PH bet finishes in Top 16 of Manhunt International 2020

MANILA – The Philippines’ Daumier Corilla made it to the Top 16 of Manhunt International 2020, which was held at New Frontier Theater in Cubao over the weekend.

He also won best in national costume, with candidates from Japan and Sri Lanka getting the runner-up positions.

Paul Luzineau of the Netherlands was proclaimed Manhunt International 2020, followed by representatives from Greece (first runner-up), Brazil (second runner-up), Spain (third runner-up), and India (fourth runner-up).

Special awards were also given to Greece (Loo Chang Huat Model), Paraguay (Mr. Internet Popularity), United Kingdom (Best Fashion Model), Sweden (Best Commercial Model), Vietnam (Best Runway Model), Thailand (Mr. Photogenic), Nepal (Mr. Personality), Peru (Mr. Physique), and Trinidad and Tobago (Mr. Friendship).

Model June Macasaet, who competed in 2012, is currently the only Filipino who has won the Manhunt International pageant.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

What Catriona told Gazini Ganados after Miss Universe PH win

MANILA – Gazini Ganados has big shoes to fill since she is succeeding Catriona Gray, who brought home the Miss Universe 2018 crown to become the Philippines’ fourth winner in the prestigious pageant.

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old beauty from Talisay City, Cebu takes comfort that she has everyone’s support, including Gray’s.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News early Monday morning, Ganados shared what Gray whispered to her on stage while she was crowning her as the new Miss Universe Philippines.

“She just encouraged me that this will be the start, this will be a new beginning. I appreciate it,” she said.

With this kind of pressure on her, Ganados vowed to do her best to represent the Philippines in the international stage the best way she can.

“We’ve been training. Maybe we will create a walk that would best suit us. And [we will work on] the physical appearance and the Q&A, of course. It is very important to be well informed about the things happening around,” she said.

When asked if she thinks her Latina looks would work to her advantage in the Miss Universe pageant, she said she appreciates the comments.

“I’ll take that as a compliment but it’s not just usually the outlook or your physical appearance; it’s usually what your heart says,” she said.

Ganados, who describes herself as a model on her Instagram page, is an only child and was raised by a single mother.

Growing up without a father figure, Ganados developed a close relationship with her grandparents. It is because of this that she was inspired to raise awareness of how special the elderlies are.

Ganados joined Miss World Philippines in 2014, as well as other several other local pageants.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Filipino crowned Mr. Gay World 2019

MANILA - John Jeffrey "Janjep" Carlos became the second Filipino and Asian to win the Mr. Gay World crown after winning this year's pageant in South Africa. 

Carlos, who hails from Cavite, bested 21 other candidates in the final round of the pageant in Cape Town, South Africa on May 4 (May 5 in Manila). 

He joins fellow Filipino John Fernandez Raspado took the crown in 2017. 

Carlos succeeded Mr. Gay World 2018 Jordan Bruno, an Australian national, for the crown 

Spain's Francisco Alvarado was crowned 1st runner up, followed by Hungary's Oliver Pusztan (2nd runner up), Thailand's Cjayudhom Samibat (3rd runner up) and Belgium's Nick Van Vooren (4th runner up) 

In his introduction video posted on the Mr Gay World 2019 Youtube channel, Carlos said mental health awareness was one of his main advocacies, particularly the fight against depression. 

"Depression is real, and it has caused the tragic loss of lives. Depression is a real illness that can be treated if properly diagnosed," he said.

"With love and understanding of people undergoing depression, this illness can be transformed into wellness." 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Karen Gallman makes history as first Filipina winner of Miss Intercontinental

When asked to define success, she said it's all about setting goals and working hard to achieve them.

And it's going to be very difficult to argue against Karen Gallman's philosophy after she was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2018 — the first-ever Filipina to win the title in the pageant's 47-year history.

She won after preaching about the importance of being focused when it comes to becoming successful, saying during the Q&A round: "For me, success is not just about winning in life."

"It is about setting goals, achieving your dreams, working hard for everything you want, and always looking up to God and be thankful for everything. For me, that is success," she said.

She defeated a strong challenge from Costa Rica's Adriana Alvarado and Slovak Republic's Laura Longauerova, who both drew loud applause for their answers on the same topic.

Alvarado, who argued that being "100%" certain about what we want in life constitutes success, ended up finishing first runner-up.

Longauerova, who placed second runner-up, answered that success is looking into a mirror every morning and being proud.

Representatives from Colombia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia rounded up the top six of the coronation night, which was held at Mall of Asia Arena Saturday night.

This is the first time the Philippines won Miss Intercontinental, ending one of the longest droughts in an international beauty contest for the pageant-crazed country.

Saturday's pageant was the 47th edition of Miss Intercontinental.

Gallman is a Filipino-Australian who is pushing for better education for poor kids living in rural areas of the country.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Miss Earth 2017: Australian candidate is half-Pinay

MANILA – Miss Australia Nina Robertson revealed during the coronation night of the Miss Earth 2017 pageant on Saturday that she is half-Filipino.

Before giving her answer in the competition’s final Q&A segment, Robertson was asked how she finds the Philippines so far.

To the audience’s surprise, the 20-year-old beauty queen said: “I am actually half Filipino so for me, this is like my second home. It is so lovely to be here but I am very proud to be representing Australia. Whichever country I am representing, I am just happy to be doing what we are doing here--advocating the conservation of the Mother Earth.”

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Robertson shared that her mother hails from Nueva Ecija.

According to her profile on the official Miss Earth website, Robertson is the youngest of three children and is constantly surrounded by her big family especially from her mother’s side.

“Living all in the same area means we all grew up spending lots of time together, celebrating special events with lots of food. Another thing that my family taught me was to appreciate all the opportunities I had growing up in a developed country compared to their upbringings in the Philippines,” her bio said.

Robertson also shared in her profile that she and her family frequently visit the Philippines “and make sure to take part in actions to give back to the unfortunate.”

After the coronation, Robertson won the Miss Earth Air 2017 crown.

“I am so excited for all the activities for the year but even after that, we are still going to continue doing what we are doing here at Miss Earth,” she said.

The Philippines’ Karen Ibasco won the Miss Earth 2017 title.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Pinoy wins Mr. Gay World 2017

MANILA – The Philippines continues to dominate the pageant scene with the victory of John Raspado in Mr. Gay World 2017.

Raspado is the first Filipino winner of the pageant, which was held in Spain on Thursday morning (Manila time).

Congratulations #MrPhilippinnes!!! You are #MRGayWorld2017 #MGW2017
pic.twitter.com/74RjjIrlgU

— Mr.GayWorld™ (@mgworg) May 10, 2017



He also received several special awards: Best in Swimwear, Mr. Online Vote, Mr. Interview, Best in Formal Wear and Mr. Social Media.

Spain won first runner-up, followed by Belgium, South Africa and Switzerland.

On the Facebook page of Mr. Gay World Philippines, Raspado took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him in his journey to the title.

“Itong pagkakapanalo ko ay hindi lamang sa aking pamilya ngunit para sa mga baklang katulad ko na may prinsipyo at layunin sa pinaglalaban,” he said.

Before representing the Philippines in the Mr. Gay World pageant, Raspado was named the first winner of the I Am Pogay contest on the ABS-CBN noontime program “It’s Showtime” in 2014.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong proud to have beauty queen daughter

MANILA – Celebrity couple Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong were a picture of extremely proud parents after their daughter, Mariel, bagged the Binibining Pilipinas International crown on Sunday night.

Calling his daughter’s win the “most exciting time of my life,” de Leon said: “I am so proud of her. I’ve been dreaming of this. I’ve been wanting something really, really good for Mariel.”

The veteran actor admitted that he particularly prayed for Mariel to win the Miss International crown.

Following her win, de Leon only has one advice to his daughter. “It’s always humility and victory. Once you’re really grounded, you will make it. That really counts a lot,” he said.

Meanwhile, Andolong couldn’t help but gush over how special this victory is for their family.

“She’s a princess. She’s our princess. Now she’s a queen. This is very special. This has been her dream. Second time na nga and finally, she won. She really prepared for this. Talagang determined,” she said.

Mariel previously joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2013 and finished in the Top 15.

Now a titleholder, Mariel said: “I haven’t absorbed anything yet. Miss International is the crown I’ve also wanted besides [the Universe]. I am really proud of how far I’ve come. It’s just the start of another adventure.”

She also thanked her parents for their unwavering support.

“Thank you nanay, tatay for all the love and support that you’ve given me since birth. I love you so much and this one’s for you,” she said.

Aside from Mariel, the other winners include: Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rachel Peters, Binibining Pilipinas Globe Nelda Ibe; Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Chanel Olive Thomas; Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Sonja Rodriguez; and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Elizabeth Durado Clenci.

• WATCH: Mariel de Leon's Q&A

Charmaine Elima and Kristel Guelos finished in first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Rachel Peters in new Miss Universe bet

Rachel Peters (center) waves to the crowd shortly after being crowned the new Binibining Pilipinas Universe Monday. The Filipino-British Peters beat 39 other hopefuls in a glitzy, hours-long pageant at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Former 'It's Showtime' winner to represent PH in Mr. Gay World

MANILA – Mister Gay World Philippines John Respado is off to Madrid to represent the country in the 2017 Mister Gay World pageant.

Respado, the winner of the Pogay segment of “It's Showtime” in 2014, said he is grateful to ABS-CBN for helping him conquer his fears.

“Maraming salamat po kasi without ‘Showtime’ po, hindi ko naranasan rumampa sa stage at hindi ko na-conquer 'yung fear ko sa stage. Doon kasi ako lumabas so malaking malaki po talaga ang pasasalamat ko sa ‘Showtime,’” he said.

He also asked for the program’s avid viewers to support him in this journey.

“Gusto ko nga po sana pumunta sa ‘Showtime’ para mag-invite din. Sa lahat po ng madlang people, sana po suportahan niyo ako sa upcoming Mister Gay World sa Madrid, Spain,” he said.

Mr gayworld ph john respado @ send off mr gayworld2017 pageant Madrid may10, grateful 2 abscbn as it's showtime pogay2014 winner @abscbnnews pic.twitter.com/3RvDLlRbS0

— Mario Dumaual (@mariovdumaual) April 24, 2017
With the pageant fast approaching, Respado vowed to do his best and apply everything he learned from his rigorous trainings.

 Asked what he thinks is his advantage over the other contestants, Respado said: “I think the greatest edge among other delegates is kapag Pilipino ka, 'yung support mo from the Filipino community, nandoon sila.”

The 2017 Mister Gay World pageant will happen from May 5 to 10.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LIST: Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates

Presenting the chosen 40 #bbpilipinasofficial candidates @abscbnnews @tvpatrol congrats!
pic.twitter.com/WYiS5jBhdO

— Mario Dumaual (@mariovdumaual) February 28, 2017

After a week of screening, the official candidates of the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas pageant were announced on Tuesday.

From a pool of nearly 100, the list was whittled down to 40. Among this year's candidates are pageant repeaters such as Jehza Mae Huelar and Maria Angelica A. De Leon, the daughter of Christopher De Leon and Sandy Andolong.

Some cross-over beauties from other national competitions like Miss Philippines Air 2015 Chanel Olive Thomas, Miss World Philippines 4th Princess Rachel Peters and Miss Global Philippines 2014 runner-up Sirene Sutton were also included.

Below is the full list in no particular order:

Ana Patricia Asturias
Leitz Camyll M. Ang
Jessica M. Ramirez
Dane Felisse R. Marasigan
Mae Lanie Chan
Arienne Louise Braga Calingo
Maria Gail Devora Tobes
Gabriela Patricia M. Ortega
Katarina Sonja A. Rodriguez
Joselle S. Mariano
Kristi Rose D. Cequeña
Rachel Peters
Maria Camille P. Manalo
Jennyline Carla F. Malpaya
Vanessa N. Saliba
Juliana M. Kapeundl
Ma. Bejieleen T. Nama
Thoreen D. Halvosen
Sarah Jireh C. Asido
Arah A. Salientes
Beatrice O. Valente
Mae Liezel J. Ramos
Larah Grace Lacap
Clarice Marion E. Villareal
Chanel Olive V. Thomas
Nelda C. Ibe
Christagale Borja
Ruffa Nava
Angelique Celine L. De Leon
Jamaica Elysse D. Ambal
Karla May R. Manongsong
Dindi Joy Pajares
Kimberly L. Pajares
Maria Angelica A. De Leon
Sirene Sutton
Charmaine F. Elima
Jehza Mae Huelar
Elizabeth Durado Clenci
Kristel N. Guelos
Sammie Anne L. Legaspi

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: More Miss Universe candidates arrive in Manila

More beauty queens arrived in Manila on Friday to complete the remaining 86 countries competing for the 65th Miss Universe pageant at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on January 30. The ancillary events leading to the coronation night will begin Saturday, with an event in the Philippines' famous island getaway Boracay.

Here are some images of the arrival of the Miss Universe candidates.

Miss Universe Italy Sofia Sergio arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila for the Miss Universe pageant on Friday.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Meet PH bet to Miss World pageant

NEW YORK – Catriona Elisa Gray is the Philippines’ bet for the Miss World Beauty pageant in Washington DC on December 18.

Gray wrote the script for her own contestant introduction video to Miss World 2016, now seen by more than half a million viewers worldwide.

“Syempre, I’m introducing myself, so who better to write the script than me. I wanted not only to show the beautiful sights of our country but also who I am as a person,” she said.

Gray said her unique name is a combination of her two grandmothers’ names.

“My grandmother on my dad’s side, she is of Scottish heritage and she used to speak Gaelic, which is the Celtic Scottish language. She used to paint these beautiful oil canvass paintings and she would sign her name at the bottom. In Gaelic, Catherine is Catriona. My middle name Elisa is actually taken from my lola on my mom's side 'coz her name was Elsa,” she explained.

Gray grew up in Australia, but as an adult, she chose to live and work in the Philippines as a fashion model.

She may have lived the glitzy and glamorous life of a model, but her real passion, she said, is helping the poor kids in the Philippines, especially in Tondo, Manila.

“I was shocked that families were living with such little resources, that they were getting by on so little. I think if you give a child education, they can really make something of themselves, they can help their families in the long run,” she said.

Being a creative person, Gray said art and music are part of her life.

With less than three weeks before the Miss World pageant, Gray believes she is ready to take on the international stage and hopefully bring home another crown and scepter for the Philippines.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Miss Earth candidates try lechon

ILIGAN CITY - A few days into the coronation night, several Miss Earth 2016 candidates chose to ignore their diet regimen and take a taste of the savory Iligan lechon.

Ten Miss Earth candidates visited the National Power Corporation's Natures Park and Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City on Tuesday morning.

The NPC compound had been closed to tourists since September following the deadly Davao City blast.

The Miss Earth candidates who visited Iligan were the representatives from Chinese Taipei, Zimbabwe, Chile, Pakistan, England, Belize, Romania, Hungary, Iraq and Denmark.

A total of 84 candidates from different countries and territories will compete during the 2016 Miss Earth Pageant on October 29.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Aussie model named Miss World Philippines 2016

Filipina-Australian Catriona Gray will be representing the Philippines in the Miss World 2016 pageant in Washington D.C., U.S.A in December.

The 22-year-old model was named Miss World Philippines 2016 Sunday at the coronation night in Manila Hotel.

Completing the winners are Sandra Lemonon, who was named the 4th Princess; Mara Muñoz, 3rd Princess; Ivana Kamila Suficiencia Pacis, 2nd Princess; and, Arienne Calingo, 1st Princess.

Aside from winning the crown, Gray was also named Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Hannah Resort, and Miss Manila Hotel.

The candidates who made it to the Top 12 are:

- Sarah Margarette Joson,
- Shenna Mae Zaldivar,
- Yuri Caunca,
- Marah Muñoz,
- Arah Salientes,
- Ralph Lauren Asuncion,

- Sandra Lemonon,
- Ivanna Kamil Pacis,
- Kristine Lopez,
- Alyanna Cagandahan,
- Arienne Calingo, and
- Catriona Gray.

Gray has a Master Certificate in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

NOT SEEN ON TV: Pia waves to crowd as Miss Universe 2015

Viewers across the globe were unable to see Philippine bet Pia Wurtzbach wave to the crowd for the first time as Miss Universe 2015.

The live broadcast was cut short right after Wurtzbach was named Miss Universe, with the crown transferred to her from Miss Colombia.

Host Steve Harvey initially announced Miss Colombia this year’s winner, only to return on stage to apologize for the mix-up.

Here’s the first glimpse of Wurtzbach as Miss World 2015, a scene that was not shown on television.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mister International 2015 talks about life-changing victory

Mister International 2015, Switzerland's Pedro Mendes believes that his life is about to change, following his win at the male beauty pageant.

Speaking on Mornings @ ANC on Tuesday, Mendes said winning the pageant is a fresh experience and that the victory will open new doors for him.

But it had not been an easy journey for the 26-year-old title holder.

Mendes had to take a leave from his work in the power industry to give time to the pageant. He also explored the international fashion scene, doing modeling stints in Paris prior to joining Mister International.

Mendes had to follow a strict diet plan and undergo rigid workout. But the most challenging part for him was the language barrier.

Interestingly, Mendes is in a romantic relationship with Switzerland's representative to Miss Supranational 2015, Catarina Lopes.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinay transgender crowned Miss International Queen 2015

MANILA - The Philippine representative to this year's Miss International Queen bagged the crown in a pageant held in Pattaya, Thailand.

Filipina transgender model Trixie Maristela bested 26 contestants from countries across the globe who joined the pageant.

Completing Maristela's court at the Miss International Queen pageant were Brazil's Valesca Dominik Ferraz as first runner-up and Sopida Siriwattananukoon from Thailand as second runner-up.

Maristela was crowned Miss Gay Manila 2015 earlier this year.

Miss International Queen 2015 goes to Trixie Maristela, Philippines

#MissInternationalQueen2015 pic.twitter.com/gMBes6uE6u

— Chanon Sukboon (@puijuju) November 6, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Chanel OliThomas: ve No advantage of being Jake's ex

MANILA – Nueva Ecija beauty Chanel Olive Thomas believes her previous romantic ties with actor Jake Cuenca had nothing to do with her victory at this year's Miss Philippines Earth pageant.

Thomas, who broke up with Cuenca in late 2014, was crowned Miss Philippines Air at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

Speaking on “Mornings@ANC” on Monday, Thomas said the pageant world is completely different from showbiz.

“I didn’t know anyone in the pageant world so I really stepped into it fresh, clean slate. I was really just myself. With the girls, I just grew. For me, there’s no advantage of being the ex-girlfriend of Jake,” she said.

Although she cherishes what she and Cuenca had, Thomas stressed that she is “my own person and I have my own path.”

“God has a future for me and I’m excited for that and whatever he gives me is my own hard work. That’s how I was raised. I never told the girls in the beginning [that Jake was my boyfriend] because that doesn’t define me,” she said.

According to Thomas, joining beauty pageants is not really her thing. That’s why she considers her Miss Philippines Earth experience as life-chaning.

“This is the first pageant I’ve ever done in my life. I was never actually a pageant girl. For me, doing this actually, I felt I grew so much. I learned so much from the girls. I made so many new friendships. I guess it was a great journey for me because I saw myself change so much during the whole phase of the pageant,” she said.

Asked what made her decide to join Miss Philippines Earth, Thomas said: “No one really pushed me for it. All my friends were surprised… Doing this was really out of my comfort zone. I don’t know. I just saw myself really changed. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Although she was raised in Australia, Thomas said she fell in love with the Philippines and decided to stay in the country.

“I grew up in Australia. I moved to the Philippines last year… I was here for a vacation with my mom and then all of a sudden, I got offered modelling work and I had no commitments back in Australia so I just stayed and never looked back,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Hunk cop returns to PH after Mister International win

MANILA - Police officer Mariano Flormata Jr., who is also known as Neil Perez, is back in the Philippines after winning the pageant title in South Korea.

Perez, who is part of the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police, was welcomed by his family, friends and colleagues at the airport.

He believes that his training as a policeman helped him win the title.


Perez dedicates his win to the Fallen 44, some of whom are his batchmates.

He will take a leave from his job for the meantime to fulfill his duties as Mister International, which includes a tour of 12 countries. -- ANC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Brazil beauty pageant ends in chaos

RIO DE JANEIRO - "And the winner is..."

Miss Amazon 2015 in Brazil ended in acrimony and accusations of cheating when a runner-up tore the sash and crown from the winning contestant.

Smiling and holding hands, the two finalists waited for the announcement of the result of the competition on Friday night in the Amazonas state in northern Brazil.

Carolina Toledo had just a moment to celebrate her victory before furious rival Sheislane Hayalla sneaked up from behind and yanked off her crown and sash, according to video of the event posted online.


The rude departure from pageant politesse was greeted with both cheers and screams from the exasperated crowd.

Video of Hayalla's reaction went viral on social networks.

"In Manaus money is the boss and I'm showing the people of Amazonas that money is not in charge here, she did not deserve it," said Hayalla in reference to the state's capital.

Hayalla told Globo G1 that even before the event she knew she wouldn't be the winner and that Toledo was given special privileges other contestants didn't have.

"There were more prepared contestants (than the winner), and they do not regret what I did because it was not against them but against the coordination of the competition," Hayalla said.

Afterwards, an incensed Toledo said Hayalla would "face justice" for her allegations.

"I got the title by my effort, sacrifice... I sleep with a clear conscience," said Toledo.

The winner of Miss Amazon competes in Miss Brazil in September.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com