This humble, ‘no utensils’ restaurant inside UP campus is celebrity-approved

MANILA – There is no air conditioning and no utensils at Gubat – but this humble restaurant inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City is loved by many, including newly married celebrities Megan Young and Mikael Daez.

Young revealed that Gubat is one of their favorite dining spots as she shared photos from her 30th birthday lunch at the restaurant.

“You’ll find them in the UP Campus at the Diliman Bonsai Society. What I love about this place is that there are no utensils – magkakamay ka lang,” said the Miss World 2013 titleholder, who also praised the staff of Gubat for always having “such a bright aura.”

“We ordered adobo, fish, and two orders of lechon kawali. The buro side dish is the best thing ever,” she added.

Check out Young’s photos on Instagram

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Hips don't lie': Megan Young sizzles in revealing bikini

Megan Young sure knows how to send her fans' hearts racing.

The Miss World 2013 winner posted an Instagram photo on Tuesday showing off her pert butt as she struck a pose in front a mirror.

The body-confident beauty queen, who looked stunning in her maroon bikini, captioned her post: "Balakang babes represent. #hipsdontlie"


"Balakang babes" appears to be a nickname she gave herself and her sister, Lauren.

Prior to her cheeky snap, Megan also shared earlier this week a photo of her and Lauren enjoying a late night pool dip. "Balakang babes night swimming," she wrote.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Megan on Metro cover marks 'return of the queen'

MANILA - Megan Young appears on the cover of the latest issue of Metro magazine, which marks her "return" after a year-long reign as Miss World that had her globe-trotting to as a "beauty with a purpose."


Dubbed a "Holiday Fantasy" issue, Metro's December offering looks back at Young's journey before clinching the Miss World crown -- a first for the Philippines -- in September 2013 and what she has done in the months that followed as the title winner.

Young, referred to as "our queen" in the issue, also talks about career opportunities after her reign, such as a possible stint in Hollywood or Bollywood.

The ABS-CBN actress will confer the Miss World crown on her successor at the pageant's culminating event in London on December 14.

The Philippines' representative to this year's competition is TV host and model Valerie Weigmann, who, like Young, was a former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Heart, Megan pose in swimsuits

MANILA -- Heart Evangelista and Megan Young posed in bright-colored swimsuits for their respective cover appearances on women's magazines this month.

Twenty-nine-year-old Evangelista is seen sporting a blue monokini on the cover of Cosmpolitan Philippines' March 2014 issue. A behind-the-scenes gallery on the publication's official website also showed the actress in different styles and colors of swimwear to coincide with summer.

For her Cosmopolitan shoot, Evangelista was photographed by lensman BJ Pascual, who is marking his 14th consecutive cover pictorial for the magazine with this latest issue.

Evangelista was styled by Katrina Cruz, with hair and makeup by Jerry Javier and Albert Kurniawan, respectively.

Meanwhile, Young, the current title holder of Miss World, similarly shows off her "bikini-ready" physique in the March 2014 issue of Women's Health Philippines.

The 24-year-old actress is seen posing in a turquoise bikini on the cover, which was photographed by Cholo de la Vega.

For the shoot, Young was styled by Adrianne Concepcion, with hair and makeup by Mark Baquiran for L'Oreal and Pong Niu for MAC Cosmetics, respectively.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Why Security Bank tapped Megan Young as endorser

MANILA, Philippines – Security Bank recently unveiled a new brand identity to impart the message of an improved retail banking service, its top official said on Friday.

Security Bank Corporation president and chief executive officer Alberto Villarosa said the rebranding exercise is part of its overall retail bank strategy, which has been its focus in the past few years.

“As early as 10 years ago when the new management team came in, we drafted a long-term strategic plan for the bank. We said we are very strong in the middle market, and so we leveraged on that and started building pieces of the banking strategy, moving to corporate and investment banking. At the same time, we were doing heavy treasury activities, which generated good earnings,” he told ABS-CBNnews.com at the sidelines of the Security Bank Economic Forum in Makati.

It was around 2009, Villarosa said, when the bank decided to boost efforts in getting a better share of the retail consumer.

“We went from 117 branches to now 244 branches. We shifted our orientation from operations to sales and marketing. We reprocessed a part of our operating procedures to make it less back office and more front office. And after all that is said and done, we now want to tell the market who we are,” he said.

The bank’s rebranding efforts involved changing its logo and its tagline to “You deserve better” from its previous slogan “Security you can bank on.”





“’Security you can bank on’ was very appropriate during that time because after the 1997 crisis, after the 2008 crisis, people were saying, ‘I want a bank that is secure.’ Because that was the focus then. Now, everybody assumes that all the banks are secure. So we went to the consumer and asked, ‘What do you want?’” Villarosa explained.

The results of the research done by the bank showed that a very small percentage of the market is satisfied with their current banking experience. Insights gathered boiled down to customers wanting to just simply get a better banking experience.

“It’s a very powerful tagline, but it is also very challenging because we have to deliver on the promise… It took us a lot of time to really say this is going to be our brand promise,” said Villarosa.

Why Megan?

Security Bank also tapped a new endorser in Miss World Megan Young, whom the bank describes as someone who “personifies grace and youthful exuberance.”

“She personified what the bank wants to be recognized as: world class,” Villarosa said.

In a statement, Young said banking became “very easy” when she switched to Security Bank.

“I like that the bank puts a premium on customer service. You can expect that even without a crown or a title, you will be treated like royalty because for Security Bank, you deserve better, you deserve only the best,” she said.





Villarosa also said the bank hopes that its new look will also appeal to the younger market or the "emerging affluent."

"The economic power of the younger generation is there," he said.

Villarosa added that the bank’s products in line with the new campaign will be focused on the asset management and consumer finance products, such as housing, mortgage loans, auto loans, personal lending, and credit cards, as well as investment products.

“The secret I would like to think of the success of the bank in the past has been on focus. We resisted the temptation 10 years ago to immediately go corporate banking, investment banking, treasury, retail and middle market all at one time. We said, ‘Let’s do it one at a time and focus on a specific direction,’” said Villarosa.

The bank is targeting to open 14 more branches by the end of 2014 to boost its network to more than 250 branches nationwide.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young in accident in Haiti

MANILA – 2013 Miss World Megan Young figured in an accident while visiting an orphanage in Port Au Prince Haiti last Thursday.

According to an article published on the official site of Miss World, Young went to the orphanage along with Miss World chairman Julia Morley to visit 78 children who were having their class on the second floor of a building.

The children reportedly ran towards Young when they saw the beauty queen, just in time when the floor collapsed.

Morley was seriously injured as well as another student, while Young suffered minor bruises.

The article said Morley and Young fell through the floor which was eight to 10 feet high.

Morley and the student had to be taken to a hospital so they could be given immediate medical attention.

The Miss World article said Morley suffered a significant fracture high in her hip area and was immediately brought to Miami for a surgery.

Young is now back in the United States with her family, saying she is still shocked at what happened.

Speaking to the staff of Miss World, Young said she heard a loud crack prior to the floor collapse.

"Nothing like that has really happened to me before. It was such a shock. I felt like a deer in the headlights. I didn't really know what had happened or what to do. We had all fallen down, but I was still on my feet. I had the crown in one hand and the other hand instinctively holding up one of the decks in place with two people. There were lots of kids under the decks still and we just instinctively held on,” she said.

Young said she is hoping for the quick recovery of Morley and the student.

"My thoughts are with them at this time. It was a real eye opener and just shows how much work needs to be done in Haiti. I want to go back and continue with the work that we have started, and make sure nothing like this can happen again," she said.

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines director Cory Quirino told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday that she is now in touch with the Filipina beauty after the accident.

She said Young felt overwhelmed when some of the children even ran towards her to protect her when the floor was already sliding.

Calling it the “Megan Magic,” Quirino said this just goes to show how the children in Haiti appreciate Young.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Miss World Megan Young graces 2 mag covers

MANILA – Shortly after her win in this year’s Miss World pageant, Megan Young has been chosen to appear in not one, but two magazine covers this month.

Young graces the cover of the November 2013 issue of the women’s lifestyle magazine Cosmopolitan, wearing a gold glitter dress.

According to a post on the magazine’s website, Cosmo.ph, Young had less than five hours of sleep during the shoot “but she never complained and instead kept the mood upbeat with her sunny smile and fun-loving personality.”


Meanwhile, Hola! Philippines also featured Young on the cover of its November 2013 issue. The celebrity lifestyle magazine printed a photo of Young when she was crowned Miss World last September.

Young is set to visit more than 30 countries this year to fulfill her duties as the reigning Miss World.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Before Miss World, Megan never won anything

MANILA – Megan Young didn’t know how she exactly felt when she was named the winner at the 2013 Miss World pageant recently held in Bali, Indonesia.

Having never won a single award in her entire life, Young said getting the title of Miss World felt surreal.

“Gusto ko na lang maiyak [nung natawag ako] because I’ve never won anything in my life. Kahit nga sa raffle, hindi ako nananalo. Tapos nanalo ako bigla ng Miss World,” she said in an interview on "The Buzz" on Sunday.

Young said the only thing she had in mind during the pageant was to do her best because she is carrying the flag of the Philippines.

“My mindset that night is that when I step on the stage, I’m going to think like a winner. You have that positive outlook. It comes from the people around me, my barkada, my family, my relatives. These are the people that keep the Megan inside here today,” she told fellow beauty queen Charlene Gonzales on "The Buzz."

Meanwhile, the Kapamilya star said she was overwhelmed when thousands of Filipinos braved the rains just to see her during her motorcade in Makati City last Friday.

“I wanted to celebrate with everyone. I wanted everyone to be with me. I was kind of scared because it was raining and people wouldn’t go out, baka matakot sila or mabasa. But while we were there in the rain, people were running out of their office, throwing confetti from their offices. It was such a fun and nakakaiyak na experience para sa akin,” she said.

Young will stay for a few more days in the Philippines before she flies back to London, where she will live for a year.

The beauty queen said she is already excited to begin her charity activities which are part of her duties as Miss World.

“We have so many projects that we are going to do this year. We are going to start everything here in the Philippines. We are going to PGH tomorrow. They have children there and these children, nahihirapan na sila kasi walang kagamitan, pera para makabili ng gamot. Ito yung gusto naming i-raise sa mga tao, maging aware sila sa kung ano ang nangyayari,” she said.

Young also mentioned that she will be going to New York soon.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Welcome home, Megan Young

MANILA -- Miss World 2013 Megan Young has arrived home.

The 23-year-old actress returned to the Philippines on Thursday afternoon via Cathay Pacific flight CX 919, weeks after she was crowned the first-ever Filipino winner of Miss World in Bali, Indonesia.



Young, who will be based in London for the duration of her one-year reign, went straight to her homecoming press conference at Solaire Resort & Casino in Paranaque City.

She will also take part in the NBA Global Games at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday night. Young will do the ceremonial toss in the NBA pre-season game between the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets.

On Friday, Young's historic Miss World win will be celebrated with a motorcade that will pass through parts of Makati City, culminating with a program at the SM Mall of Asia.

Young is also set to visit Malacanang, the Senate, Congress and her hometown in Olongapo in the coming days. The beauty queen will also make several guest appearances on TV programs starting Saturday.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan hopes Miss World win will inspire Pinoys

MANILA – Actress and television host Megan Young still cannot believe that she is the first Filipina to be given the elusive Miss World title.

In a post on the Miss World Philippines Facebook page, Young thanked all those who have been part of her journey to the international pageant, which culminated in Bali, Indonesia on Saturday night.

The “early favorite” at the pageant bested 126 candidates to get the Miss World crown.

“Seems like only yesterday that I was flying out to Bali, Indonesia to represent the Philippines and show the world what I had. And now, at the foot of my bed, I see the Miss World sash. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine to be in this position. Never did I think of myself to be worthy of such an honor. But the paths I’ve chosen have proven me wrong,” Young wrote.

“This year will be an amazing one. I can already feel the good vibes and positive energy and I can’t wait to start planning for things so that you can witness my journey as well,” she added.

Young went on to recognize not only her supporters, but also her critics, saying that all of them helped her get to where she is now.

“Thank you for the happiness, thank you for the tears, thank you for the heart to heart talks, thank you for the heartbreak, thank you for the hugs, thank you for being mean to me, thank you for understanding, thank you for misunderstanding, thank you for caring, thank you for not giving a damn, thank you for the love and affection. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she wrote.

The newly crowned Miss World also hopes that her win in the international pageant will serve as an inspiration to her fellow Filipinos.

“Maraming salamat sa mga Pilipino na sumuporta. Mahal na mahal ko kayo. Sana maging inspirasyon ako sa inyo. Samahan niyo ako sa aking lakbay bilang Miss World 2013,” she said. “This isn’t the end of the journey. It is only the beginning.”

Young is currently in London to attend a charity gala event as part of her duties as Miss World. She is set to return to the Philippines in eight days.

Malacañang and several celebrity friends have joined thousands of Filipino Internet users across the globe in congratulating Young for her victory in the Miss World pageant.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young is Miss World 2013

MANILA -- Megan Young was crowned Miss World 2013 on Saturday night in Bali, Indonesia, making history as the first-ever Filipino winner of the title since the Philippines' debut in the pageant in 1966.

The 23-year-old actress bested 126 other international candidates to become the successor of China's Wenxia Yu, who conferred the crown on Young at the pageant's culminating event held at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center.

France's Marine Lorphelin finished second, while Ghana's Carranzar Shooter placed third. Completing the Top 6 were Spain's Elena Ibarbia, Brazil's Sancler Frantz, and Gibraltar's Jessica Baldachino (People's Choice).

Hosted by Miss Scotland 2012 Jennifer Reoch and Mister World 2010 Kamal Ibrahim, the coronation night featured cultural numbers, as well as performances from British boyband Blue.

Young's win was bolstered by her strong showing in various pre-pageant challenges, including the Top Model competition, which she won; the Beach Fashion tilt, where she ranked fifth; and the Multimedia Contest, where she placed fourth.

Other preliminary competition winners recognized on Saturday were Netherlands' Jacqueline Steenbeek, for the Sports Challenge; Brazil's Frantz, Beach Fashion; India's Navneet Dhillon, Multimedia; and Nepal's Ishani Shrestha, Beauty with a Purpose.

Pinoys in Bali

Young also zoomed up in rankings after her performance in the Question & Answer portion, where all top six candidates were asked, "Why should you become Miss World?"

Thanking the Indonesian audience in their native language, Young, who wore a pink Francis Libiran gown, brought up the "core values" of Miss World and how she hopes to embody these "to help society."

Before giving her answer, Young also got to talk with Reoch about the strong cheer for her from the audience. They were waiting for her profile reel to be set up -- it initially showed a different candidate -- when Young quipped, "I actually brought half of the Philippines here!"

The ABS-CBN actress' win in Miss World is preceded by similarly strong performances from Filipinas in the pageant. Gwendoline Ruais finished 1st runner-up, while Queneerich Rehman placed in the Top 15 in the 2011 and 2012 editions of the competition, respectively.

Receiving her crown on Saturday, a tearful Young thanked her countrymen, exclaiming to the audience, "Salamat sa mga kababayan ko. Mahal na mahal ko kayo."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young breaks into Miss World Top 6

MANILA -- Megan Young inched closer to the Miss World crown after landing a spot in the pageant's Top 6 on Saturday night in Bali, Indonesia.

The Kapamilya actress is among the 127 international beauties to the pageant, which pushed through in the Muslim-majority country despite protests.

The finals night, held at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, was still ongoing, as of posting.

With her Top 6 feat, Young is set to replicate the success of Filipina beauty Gwendonline Ruais, whose 1st runner-up finish in Miss World 2011 was the Philippines' last best showing in the pageant.

Below is the complete list of candidates who made it in the Top 6 of Miss World 2013, in no particular order:

1. France
2. Philippines
3. Ghana
4. Brazil
5. Spain
6. Gibraltar (People's Choice)

Young's Top 6 placing was bolstered by her strong showing in various pre-pageant challenges, including the Top Model competition, which she won; the Beach Fashion tilt, where she ranked fifth; and the Multimedia Contest, where she placed fourth.

Other preliminary competition winners recognized on Saturday were Netherlands' Jacqueline Steenbeek, for the Sports Challenge; Brazil's Sancler Frantz, Beach Fashion; India's Navneet Dhillon, Multimedia; and Nepal's Ishani Shrestha, Beauty with a Purpose.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

No bikinis for Megan, Miss World beauties

MANILA -- For the first time in years, Miss World contestants will not wear bikinis in favor of less-revealing attire as the annual pageant is set to hold its culminating night in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

The Philippines' delegate, Megan Young, is ready for the challenge.

Before leaving for Indonesia on Tuesday night, the 23-year-old actress said she welcomes the change in the beach fashion competition, and even expressed excitement in taking part in a unique iteration of the long-running pageant.

Noting there will still be a "beach body" segment, where contestants take turns in a parade of swimwear, Young said, "This time, we will be wearing a one-piece bathing suit with a full sarong, and you know, I'm excited actually for that."

The Miss World Organization, which is based in the United Kingdom, earlier announced the attire change, with chairwoman Julia Morley telling the Associated Press the move is to avoid "being disrespectful" considering the coronation night's venue.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic country, is hosting the beauty competition for the first time.

As international contestants arrived there Tuesday for the pageant's kickoff in Bali, Muslim groups reportedly staged protests hitting the supposed "exploitation, insult and humiliation of women" by Miss World.


'Come what may'

Addressing calls for the cancellation of the pageant in Indonesia, Miss World Philippines director Cory Quirino said the international competition is pushing through "come what may," citing the UK-based organizers' decision on the matter.

Referring to the move to tweak Miss World's swimwear section due to cultural sensitivity, Young said, "It's the first time in history in Miss World that that's ever happened, and it's exciting to be part of that mark."

Speaking with reporters during a recent media gathering for her send-off to the September 28 finals night, Young added she is excited to "see how these ladies (fellow contestants) can actually work the beach without showcasing their figures."

"I mean, how can you be sexy and flaunt those abs that people can't see? I think it all boils down to confidence at the end of the day, how you work the stage, and how you show them that, 'Hey, I'm wearing a sarong but I'm going to work the stage,'" she said.

Focusing on weakness

Among the various competitions within the pageant, however, Young has devoted more preparation for the sports event, saying she has "never really been a sporty person."

"I had no sports growing up, but I as I grew up I started going to the gym, I started doing boxing, I started getting more active. That is what engaged, what got my healthy lifestyle on track.

"Even though I don't have a sport like swimming, basketball, or badminton, I'm confident enough to say that I am physically fit and ready for the sports challenge in Indonesia," she said.

Young added: "Iyon talaga 'yung pinaghandaan ko, because, you know, your weaknesses, you should always work on them. Even before Miss World Philippines, I was already working on that."

'Bringing prayers'

Despite expressing confidence in her chances in the competition, Young admitted feeling pressured as she is representing the Philippines after its recent successes in international pageants.

Her predecessors, Queneerich Rehman and Gwendoline Ruais, finished in the Top 15 and first runner-up, respectively, in 2011 and 2012.

Since 2011, Philippine delegates to major international pageants including Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth have consistently entered the semifinals.

Crediting the "overwhelming support" for her mixed emotions, Young said, "Iba pala 'yung pakiramdam when you're representing the country, it's pressure... It's so nerve-wracking. But I'm so excited and I'm so happy."

Asked what she will be bringing as a "lucky charm" to Miss World, the actress only said, "I'm bringing my prayers, the prayers from other people. That everybody else is smiling along with me, that's what I'm bringing with me."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young is Miss World PH 2013

MANILA - Actress Megan Lynn Young was named Miss World Philippines 2013 at the coronation night held at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old Filipina-American will represent the Philippines in the Miss World 2013 pageant in Indonesia in September.

Young is an alumna of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 and starred in several ABS-CBN shows including "Precious Hearts Romances," "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and "Betty La Fea."

She earlier said that joining the Miss World Philippines was one of the things she had always wanted to do.

"There are many risks in joining this pageant, but it's only something that happens once in a lifetime. It's now or never!" said Young.

The following are the runners-up of the 2013 Miss World Philippines:

First Princess - Janicel Lubina
Second Princess - Zahra Saldua
Third Princess - Bianca Paz
Fourth Princess - Omarie Linn Osuna

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young applies to join Miss World PH

MANILA, Philippines -- Actress and former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Megan Young hopes to be among the candidates at this year's Miss World Philippines.

The 23-year-old Filipina-American, who topbilled the ABS-CBN drama series "Hiyas" last year, sent in her application early this week to compete in the local pageant that sends the Philippines' delegate to the international Miss World contest.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com