished doing a movie titled “Cordillera” as the leading lady of action star Roi Vinzon. She plays a city girl who gave up her life in the lowlands to be the wife of an Igorot chieftain. She’s also currently doing a solo indie film titled “Tanglaw” where she plays an OFW. She was very glad to have given the break to topbill the film produced by a new production outfit.

Even if Abby had broken up with Paolo Bediones due to personal differences which she declined to elaborate on, she said that she still communicates with the host of “Survivor Philippines: Palau” once in a while. But they have yet to see each other since they parted ways. But she noticed that ever since the breakup, she started receiving offers to do more movies and TV shows, something that didn’t happen when she and Paolo were still together.

Photo found on Pinay Pie’s blog “Pinoy Showbiz Chika”

Miss Earth Philippines Sandra Seifert Models GC Wooden Bags

Gionna Cabrera, Miss Universe Photogenic 2005 has launched new designs in her wooden bag collection and recently had a photo shoot featuring the new bags with our current Miss Earth Philippines Sandra Seifert. Here is what Gionna Cabrera has to say about it…

What was the photo shoot like with Miss Earth Philippines 2009 Sandra Seifert?
~ Sandra Seifert is a friend and has been in the modeling industry as a top commercial model for over a decade already–having extensive experience in fashion shoots here and abroad. I thought she would be the perfect model for my sustainable Acacia wooden bags/clutches since she is our bet for Miss Earth 2009, being one of the Philippines’ best representatives in years.

When were the pics taken and who was the photographer?
~Top fashion photographer Dr. Malon Pecjo (who is responsible for billboard campaign shots and cover magazines in several magazines) took time off from his uber-hectic sched (having an average of 3 shoots a day) to work on my new campaign. It was shot in his residence studio at Ayala Heights–ABSCBN publications accounnts are shot by Marlon Pecjo.

Which is your favorite bag in your new collection?
~The Venezia bag. It’s easy to match with other solid colors being a black and white bag–the shape is frame-like rectangular, and the V-pattern makes it sharp and classic. It’s a piece you can wear forever.

Why are wooden clutches better than the regular cloth or leather bags?
~They last a lifetime. Think of your furniture in the house. Plus the lacquered wood is just so elegant–from day to night, you can pass for unique style.

Where are they available now?
~In FIRMA Greenbelt 3, I also have the Corazon Canary bag, as I was inspired by Pres.Aquino, at the shop, and a different set in Felicity boutique in Shangri-la Edsa mall, 3/f beside Liz Claiborne. Its a perfect Christmas/birthday present–to whoever loves bags and loves feeling “green” because you know what you bught is eco-friendly.

How can people abroad contact you for orders?
~They can email or call my business number. My website is http://www.facebook.com/l/b3631;www.gionnacabrera.com for the contact details.

Click here to read my interview with Gionna Cabrera on her wooden bags

Gionna Cabrera Wooden Clutches