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.

Miss International 2012 Winners

The Finals of the 2012 Miss International beauty pageant came to a close last Oct 21st, 2012, in Okinawa, Japan. It was a hometown advantage with Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan bagging the crown, who was also named Miss Photogenic. It was a disastrous 5 hour boring presentation! Miss Japan was not even among the favorites. Miss Finland was 1st runner up, Miss Sri Lanka 2nd runner up, Miss Dominican Republic was 3rd runner up and Miss Paraguay was 4th runner up.
The other semi-finalists chosen were our very own Nicole Schmidt of the Philippines, India, Haiti, Namibia, Brazil, Colombia, USA, India, United Kingdom and Mexico.
Miss Hati was Miss Social Work, Miss Mauritius was Miss Friendship, Miss Russia was Best in Talent, Miss Myanmar was Miss Internet and Miss Honduras was Best in National Costume.
There are still two upcoming major beauty pageants Miss Earth and Miss Universe.

2012 Miss International

The 2012 Miss International beauty pageant is now underway. 68 contestants from all over the world are competing this year, and the finals will be held on Oct 21, 2012 at The Budokan Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts in Okinawa, Japan. Our very own Nicole Schmidt, from the Philippines, is our delegate. Philippines has already produced 4 Titleholders namely Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez and Precious Lara Guigaman. Will we clinch our 5th crown this year? My personal choice is Miss India.

Willi's Birthday Dinner at Premio

October 13, 2012 was a very special day for me! I was able to see my high school batchmates from La Salle Greenhills after so many, many years. It was such an enriching experience and it was such a joy seeing several of them after all these years. Thanks to Willie Cabangon, who hosted a post-birthday dinner at Premio Bar and Restaurant at F1 Hotel at the Fort,, Global City. I came with Ricky "Panky" Francisco.
We belong to LSGH Batch 1978, and we are celebrating our 35th year next year! It was so nice seeing Willi, along with Manolet Banaag, Jojo Buenaventura, Mike Figueroa, Brian Masigan, Eric Laureano, Bobby San Buenaventura, Butch Syyap, Stevie Liao, Jayson Lim, Boni Dimayuga, Ji Reyes, Mingoy Padua, Ferdz Atendido and Joel Tuano. The food was superb. The crab cake salad was awesome. Willie and his loving and beautiful wife Marites Manlongat even gave special somethings for us to bring home. Looking forward to another get-together/reunion hopefully this coming December, for our Christmas party.