Friday, October 29, 2021

Beatrice Gomez reveals the skill she needs to improve for the Miss Universe pageant



Beatrice Luigi Gomez is set to represent the country in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Israel on December 12. 

She has less than two months to prepare for the pageant and she has been very busy with the trainings and some photoshoots.

During her recent TV guesting, she revealed in the interview what part of the competition she is working to help her win the 5th Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.

 


"I know I'm confident po sa question and answer and communication skills ko and my pasarela, but as an introverted person po who force myself into facing the crowd, I want to work more on interacting with other people kasi dun po ako medyo dapat mag improve," she said.

Together with the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, Beatrice had an intimate lunch with the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ilan Fluss, yesterday at Noor Manila.

The Ambassador was joined by Mr. Nir Balzam, Charge d’affaires (Deputy Chief of Mission) in introducing Bea on what to expect in Israel including some of the tasty food that was served.




Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Hannah Arnold, Catriona Gray recognized as 2021 outstanding Fil-Aussies


PRESS RELEASE

Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray are among the recipients of the 2021 Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) National Awards.

The two Binibining Pilipinas queens were recognized in a virtual event held on October 20 in line with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Australian diplomatic relations.

The awards were given annually by FILCCA, the national umbrella organization of Filipino community councils in various states in Australia, to outstanding Filipino-Australian citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the overseas community.

“We are shining a spotlight on some amazing individuals and organizations who have excelled in sports, music, health, education and training, the sciences, entrepreneurship and absolutely in our communities,” Philippine Ambassador to Australia her Excellency Helen De La Vega said.


Arnold has been awarded the 2021 Youth Achievement Award for her efforts to advocate education and the importance of science and technology. Her recent engagement with the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology and her drive to motivate more Filipino scientists were also recognized by the award-giving body.

Meanwhile, Gray received the 2021 Philippine-Australian of the Year Award for her achievements in pageantry, her advocacy on women’s rights, her passion to help impoverished children, and her outstanding representation of Philippine culture. FILCCA also recognized Gray's efforts as Philippines' National Commission for Culture and the Arts Ambassador for the Arts, and as an ambassador for indigenous handicrafts of the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry.

The 2021 FILCCA National Awards virtual ceremony was led by De La Vega, select Australian politicians, FILCCA officers, and Filipino community leaders.



Sunday, October 24, 2021

Fahsai Paweesuda Drouin mentors Nevada rep in Mr. Gay World USA pageant

Jack Titus and Fahsai Paweesuda Drouin. 

Jack Titus is set to compete in the upcoming Mr. Gay World USA pageant representing the state of Nevada.

The graduating medical student of University of Nevada Las Vegas has enlisted some of the big names in pageantry to help him be the first Asian winner of Mr. Gay World USA.

His Q&A coach is Miss Universe Thailand 2019 and Miss Universe Top 5 finalist, Fahsai Paweesuda Drouin.

During the virtual press conference on Saturday, October 23, he said that he learned a lot from Fahsai.

"I reached out to her because I'm a fan of her because she's a fighter and she joined a pageant that's why I learned a lot, the real experience from her. She teach me how to answer the question because first of all I don't even know how to talk like face to face because I'm an introvert. So I learned a lot from her," he said.

When asked if she is strict during their session, he said in jest, "can I say yes?"

"When she become my teacher, my pageant coach, she said she's gonna be really strict. But she said she want to improve me to be a better version of myself. I really learned a lot, yes. She teach me a lot. [During our session], she [does] not allow me to speak Thai with each other. So I have to speak English with her all the time," he added

Standing 6"1 tall, he is a volunteer at the center for The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada.

The Thai American decided to join and compete for Mr. Gay World USA 2021 to echo and promote his advocacy “We Are One” which aim to speak about gender equality and anti bullying and by joining Mr Gay World USA.

He also wishes to have a bigger voice by using this platform to promote positive change in LGBTQ community be it with fighting for equal rights, empowerment, fostering unity, spreading social awareness and most of all sharing his life experiences that turned his scars into victory.

Aside from Fahsai, he has also enlisted international pageant coach RL Lacanienta of RL's Angels from the Philippines.

The Mr. Gay World USA 2021 finals will be on November 14. The winner will represent USA in Mr. Gay World pageant in 2022.





Saturday, October 23, 2021

Why Miss Earth Australia 2021 advocates for sustainability in fashion

Miss Earth Australia 2021 Phoebe Soegiono.

For this year's Miss Earth pageant, the Land Down Under is represented by Phoebe Soegiono, a 23-year old customer consultant for a luxury brand in Sydney.

As she worked in fashion industry, it wasn’t until recently that she learned how much waste the industry discards. Thus, she advocates for sustainability in fashion and how we should make more informed decisions in reducing clothing waste.

Speaking to Entertainment News Portal through video chat, Phoebe talked about how she started this campaign.

Miss Earth Australis 2021 Phoebe Soegiono during the video chat with Entertainment News Portal.

"Years ago I wouldn't really think about where my clothing came from. Because I guess young people are always on a budget so I was always looking for, oh my gosh if its 2.50 Australian dollar let me just get it. It just all about staying with the trend and just buying something new for one event and then getting rid of it or buying new outfit for one photo and because you can't be seen in it again, you get rid of it," she said.

"So it wasn't until like a year ago which I realized like how much waste is being used. How can companies pretty much make 20 pieces of clothing every single week and for it to be re-occurring every single week. Where is the waste come from, like how did they make it, why it is so cheap? So I dug deeper and I realized that there is more to it. They're pretty much sell as much as they can without thinking about how it's going to affect the environment and not only the environment but people," she added.

With this campaign, Phoebe does not only think the welfare of the environment but also of the people behind it. She said, "if clothing is made overseas, are the people getting paid enough? Are they working in a good environment? Like how much did the waste go after being discarded? Did you just dumped it somewhere and pile? Did you burned it? What do you do with it? It made me realized to make better good choices and I have to realized that the things that I buy it's going to affect someone or the environment, negatively or positively. So I think we should have to make informed decision to where we buy our clothes and what we do with our clothes."

By taking small actions, we can reduce waste in fashion. She shared some tips like donating or selling used clothes.

"What we've done before, before the lockdown actually, my sister and I had suitcases of clothes and we actually showed it to the younger girls at church. They would come and they would be excited to pick up a few items, " she said.

"Before donating, we give it to our church first to see if the younger girls wanna buy it. Some of them have tags, it didn't fit me. I just hold onto them. Hopefully they can wear them, look good on them. That's what we do first. If we still have left overs, that's what we give it to others, like a thrift stores or donation bin."

Phoebe is a full-blooded Indonesian but born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She lived in Indonesia for a couple of years when she was young.


Miss Earth 2021 journey

Phoebe has been very busy preparing for the international virtual pageant. She is training under Queenssential, a pageant training camp founded in Sydney, Australia by siblings Gabe Perez and Glyssa Perez, Miss Philippines Tourism 2019.

In her introduction video, she shared how she is preparing for the pageant and her journey in Miss Earth Australia 2021.

"I am glad that I have mentors and an amazing team behind me. It wasn't nothing that I expected but it was an amazing experience and I do learn a lot from it. My journey in Miss Earth Australia crown wasn't easy but I'm glad I overcame it. Even things like exercising, I do weights at home to stay fit for the video. Walking almost every single day with my six-inch heels around the house. It was very loud," she said.

She was inspired to join Miss Earth Australia because she wanted to experience the pageant industry. She is pursuing modelling so she figured that Miss Earth Australia would be a great challenge for her. 

"This is the first beauty pageant that I have competed in, and I love what the organization stands for; they advocate for the greater good of our Mother Earth" she said.

The grand coronation of Miss Earth 2021 is set on November 21 and will take on a virtual format. With the continuous rise of Covid-19 new variant cases worldwide, Carousel thought it best to forego the live staging of the pageant for the second time. The safety of the delegates, the production staff, and the public is still paramount for the organization, and will not, in any way, put anyone involved with the event at risk.

For its 21st edition, Miss Earth takes on the theme “Colors of the Earth” to reflect the vast and unique biodiversity of the world. The theme also alludes to the brighter outlook on 2021 coming from a rather bleak 2020 due to the pandemic.



Friday, October 15, 2021

70th Miss Universe pageant in Israel to promote "green agenda"

Screen grab: i24NEWS English Youtube

The President of Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart, is currently in Israel and appeared for a TV interview with i24NEWS.

For this year's pageant, Shugart revealed that they will be promoting "green agenda".

"For all of the young women that are competing, obviously it's very important to have a cause. And for us this year, the one thing that all of our competitors have said that they all have a green agenda, you know global warming, climate change hits every single one of our contestants that knows no border," she said in the interview.

"So they are all going to be here. We're working with the production team now to really talk about our green agenda and what we're gonna to get the message and could've spotlight and what we need to do. That's we're here planning."

This is the first time that Israel will be hosting the big event. She explained why they chose the country.

"This is really one of the first big events coming out of COVID and there is no country I think in a better place to handle an international group than Israel and a lot being a green city. They certainly have the infrastructure in place and ready to handle it and so for us the decision was very easy."

She is also hoping that Israel's tourism will be promoted by this global event.

"We offer global exposure. The young women that compete and are here, those most of them would be their first time here. We have huge digital footprints. So they become all global ambassador. We're gonna show all of Israel but for their tourism, and say come back in tourism. That's what we do and the people that will be coming, it would be easy for us and I think it would be a beautiful television story,"she said.

The Miss Universe contest is one of the most watched beauty contests in the world with estimated 500 million live viewers in 190 countries and territories.

In the weeks ahead of the competition, contestants will get to explore the rich history and culture of Israel, with visits to notable locations, including the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and those throughout the host city of Eilat. Reigning Miss Universe from Mexico, Andrea Meza is set to visit Israel later this summer to begin to explore the country in which she will give up her title. 

In a press statement released last July, the Miss Universe Organization, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the city of Eilat today announced that the 70th MISS UNIVERSE® competition air live from Eilat, Israel in December 2021. The pageant will once again be hosted by legendary entertainer Steve Harvey on FOX.



Friday, October 8, 2021

Two Binibining Pilipinas queens primed to compete in international pageants

Press Release

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) continues its traditional farewell for competing queens via a virtual rousing send-off party for Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita on Friday, October 8.

Aired via the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of Binibining Pilipinas , the online gathering showered Maureen and Cindy with love and support from their Queen Sisters, members of the press, and their families, as they suit up for their respective pageants, days before their fly off to their respective destinations.

During the send-off, the queens were received by BPCI Chairman, Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta, in Araneta City with a warm recognition. 

“My dearest Cindy and Maureen, I wish you the best of luck in representing the Philippines on the international stage. Embrace this opportunity to show the world the best qualities of a Filipina. . .You have the full support of Binibining Pilipinas in your next big adventure. We know you will give your all, so believe in yourself, just have fun, and bring home the crown,” Madame Araneta said.


Cagayan De Oro’s pride, Cindy will be first to compete at the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on October 30. She follows in the footsteps of Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Mary Tiglao, who finished in the Top 20. Cindy’s goal is to be the second Filipina to wear the Miss Intercontinental crown after Karen Gallman.

The Batangueña beauty, Maureen will vie for the Miss Globe crown on November 6 in Tirana, Alabania. She follows in the tilt of Miss Globe 2019 2nd runner-up Leren Bautista, and aims to bring home our country’s second Miss Globe crown.

For more news on Binibining Pilipinas, visit www.bbpilipinas.com. Like the Binibining Pilipinas official Facebook page www.facebook.com/realbbpilipinas, follow @bbpilipinasofficial on Instagram and @RealBBPilipinas on Twitter, subscribe to @BBPilipinasOfficial YouTube channel.     



Saturday, October 2, 2021

Former promo girl turned businesswoman vies for Mrs. Universe Philippines 2021 pageant

Mrs. Universe Philippines-General Santos 2021 Virgie Chua.

General Santos City bet in Mrs. Universe Philippines 2021 pageant, Virgie 'Ghie' Chua, is a perfect example of rags to riches story.

Before owning various businesses in GenSan, Ghie was a seasonal promodiser of various brands such as Rusty Lopez, Lee, Shoes Unlimited and Cotton ON for five years. She also worked in Sales and Marketing of MetroLifestyle Gym and Mont Albo for one year.

She was married at an early age of 19 and because of that she was unable to finish her Computer Secretarial course in ACLC AMA Computer Learning Center. 

Amid the challenges she was facing at that time, she did not let these difficulties discouraged her life. She made her way to the top through persistence.

Through her and her husband's perseverance, they were able to build business empires in General Santos such as Sumeiren Beauty Lounge and Wing & Stuff Food Restaurant, Ghie Boutique, Buy & Sell of truck and Fish/Tuna supplier, to name a few.

She is happily married for 15 years and is a loving mother to her 16-year old daughter.

She advocates for women empowerment by inspiring women not just in General Santos but all over the country. She wants her story to be an inspiration because she started from the bottom and from there, she was able to build her businesses. 

The 33-year old businesswoman is also an ambassadress of Police Station 7 of Philippine National Police and Bayanihan ng mga Ina. By being an ambassadress to our country's national police, she hopes to extend her advocacy to a large number of people. 

A virtual press conference was held Friday, October 1 to select pageant media. 

Asked on why she joined Mrs. Universe pageant, she said, "Ang Mrs. Universe is about advocacy. Ito yung stepping stone ko to extend my help. Kasi kung dito lang sa amin, hindi masiyadong open sa tulong. Ito ang gusto ko."

Virgie is proud of her birthplace, General Santos City. Her national costume is inspired of the two major festivals of the City called Kallilangan and Tuna Festival. Designed by Thing Camposano, it is embellished with beads, rhinestones, shells and some recycled materials with vibrant color and texture. 

Official national costume of Virgie Chua

She is one of the 18 contestants of the inaugural Mrs. Universe Philippines pageant. The finals will be held on October 7 at Okada Manila.

Three titles will be given - Mrs. Universe Philippines, Mrs. Pacific Continental and Mrs. North Pacific Asia. The winners will represent the country in Mrs. Universe 2021 pageant in South Korea in November.

Asked on why she deserved a crown, she said in jest, "I have the guts, all the talent and pretty face."



Friday, October 1, 2021

Beatrice Gomez explains her MUPh winning reaction

Rabiya Mateo crowns Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez. Screen grab: KTX.PH

A new Miss Universe Philippines was crowned last night, September 30, at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, a native of Cebu City, bested other 27 candidates.

Many pageant fans have noticed that Beatrice remain calm during the announcement of winner.

Speaking to Dyan Castillejo on Friday, October 1 via Zoom interview, she said that she looked calm but shocked and didn't know how to react.

"I looked calm pero I was just shocked. I didn't know how to react. Parang it's not the usual reaction you get in the crowning moment pero talaga I was happy inside but at the same time I didn't expect it. So I was just shocked," Gomez said to Castillejo.

What was going through her mind during the Top 2 moment with Katrina Dimaranan?

"Honestly I was very satisfied na po when I joined the Top 5 and then all of the girls are going out and then this was just me and Katrina. I was like 'Oh my God! Whatever happened I'm already a winner.' And parang hinihintay ko nalang siya, na sabihin niyo na, sabihin niyo na. Para ma-relieve na ako, parang hindi na ako makahinga. And then when they said it, parang totoo ba? Is it real?".

During the interview she revealed that she didn't expect to win.

"I was aiming for the crown of course, but I saw all the other girls and I was very much inspired by all of them when I saw their performances. Alam ko ang gagaling namin lahat. And I didn't know who would stand out. I didn't expect it was me. I delivered my best so I know na whatever happened I'm satisfied with everything, with the result whatever," she said.

Beatrice got the lion share of special awards including the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

"I didn't expect anything. During our shoot hindi naman ako 'yung candidate na laging pinu-pull out to shoots for the endorsement of brands. And it was very unexpected lang."

Asked on what made her win, she said, "What made me win is my genuinity and the way I answered all of the questions and my performances. I made it as natural and as genuine it can be. I think that's what was highlighted last night, just be myself enjoying the stage. I think that's what made me stand out."

The openly gay beauty queen will represent the country in the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Israel in December.

She has two months left to prepare for the international competition. She said that she is excited and looking forward for the trainings that Miss Universe Philippines Organization laid for her.



Thursday, September 30, 2021

Openly gay model wins Miss Universe Philippines 2021

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City and a proud member of LGBTQ community has won the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 crown during the finals held Thursday, September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Besting other 27 contestants, Gomez will represent the country in the 70th edition of Miss Universe pageant in Israel later this year.

Here is the full result:

Final Top 5:

  • Miss Universe Philippines: Beatrice Luigi Gomez (Cebu City)
  • Miss Universe Philippines Tourism: Katrina Dimaranan (Taguig)
  • Miss Universe Philippines Charity: Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Cavite)
  • 1st runner-up: Maureen Wroblewitz (Pangasinan)
  • 2nd runner-up: Steffi Rose Aberasturi (Cebu Province)

Top 10:
  • Maria Corazon Abalos (Mandaluyong) 
  • Leren Mae Bautista (Laguna
  • Kirsten Danielle Delavin (Masbate) 
  • Janela Joy Cuaton (Albay) 
  • Maria Ingrid Teresita Santamaria (Parañaque) 
Top 16:
  • Christelle Abello (Aklan)
  • Chella Grace Falconer (Misamis Oriental)
  • Izabella Jasmine Umali (Manila) 
  • Mirjan Hipolito (Angeles) 
  • Jane Nicole Miñano (Romblon)
  • Rousanne Marie Bernos (San Juan City) 
Aside from the crown, Beatrice got the lion share of special awards such as Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

Beatrice studied at University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) in Cebu City with a degree in Mass Communication. She was a member of USJR's varsity volleyball team.

She was 2nd runner-up in Miss Mandaue 2015 and crowned Binibining Cebu in 2020.

During the final question round, she was asked how will she be able to continue inspiring others if during her reign things happened in her life that make her sad and uninspired.

"It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during this pandemic, but it is also proof that we are able to rise to the occasion. And if anything happened to me during my reign, I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that whatever you are going through, you will be able to overcome it," her response to the question.



Wednesday, September 29, 2021

28 inspiring beauties flaunt their #StrongerQueenWithin at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Coronation Night, powered by PLDT Home


PRESS RELEASE

As the official broadband partner of Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2021, PLDT Home reignites its commitment in powering young Filipina queens on their quest to become an inspiration to the world.

The country’s leading telecommunications and digital services provider joins millions of Filipinos online this September 30 (Thursday), as 28 Miss Universe Philippines candidates get together at the Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol for the Grand Coronation night. What to expect: A showcase of beauty, talent, and heart that will altogether define what it means to be a #StrongerQueenWithin!

PLDT Home is coming off last year’s successful partnership with the much-anticipated local pageant, which then crowned Iloilo’s Rabiya Mateo as both Miss Universe Philippines and Miss PLDT Home.

Mateo, a top 21 finisher at the 69th Miss Universe Pageant in Hollywood, Florida last May, will also be present at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 event to crown her Miss PLDT Home successor.

PLDT Home powers Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night. “Together, we continue to inspire and power Filipinas to be a #StrongerQueenWithin,” said Shamcey Supsup-Lee, MUP national director. (Photo credit: Shamcey Supsup-Lee) 

The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night will be streamed live via KTX on September 30, 7pm. It will be telecast via GMA 7 on October 3.

“We’re proud and delighted to have PLDT Home again as Miss Universe Philippines partner. We’re thankful for the brand joining and supporting our cause,” said MUP national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.

“Together, we believe we can pave the way for queens to serve others and be an inspiration. Specifically, during this pandemic, it is through their strong and meaningful online connections that they become better, stronger, and more empowered women with a heart.”

The newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines will represent the Philippines in the international pageant, to be held in Eilat, Israel in December. 

As MUP’s official broadcast partner, PLDT Home seeks to power our young queens through their life in the new normal. By building powerful digital connections that bridge them to the rest of the world, the brand is able to help these beautifully confident Filipinas in their different advocacies and causes.

Follow the journey of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and join the conversation online using the hashtags #StrongerQueenWithin and #InspireYou. Get the latest updates about PLDT Home through its social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pldthome), Instagram and Twitter (@pldthome). 



Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Shamcey Supsup on selecting MUPh winner: "I don't have the final say"

Shamcey Supsup and Sam Verzosa during the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 preliminary competition. Photo by Sam Verzosa. 

Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup has revealed in her virtual interview with Gitri San Diego Monday, September 27 that she doesn't have the final say in selecting the Miss Universe Philippines winner.

"My preferences hindi naman din yun ang magiging final say, I don't have the final say. We have the judges. I have a few favorites in my mind na parang not really favorites," she said.

What are they looking for the next queen?

"Of course as an organization, I'm looking at somebody who can win in Miss Universe, 'di ba? Lahat naman tayo yun ang gusto natin na result. Hindi naman because na I'm close to this girl, or I know. It's more of who can shine on the Universe stage. That's my ultimate goal," she said during the virtual interview.

Read more: Shamcey Supsup, Rabiya Mateo comment on MUPh 2021 frontrunners.

She said that having a variety of judges is important in selecting the winner. 

"Every time na nakikita ko ang mga girls, that's what I'm thinking. Like sino kaya, you know, who can bring home another Miss Universe crown? Kaya mahirap 'din kasi beauty is very subjective. You can't really say who will make it. You can't really like, yung gusto ko pwede hindi rin gusto ng ibang members of the board."

"So it's really important that we have a varied set of judges para iba-ibang industry. At least kung sakali they all vote for one girl, then you know okay, siya yung deserving. Siya yung nag-shine during that night," she added.

You can watch the full interview here:

Rabiya Mateo is set to relinquish her crown to her successor during the grand coronation night on September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol. 

Watch the live coronation night on KTX. If you missed it, you can watch the delayed telecast on October 3, 9AM on GMA-7.


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