Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah Gravidez get beauty titles

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "I just want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you so much for all your love and support. Every year for the past few years has been so moving and so heartwarming and has been one of those driving factors that really kept me going and that really drove me to always want to become a better, bold, and more transformed self. So to all of you, thank you, thank you so much, daghang salamat!," Pauline said.

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Newly-crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishnah Marie Gravidez (left)  and Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol (Photos by Annalyn Jusay)

Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx was named Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 while Miss Baguio Krishnah Gravidez is the new Miss Charm Philippines in a separate coronation ceremony held in Okada Manila in the early hours of Sunday.

The rites were held shortly after the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Coronation Night where Miss Makati City Michelle Dee was crowned as the winner.

Pauline, who was a pageant favorite and ran away with most of the competition's special awards prior, addressed her supporters.

The new Queens (from left): MUPh 2nd runner up Angelique Manto, Miss Charm  Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Supranational 2023 Pauline Amelinckx, and MUPh first runner-up Christine Opiaza.

"I just want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you so much for all your love and support. Every year for the past few years has been so moving and so heartwarming and has been one of those driving factors that really kept me going and that really drove me to always want to become a better, bold, and more transformed self. So to all of you, thank you, thank you so much, daghang salamat!," Pauline said.

Krishna, on the other hand, thanked the Miss Universe Philippines organization for the opportunity given to her by joining the pageant. She said she experienced her first plane ride, her first private resort tour visiting Palawan, and stayed in the five-star Aqua Boracay as well.

Krishna was crowned by her predecessor Annabelle McDonnell who managed to land first runner-up at the Miss Charm 2023 finals in Vietnam.

The new queens with the pageant's official shoe designer Jojo Bragais

The two new queens were crowned at the same time that the MUPh after-party was held to celebrate the win of the new queen Michelle Dee of Makati City.

Attending were Miss Universe President Paula Shugart, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe director for charity Sam Versoza with girlfriend Rhian Ramos, Congresswoman Richelle Singson, and other personalities.

Moms making waves in MUPh 2023

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 7, 2023 07:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When they walk the stage on the MUPH grand coronation night on May 13, they are not just doing it for themselves; they are also making their child proud and their community excited as they become part of  "herstory." Who knows, one of them could be proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines 2023!

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Historic. There's no other way to describe this year's batch of Miss Universe Philippines beauties who are the first qualifiers of the new rule to allow married or single moms to join the pageant. Standing tall and proud among their fellow candidates, the three mothers of MUPH 2023 are making waves with their talents, head-turning looks and unique life stories to tell.

When they walk the stage on the MUPH grand coronation night on May 13, they are not just doing it for themselves; they are also making their child proud and their community excited as they become part of  "herstory." Who knows, one of them could be proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines 2023!

Let us get to know the MUPH mommies one by one:

Miss Benguet Joemay-An Leo calls herself the first married woman to make it to MUPH. Aside from being a mom to her baby daughter Courkin, she is also the SK chairperson of the town of Tuba in her province. She wowed the crowd in the recently-concluded National Costume competition, emerging second place by parading around the stage with a salad of mountain-grown vegetables behind her back.

Joemay-An Leo

Joemay is no stranger to pageantry, having been proclaimed Miss Cordillera in 2016 when she was barely 20. She revealed that she joined Miss Universe Philippines to give a spotlight to her province, to showcase its products as well as its tourism spots and give the world an idea what an Igorota beauty is all about.

"I am not only an Igorota. I am a proud Ibaloi and Kankanaey from Mt. Province. My advocacy is cultural awareness and sensitivity. I aim to show the skills and talents of all indigenous peoples all over the Philippines, not only the Igorots," she told the Manila Bulletin after last month's press presentation.

Joemay revealed that it has been hard juggling pageant duties and being with her family. " I have been going to Benguet and travelling back to Manila. Pabalik-balik po ako just to see my family and join the activities. What's giving me the courage to continue is I know my baby will be proud of what I do now and she will be empowered just like me."

Miss Parañaque Clarielle (Clare) Dacanay is easily one of the most recognizable beauties in MUPH 2023 because she towers at 5'11 and sports short hair. Her recent feat was being named one of Aqua Boracay's Magic 8 finalists.

Clarielle (Clare) Dacanay

Clare said she is engaged to her partner and father of her 2 1/2 year old daughter. She is also an interior design student. " I was actually working under Asian Vision, It's a cable company, but I let it go since I wanted to focus on my daughter, my schooling, and the pageant," she disclosed.

"Joining the pageant was a spur-of-the-moment decision. When they removed the civil status requirement, I thought it was destiny because I always wanted to join ever since I was a kid. Then I had a baby so I thought it was game over but when they announced the new rule, I had no doubt in my mind and I just went for it," the 25-year old Clare revealed.

She added that "the best thing about joining the pageant is all the learning I get."

"My advocacy is maternal mental health, especially post partum depression or PPD. I was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder back in 2019 and I had suicidal tendencies. I was actually confined in a psych ward for maybe roughly a month. But when I found out about my pregnancy, I knew the importance of having to focus on your mental being before having a baby because you don't want to affect their growth. Luckily, I didn't experience any signs of PPD, just a few traces of sadness. But I wanted to advocate for it because I had a good friend who underwent a very bad case of PPD and I saw how much it affected not only her but also the baby," Clare stated.

The last mom-candidate is  Miss Quezon City Mary Eileen Gonzales. She is 27, businesswoman, actress and a middle child in a family of five. All her siblings are boys.

Mary Eileen Gonzales

Eileen dotes on her son Zohan, who she shares the same birthday with. "I am not the perfect mom but I just want to tell Z that everything I've done and will be doing is really for him. I want him to know that he has a mom who would do anything for him."

Eileen believes that she "manifested" being an MUPH candidate.

"Way back in 2019, I emailed the Miss Universe Organization that maybe one day, they will allow us (moms) to join the pageant. Being here today is something I am really proud of. I cannot wait to hear my son one day tell his friends that mommy is a Miss Universe Philippines candidate," Eileen said.

Big stars confirmed for MUPH 2023 coronation night

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Apr 12, 2023 07:59 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.

• For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.

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Miss Universe PH 2023 candidates during the press presentation in Taguig City last April 11.

Starstruck. That's how Miss Universe Philippines wants its audience to feel as it announced a celebrity-studded line-up for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 Coronation Night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 13.

The list includes two of the hottest local movie stars as event hosts, a couple of international performers, with the special attendance of reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel and the new Miss Universe Organization owner, Anne Jakrajutatip of Thailand.

Miss Universe Philippines director of communications Voltaire Tayag revealed during the Press Presentation of the pageant's official 38 candidates that Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Xian Lim will be this year's hosts. Reporting on the backstage happenings will be Tim Yap and  Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.

Earlier, it was reported that K-pop star Nam Woo-Hyun will be performing during the finals. Yesterday, April 11, Tayag bared the addition of American Idol 11th season runner-up. Jessica Sanchez is one of those who will render a song number.

Pageant veterans Michelle Dee (left) of Makati and Samantha Panlilio of Cavite are in this year's batch of MUPH candidates

MUPH national director Shamcey Supsup said that Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney will fly into town on the first week of May. "She will have a lot of activities with us prior to the coronation and she will be here to attend the coronation with us."

"Apart from her, we are also inviting other Miss Universe winners. We will have a lot of other guests coming. We always want to top what we did last year," Shamcey added.

So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.

For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.

The three women are Miss Benguet Joemay-an Leo, Miss Quezon City Mary Eileen Gonzales, and Miss Paranaque, Clariele Dacanay. Meanwhile, one of the contestants, Claire Inso of Lapu-Lapu, said she joined even though she is only 5 feet 4 inches because MUPH also lowered the height requirement.

MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee

A few pageant veterans are also in this year's batch which includes last year's winners Michelle Dee ( Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022) and Pauline Amelinckx ( Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022).

Shamcey said that they're not just looking for someone with a beautiful face and body. "We are looking for someone who is strong, independent, and knows that her work starts the moment she wins. Carrying the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage is such a big responsibility. It has to be someone who is already strong in mind, body, and spirit. She should have a purpose bigger than her ambition," stated the Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up.

Tickets to the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night are available at smtickets.com under the following prices: P12,780 (VIP), P5,270 (Lower Box), P1,490 (Upper Box), and P500 (General Admission).

This year's official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023:

1. Jannarie Zarzoso, 24, Agusan Del Norte
2. Avery Marianne Sugcang, 21, Aklan
3. Kristen Mae Boccang, 23, Apayao
4. Jan Marie Bordon, 22, Bacolod
5. Alexandria Bollier, 25, Bacoor City
6. Krishnan Marie Gravidez, 22, Baguio Cityty
7. Karen Joyce M. Olfato, 25, Batangas
8. Joemay-an Leo, 27, Benguet
9. Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, 27, Bohol
10. Princess Anne Marcos, 24, Bulacan
11. Shayne Glenmae Maquiran, 25, Capiz
12. Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 27, Cavite
13. Dianne C. Padillo, 27, Cebu City
14. Emmanuelle Fabienne Camcam, 28, Cebu Province (aka Emmanuelle Vera)
15. Klyza Ferrando Castro, 23, Davao Oriental
16. Airissh T. Ramos, 26, Eastern Samar
17. Vanessa Tse Wing, 26, Guimaras
18. Chloei Darl Gabales, 21, Iloilo City
19. Kimberlyn Jane Madamba Acob, 24, Isabela
20. Clare Sanchez Inso, 24, Lapu-Lapu
21. Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee, 27, Makati City
22. Iman Franchesca Cristal, 24, Mandaluyong City
23. Christine Joy Salcedo, 24, Marinduque
24. Vanessa Maria Yuson Matzeit, 25, Negros Oriental
25. Layla Yousif Adriatico, 26, Northern Samar
26. Laicka Bonquin Implamado, 26, Occidental Mindoro
27. Louise Joy Gallardo, 21, Palawan
28. Mary Angelique Manto, 26, Pampanga
29. Clariele Dacanay, 24, Parañaque City
30. Kali Navea-Huff, 27, Pasig City
31. Mary Eileen Palencia Gonzales, 27, Quezon City
32. Lesly Joy Sim, 26, Quezon Province
33. Rein Hillary Carrascal, 25, Sorsogon
34. Kimberly Escartin, 25, Southern Leyte
35. Hyra Desiree Betito, 26, Surigao del Norte
36. Nikki Justine Breedveld, 26, Taguig City
37. Christiana Afia Yeboah, 25, Tiaong, Quezon
38. Christine Juliane Opiaza, 23, Zambales

Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 bets presented to media

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The pageant's executive chairperson, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, noted that "for the first time in history, we have partnered with the Miss World Philippines Organization to enable major winners of Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 to automatically compete on the national level in Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines."

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The candidates with the pageant's chair, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Guico (middle)

LINGAYEN - Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 is a prestigious pageant gathering the best and fairest young ladies in this province of three million people. The grand finals of the much-awaited beauty search will be held on April 29 as part of this year's Pistaý Dayat (Sea Festival) celebrations.

In Pangasinense language, "limgas" refers to  "something pure and beautiful."  Last March 26, 25 hopefuls from the different municipalities of Pangasinan presented themselves to the media at the imposing Monarch Hotel in Calasiao. They enlightened everyone about their advocacies and what makes them the best example of an empowered woman who deserves to be crowned one of the major titles on the grand finals night.

The pageant's executive chairperson, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, noted that "for the first time in history, we have partnered with the Miss World Philippines Organization to enable major winners of Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 to automatically compete on the national level in Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines."

The contestants displayed their intelligence and wit in the Question and Answer session with media

She added that Limgas na Pangasinan is no ordinary pageant as the crowned Queen will take home P200,000 and even the runner-up winners will win cash prizes as well. There will also be special awards for Best in Cultural Costume, Best in Talent, Miss Photogenic and Darling of the Press, among others.

"The provincial government will not only support the winners financially, we will also guide them every step of the way when they participate in the nationals," she revealed.

In his speech at the press presentation, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon "Mon" Guico III remarked that Pangasinan is one of the biggest, richest provinces in the Philippines, that's why they have decided to "level it up" with this year's pageant.

"We want to showcase how beautiful the province is and what the province can do for the nation. We know that this will be the start of something great. Galingan ninyo and make the province proud!," the governor extolled the ladies.

Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III

Mrs. Guico pointed out that aside from being a platform for women empowerment, the pageant  is also a good opportunity for the beautiful contestants to show their unique culture and heritage.

She added that a beauty search as big as Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 will also create a ripple effect in the local economy as it will provide income to the creatives who will be involved in the project, such as designers, make-up artists, photographers and the like.

Following are the 25 candidates of this year's search representing the different towns of Pangasinan:

1. Kathie Lee Berco (Alaminos City)
2. Leah Tingco (Laoac)
3. Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh (Binmaley)
4. Natasha Mae Rivera (Asingan)
5. Sarah Mae Ocampo (Bugallon)
6. Ane Ross Macayana (Mangatarem)
7. Norainne Azarcon (Rosales)
8. Angielyssa Jechelle Obedoza (Villasis)
9. Denise Joy Corpuz Flores (Lingayen)
10. Luna Veronica Disu (San Fabian)
11. Rose Ann Albania (Malasiqui)
12. Maure Charel Cacafranca (Sta. Barbara)
13. Rona Lalaine Lopez (Mangaldan)
14. Shalana Kristi Casiquin (Anda)
15. Bianca Julia Balute (Alcala)
16. Stacey De Ocampo (Bolinao)
17. Angel Marzan (Sta. Maria)
18. Ericka Mae Antolin (Urdaneta City)
19. Ghelsy Reign Ravago (Dagupan City)
20. Shayne Angela Solis (Calasiao)
21. Angel Louise Dolor (Dasol)
22. Jessa Mhey Quimson (Pozorrubio)
23. Khloe Anne Cortez ( Manaoag)
24. Julliane Ponio (Basista)
25. Karel Alejo (Binalonan)

92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM: Radio is not dead

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• TRUE FM is led by news programs that feature up-to-the-minute local and international news, as well as in-depth analysis and commentary
• The lineup also includes "Pinoy Konek" of Danton Remoto which deals with OFW stories and "Sana Lourd" of Lourd de Veyra which tackles "life lessons with a twist." Bro. Jun Banaag with his deep voice has found a new home in Radyo5 with his famous "Dr. Love."

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Just when you think YouTube and social media are what consume most people these days, there are old souls who continue to tune in to the radio. The friendly taxi driver is one example, as well as those living in remote parts who do not have access to TV or the internet.

The people behind the just-rebranded 92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM believe that radio is far from being a "dying medium."

"Radio is the most affordable medium, especially in a Third World country like us. I believe that everything will fall, but radio will be there, especially in times of emergency and calamity," noted veteran broadcaster Ted Failon who anchors his eponymous Radyo5 morning program with DJ Chacha and the help of his trained mobile journalists or Mojos.

Station manager Cherry Bayle said coming out of the pandemic made them think about adding TRUE FM to the Radyo5 name. She revealed that T in TRUE stands for "Truth in Journalism," R for "Real People and Real Stories" , U for "Unwavering Commitment to Public Service" and E for "Entertaining Shows." The latter is bannered by Cristy Fermin's "Cristy Ferminute" and "Good Vibes" with Laila Chikadora and Stanley Chi.

"We combined FM and AM programming in one station," Bayle pointed out. "It's not just news. We put together entertainment, public service, music, inspiration, anything that people will look forward to in a total radio experience."

TRUE FM is led by news programs that feature up-to-the-minute local and international news, as well as in-depth analysis and commentary. The programming begins as early as 4:30 am with "Bangon Bayan with Mon" by Mon Gualvez and “Radyo5: Balita Pilipinas.”

The lineup also includes "Pinoy Konek" of Danton Remoto which deals with OFW stories and "Sana Lourd" of Lourd de Veyra which tackles "life lessons with a twist." Bro. Jun Banaag with his deep voice has found a new home in Radyo5 with his famous "Dr. Love."

"Hanggang ang Pilipino ay Marites na nakikialam at gustong marinig ang buhay ng may buhay, at gustong marinig ang kasaysayan ng ibang tao which is very normal for Filipinos, our program - Dr. Love - will remain," Banaag commented.

Public service programs in 92.3 Radyo5 include the top-rated "Wanted Sa Radyo" of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, "Sagot Kita" of Cheryl Cosim, and “Healing Galing” of Dr. Edinell Calvario.

Dr. Calvario noted that it was in Radyo5 where her popular program was born and should be relevant up to now, especially with the economic downturn. "People must learn about naturopathy and herbal medicine to save money and maintain their health," she explained.

44 candidates vie for Mr. & Ms. Posture Philippines 2023

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Mr. and Ms. Posture Philippines is  organized by Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics and takes pride in being the only pageant promoting the natural health lifestyle, with an essay round as one of the criteria for determining the winners.

• The pageant's creator, Dr. Michel Tetrault, noted the growing awareness of the people - particularly the young - to the benefits of chiropathy as a result of the holding of Mr. & Ms. Posture Philippines. Corollary to this, the University of Makati will soon offer a formal degree in chiropractics and the curriculum is being finalized by the Commission on Higher Education.

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The 44 candidates for Mr. & Ms. Posture Philippines strike a pose (Photo by Fab Manila)

A bigger and better staging of Mr. and  Ms. Posture Philippines is expected this year with the presentation and sashing ceremony of the 44 candidates in Makati City recently. This is a big jump from the 24 contestants who joined the pageant during its first year.

Mr. and Ms. Posture Philippines is  organized by Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics and takes pride in being the only pageant promoting the natural health lifestyle, with an essay round as one of the criteria for determining the winners.

The pageant's creator, Dr. Michel Tetrault, noted the growing awareness of the people - particularly the young -  to the benefits of chiropathy as a result of the holding of Mr. & Ms. Posture Philippines. Corollary to this, the University of Makati will soon offer a formal degree in chiropractics and the curriculum is being finalized by the Commission on Higher Education.

Darling of the Press winners Hanna Michaela Amistad and John Paul Gundayao

"This is your future. We're just here to facilitate this. And why do you think this (chiropathy) is necessary? Because everybody has a spine, you need to have your spine checked for the same reason you need to have your teeth checked, except that we already have plenty of dentists here in the Philippines and not many chiropractors," Dr. Tetrault pointed out.

Also present at the event, which was hosted by Mabuhay Health Officer and Miss Progress International 2017 Jedaver Opingo, were the 2022 winners: reigning Mr. Posture JP Riego who thanked the pageant for opening doors of opportunities for him and Ms. Posture, Ma. Yzabelle Reonal, who credited her winning for changing her life and even treating her mild scoliosis.

Chosen as the Darling of the Press for 2023 are John Paul Gundayao from Tarlac and Hanna Michaela Amistad of San Mateo, Rizal.

Certificates are awarded to each contestant by Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics founder, Dr. Michel Tetrault (second from right) and Mr. & Ms. Posture PH 2022 winners

Aside from Gundayao and Amistad, here are the remaining candidates of the 2023 Mr. and Ms. Posture Philippines who come from all over the country. Details of the finals will be announced soon.

Male contestants:

Alfred Natividad (Davao de Oro), Asa Agayo (Baguio City), Cirilo Lagnason Jr. (General Santos City) , Edviro Fuentes Jr. (Tacloban City), Emerson Gomez (Tarlac City), Evangel Monreal Jr. (Oriental Mindoro), Gavin See (Filipino-Chinese Community), Jastine Cornejo (San Pedro, Laguna), Lee Zarate (Municipality of Mawab), Joeser Sinfuego (Indigenous People's Community) , Julius Paquingan (Iligan City), Mark Joseph Mangampo (Binangonan, Rizal), Markel Belo Gamboa (Pasig City), Rashid Mir (Las Piñas City), Raymart Manlangit (Victoria, Laguna), Richard Masangkay (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Roman Solito (Cavite Province), Sandro Cordova (Caloocan City), Shawn Khrysler Sulit (Quezon City), Victor Cheng (Nuro Upi, Maguindanao) VR Relosa (Bulacan), Zandro Gomez (Mandaluyong City)

Female contestants:

Angelica Arvin Camu Evora (Oriental Mindoro), Ardian Vienne Casulla (Pasay City), Arvi Hazel Custodio (Pangasinan), Ayumi Nicole Cayabyab (Tarlac ), Claire Regodon (Alabat, Quezon), Dessa Lontayao (Bicol ), Elena Cocal (Midsayap, North Cotabato), Erlinda Maasab Starbright (Indigenous People's Community), Grayzel Catipay (Iligan City), Jhenice Balabis (BPO Community), Justin Mae Gaspi (Bocaue, Bulacan), Kaithlyn Landicho (San Mateo, Rizal), Katrina Claudia Jamin (Bicol Region), Lianne Elizabeth Duque (Biñan, Laguna), Nicole Grencio (Parañaque City), Nicole Parayno (Fil-Am Community, USA), Patricia Mae Araneta )Las Piñas City), Resalina Toledo (Pasay City), Rose Jean Sanglap (Maguindanao), Seannel Adderrie Cruz (Parañaque City).