Merry Christmas!!

It's the Birth of our dear Lord Jesus Christ..Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to everyone!!
May the spirit of Christmas bring peace of mind, and good vibes to everyone, and not only on Christmas Day but in the new year to come in 2013.

Miss USA is Miss Universe 2012

At long last! The new Miss Universe was crowned in Las Vegas, USA 19th of December in the person of 20 year old Olivia Culpo of the USA. Olivia, who was born in Rhode Island was crowned Miss Universe 2012 among 88 other delegates from all over the world. She was the 8th Miss USA to bag the Miss Universe title. This year's batch of delegates is one of the most impressive in years. However, a string of controversies and intrigues hounded this year's decision. Aside from being the homeground, Miss USA was not a heavy favorite from the start, and did not excell in the preliminaries. Our very own Janine Tugonon of the Philippines emerged as 1st runner up. She could have grabbed the crown, mainly because of her outstanding display of swimsuit and evening gown, and her answer to the crucial Q&A portion wherein her answer was well-received. Janine has been a consistent favorite from the start of the pageant. 2nd runner up went to Miss Venezuela, Irene Quintero, who was also a heavy favorite. 3rd runner up went to another favorite Miss Australia, Renae Ayris, and 4th runner up went to Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus.
Melinda Bam of South Africa, who has been ranked as the top favorite, only made it to the top 10 cut, along with another strong contender Miss Mexico, Karina Gonzalez. Completing the top 10 were Miss Russia, France, and Hungary. Rounding up the top 16 semi-finalists were Miss Turkey, Peru, Poland, Kosovo, Croatia and India.
Several other heavy favorites did not even make the semifinals, among them delegates from Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Guyana, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Netherlands, New Zealand and Finland.
Miss Photogenic went to Miss Kosovo, Miss Congeniality to Miss Guatemala, and the Best National Costume to China.
This is the best ever placing of the Philippines in over 10 years since Miriam Quiambao emerged also as 1st runner up. For 3 consecutive years, the Philippines has placed among the top five. Venus Raj 4th runner up in 2010 and Shamsey Supsup 3rd runner up in 2011.

2012 Metro Manila Film Festival Official Entries

This year's Metro Manila Film Festival seems to have a promising line up of official entries, and a star-studded one. The 2012 Metro Manila Filmfest official entries are: Regal Films " Shake, Rattle & Roll 14" starring Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Herbert Bautista, Janice de Belen, Vhong Navarro, Lovie Poe, Arlene Muhlach, Martin Escudero, Eula Caballero, Empress Shuck, Jc Tiuseco, Ronnie Lazaro, Alex Castro, Makisig Morales, Snooky Serna, Dennis Padilla, Dimples Romana, Fabio Ide, Ivan Dorschner, Carlo Aquino, Eri Neeman, Albie Casino, Rommel Padilla, Ella Cruz,  Aj Dee, directed by Chito Rono. Star Cinema/ABS-CBN Film Productions "One More Try" starring Dingdong Dantes, Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, directed by Ruel Bayani. ABS-CBN Film Productions and Viva Films "Sisteraka" starring Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, directed by Wenn V. Deramas. Quantum Films "The Strangers" starring Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil and Julia Montes, directed by Lawrence Fajardo. Octo-Arts, M-Zet, GMA Films, APT Entertainment and Imus Productions "Si Agimat, si Enteng at ako" starring Bong Revilla, Vic Sotto, Judy Ann Santos, Gwen Zamora, Ryza Mae Dizon, directed by Tony Reyes. GMA Films 'Sosy Problems" starring Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heusaff, Bianca King, Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, Mikael Daez, Benjamin Alvez, Alden Richards, directed by Andoy Ranay. Scenema Concept Intl. Inc "El Presidente" starring Jeorge E.R. Estregan, Christine Reyes, Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, Cesar Montano, Alan Paule, directed by Mark Meily and Center Stage and Solar Entertainment "Thy Womb" starring Nora Aunor, Lovie Poe, Bembol Rocco, directed by Brillante Mendoza.

2012 Miss Universe Favorites

It's Miss Universe season once again, and it's the very last of the major international beauty pageants for 2012, and the most prestigious. The 2012 Miss Universe will be held in Las Vegas and 89 delegates from all over the universe will be competing for the title. The delegates have already arrived in Las Vegas, and they have started to undergo the preliminary activities. Social media, and the major bloggers and beauty pageant experts have already selected their favorites. Coronation night will be on December 19th.
Our very own Janine Tugunon of the Philippines is one of the early favorites, and is among the top 16 contenders. The Philippines has scored runner up positions for the past 2 consecutive years: Venus Raj was 4th runner up in 2010, and Shamsey Supsup was 3rd runner up in 2011. Will we be able to score a higher place this year?? But the competition is very tight this year! There are several stand-outs, and among them are delegates from South Africa, Colombia, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, USA, Angola, Ecuador, Paraguay, Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Puerto Rico and France. It's going to be another year of South American beauties, and it seems that our very own Janine is the only Asian to be a favorite so far.

Mr World and Mr International 2012 Winners

It was a back-to-back-to-back season of male international pageants, and started off with Manhunt International which was won by our very own Jhune Macasaet of the Philippines. Then, the Mr World and Mr International pageants were held simultaneously on the same night. The 2012 Mr World was held in London, England, and Francisco Javier Escobar Parra of Colombia won the title, with our very own Andrew Wolf of the Philippines emerging as the 1st runner up, and 2nd runner up was Ireland.
Completing the 10 finalists were delegates from Vietnam, Canada, Croatia, Belgium, England, Peru and Lebanon. While the 2012 Mr International was held in Bangkok, Thailand and 23 year old Ali Hammoud of  Lebanon won the title. Runners up were Singapore (1st), Slovenia (2nd), Brazil (3rd) and Slovakia (4th).
The top 10 finalists included Mr Turkey, Malaysia, France, Korea and Indonesia.
Completing the 16 semi-finalists were Mr Italy, Thailand, China, Venezuela, Macedonia and Serbia.

Miss Earth 2012 Winners

The 2012 Miss Earth beauty pageant recently concluded with Tereza Fajksova of Czech Republic bagging the title, held in Alabang, in the Philippines. Over 80 delegates from all over the world competed in this prestigious pageant, only one of 3 major international beauty pageants, The Miss World and Miss Universe being the other two. Our very own, Stephanie Stephanowitz of the Philippines was adjudged 1st runner up (Miss Earth Air), while Miss Venezuela emerged 2nd runner up (Miss Earth Water) and Miss Brazil 3rd runner up (Miss Earth Fire).
The other finalists chosen were Miss USA, South Africa, Russia and Nepal.
Completing the top 16 semi-finalists were Miss Costa Rica, Korea, Scotland, Italy, Mexico, Japan, Poland and Germany.
There is only one more major beauty pageant left, and this is the most prestigious of them all, The Miss Universe pageant which will take place in Las Vegas, USA sometime mid of December.

PAHIRAM NG SANDALI

There have been countless teleseryes, telenovelas and soap operas for the past couple of years, mainly from the rival tv networks ABSCBN and GMA, and lately, TV5 has also joined the bandwagon. Unfortunately, only a handful of these shows are worth watching, and most of them have the same concepts and plots..you would think that all of them are conceptualized by only one writer. That is why I don't usually patronize these teleseryes, except for a couple of them which I religiously followed, among them GMA7's "Amaya" which was a monumental epic serye which ran for almost 10 months, and even won several awards, the recently concluded "One True Love", also from Channel 7, and ABSCBN's 'Walang Hanggan" which was a phenomenal hit amongst everyone, from the rich to the poor households. And now, I am about to start patronizing another new teleserye, also on GMA7, since I happen to be a certified Kapuso. This teleserye is a drama serye "Pahiram ng Sandali" which will premiere on the 26th of this month. I particularly chose this project mainly because of it's ensemble cast, a powerful one, and I particularly adore these veteran dramatic thespians. Headlining the cast is Dingdong Dantes, Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Alessandra de Rossi, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer Martin, Mark Gil, and newcomer Max Collins, who replaced Kylie Padilla. This will be directed by Maryo de los Reyes. This is Lorna's comeback project with the Kapuso channel, after having done projects for both ABS and TV5.

2012 Manhunt International Winners

It seems that the Year 2012 is the Year of Asian supremacy in the world of beauty pageants, both male and female. Miss China was named Miss World 2012, and Miss Japan was named Miss International 2012, and just last night, our very own June Macasaet of the Philippines was adjudged Manhunt International 2012. June is a professional ramp model, and he won over 54 other male delegates from all over the world, held in Bangkok, Thailand. He also won the New Urban Male award.
First runner up was Sweden, 2nd runner up was Macau, who also won Mr Physique, 3rd runner up was Puerto Rico, who was also named Face of the Year, and 4th runner up was Singapore, who was named Mr Internet Popularity. The other semi-finalists included delegates from Dominican Republic, USA, Switzerland, Venezuela, Thailand, Colombia, and my earlier bet Greece. Also included in the 15 semi-finalists were India, who was named Mr. Photogenic, Latvia who was named Best Runway Model, Denmark who was named Mr. Friendship. Other special awards were Best National Costume - Hongkong, and Mr. Personality - Bahamas.
It is the very first time that the Philippines bagged the Manhunt International title.

2012 ManHunt International Favorites

The 16th Manhunt International male pageant will take place on November 9 in Bangkok, Thailand. Manhunt is considered the most prestigious international male pageant, and this year 55 gorgeous men from all over the world will be competing for the coveted title. The reigning Manhunt titleholder is John Chen from China. Among the top contenders this year are delegates from Australia, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Latvia, Puerto Rico, Singapore, USA, Vietnam and and our very own June Macasaet from the Philippines.

Movie Review: A Secret Affair

Movie Rating:
* * * * *  - Excellent
* * * *     - Very Good
* * *        - Good
* *           - So-So
*              - Trash

For my initial movie review, I have rated Viva Films "A Secret Affair" with * * * * - 4 stars, meaning it was a very good film, and is worth watching. Nuel Naval's style of directing can be compared to a Hollywood film. While watching the film, one would be mesmerized by it's Hollywood concept. You would easily forget that you're watching a locally-made film. For one thing, 90% of the dialogue and speaking lines are in English.
It was a better film than his previous blockbuster "No Other Woman." Derek Ramsey's acting has immensely improved,  and he now knows how to control his emotions and with depth. Anne Curtis is quite effective as well, although there are a couple of scenes where she tends to over-act, but the big revelation is that of Andi Eigenmann, who delivers an outstanding performance as a happy-go-lucky, liberated, spoiled brat. Her intimate scenes are so natural, you would think it's for real. Her real-life mom, the versatile and one of the best character actresses Jaclyn Jose was also excellent, as usual. What makes the film worth-watching are the numerous quotes and one-liners, particularly "Cheating is not an accident, it's a choice."
Scenes I really liked include the one where Jaclyn, Anne and her little sister just came from the place of  Jaycee Parker, the mistress, and that particular car scene where they just kept on laughing their hearts out.
I also enjoyed that scene where Anne sprayed Camomile lotion on Andie's face. I really thought she was going to spray acid or something. "A Secret Affair" is a must-watch film, although I am not pretty sure if the CD market will get to appreciate the film, and relate to it.

Artista Academy Grand Awards Night

I had the privilege to watch and witness the Grand Awards night of TV5's artista reality search Artista Academy last Saturday, Oct. 27th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Out of the 16 chosen finalists, from among hundreds of hopefuls, only 6 were selected to vie and compete for the much coveted Best Actor and Best Actress in the Grand finals night. Mark Neuman, Akihiro Blanco and Vin Abrenica for the boys, and Sophie Albert, Shaira Maye and Chanel Morales, for the girls. Each of the 6 competed and performed during the Grand finals night presentation, and displayed their singing, dancing and acting skills. The distinguished critics and judges were Wilma Galvante, Director Mac Alejandre, Gelli de Belen and Miss Lorna Tolentino. Hosts for the evening were Cesar Montano, Marvin Agustin, Valeen Montenegro and Mr. Fu. Presentors for the best actor and best actress were Eddie Garcia and The Superstar Nora Aunor. The other finalists who were eliminated rendered a production number, among them were Jon Adriano, Stephanie Rowe, Nicole Estrada, Brent Manzano, Benjo Leoncio and Marvelous Alejo.
My niece Sophie Albert was proclaimed Best Actress and Vin Abrenica was adjudged Best Actor. I am so proud of my niece Sophie, and so happy and glad that she has finally achieved her long cherished dream of being a full-pledged actress and star. Sophie's family came in full force to support and cheer for her that night. My loving cousin, and Sophie's mom Linda Lyttle Reyes was in total control of everything, orchestrating the cheers and chants of her avid fans and followers. Sophie's sister Michelle Reyes Sacramento and hubby Jay Sacramento, brother JB Reyes and loving wife Via Romualdez Reyes with their kids and Joey Reyes. Linda's brother Patrick Lyttle and wife Cristy, and Sophie's cousins Tanya Garcia and better half Mark Lapid, Tricia Lyttle Mariano and husband, Alta Redor Lyttle, and the Reyes clan. Linda's close friends also showed up and gave their full support, and my dear cousin Sarci Razon Rabat who tagged along her sons Paolo and Paco, and his friends. Spotted among the crowd were John James Uy, Alwin Uytingco, Vin's brother, hunky Aljur Abrenica, Director Joel Lamangan, Louie Ocampo, Nadine Samonte and many more celebrities.
Congratulations to Sophie and Vin! Your journey has just began, and so much more are in store for you, aside of course from the fantastic prizes that you just won.