Rabiya Mateo, MJ Lastimosa reveal their favorite candidates in Miss Universe Philippines 2024

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 21, 2024 11:22 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

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The 53 candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024

"Bardagulan" or a "bloodbath." This is how some pageant watchers describe the intense competition among veteran queens who are also frontrunners in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, which will have its grand coronation night at the MOA Arena on May 22.

Rabiya Mateo, who represented the country in Miss Universe 2020, said: "I know! bloodbath talaga. And it makes me excited as a pageant fan because they're really trying to deliver a great show for us."

Meanwhile, actress and host MJ Lastimosa - who represented the country in Miss Universe 2014 - said there is nothing wrong with proclaiming a seasoned queen as the winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

"Ang sabi ko sa kanila, mag-bardagulan sila hangga't gusto nila. It's good for our country, meaning hasang-hasa ang mananalo kasi paghihirapan niya talaga ang korona," MJ said.

Rabiya Mateo

There's a record of seven experienced queens competing in MUPH 2024 and some of them have placed globally. They are Kris Tiffany Janson, Miss Intercontinental 2014 2nd runner-up; Christi Lynn McGarry of Taguig, 1st runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2015; Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Miss International 2018 1st runner-up; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga, Miss Tourism International 2019; Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022; Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021; and Stacey Gabriel of Cainta, Bb. Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up.

MJ, also known in showbiz as Mareng MJ, opined that the seasoned queens have "unfinished business" or "what ifs" in life, and that's why they are returning.

She related this to her own experience, having tried three times before gaining the right to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2014 where she placed in the top 10. "Pag pangarap mo kasi pangarap mo eh.Di mo naman kasi masasabi ang timing, what if ito na yung perfect time for the girl who's returning? For me talaga may the best Miss Universe Philippines candidate win! And  ang Pilipino naman, kung sino ang ipapadala sa international stage, we will support her," MJ remarked.

MJ Lastimosa

Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

The Ilongga beauty queen revealed that she is rooting for fellow Ilongga Alexie Brooks but clarified that she also supports the rest of the girls.

"I'm rooting for Alexi, of course. But also, I have a lot of friends na kasali. And I know also their personal struggles, you know. And I'm also rooting for them. Overall, masasabi ko bilang isang kandidata dati, mahirap po yung pageantry. So instead of comparing or rooting for just one girl, pray for everybody. Kasi hindi madali ang journey nila," Rabiya pointed out.

Meanwhile, MJ admitted that she supports Kris Tiffany Janson because they are batchmates in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, and they have been friends for 10 years.

Adjeng not feeling pressured by new generation of artists

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally.

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

May 22, 2024 08:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

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Adjeng (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Having been in the music industry for almost a decade, singer-songwriter Adjeng continues to thrive. She consistently releases new music and delivers captivating performances at concerts.

During the launch of her album "Unravel," held at the Red Rhino Restaurant in Ortigas, the 45-year-old singer shared that she does not feel pressured to compete with the new generation of artists.

"I just keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure, basta let's just be excellent," Adjeng said during the roundtable interview. 

(I keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure.) 

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally. Drawing inspiration from personal milestones and events, Adjeng reveals her vulnerable side of this project.

"I think about this album as a gift. I think about what happens in the unwrapping. That's why using the word "Unravel" is such a strong statement, but it also gives me a lot of opportunity," Adjeng mentioned.

Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

She also mentioned that being in a broken state helped her to delve deeper into her feelings regarding songwriting.

"When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact of the brokenness, lalo ka pa lang mahuhulma. Because when I got my heart broken, that's when I started writing," Adjeng added. 

(When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact that in the brokenness, you can only be molded more.)

Adjeng’s newest single off the album, ‘Still Kilig,’ is a love story in its own right - one where Adjeng sings about her loving relationship with her husband and how it continues to unfold as the years go by. “‘Still Kilig’ is a song I wrote and composed during the recent FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 5. 

It also marks the first time I got to work with keyboardist and music producer Gino Cruz, who arranged the song. It shares my take on my marriage's recipe for kilig," she gleefully shared. More than just a recipe for excitement, it also sheds light on the ups and downs of a long-term relationship and how to keep a marriage thriving after all these years.

Maricar likes how her online presence enables her 'to reach more people in a more personal way.'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 22, 2024 09:43 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

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Maricar Reyes (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Pretty Maricar Reyes may not be so visible in showbiz, but she's vocal about loving her "other life" as a content creator and online personality. She's now a thriving author of her self-titled book and maintains the "Relationship Matters PH"  page together with her husband, singer Richard Poon. The page, which discusses family and relationships, has close to a million followers on Facebook.

Maricar's book discusses her journey towards self-healing after that seeming scandal in 2009 when she became a national topic. Many people admired Maricar for handling the situation by just keeping quiet. This is precisely what her book discusses: dealing with online shame and getting oneself out of a messy situation.

It took Maricar about 15 years to face the issue and write it all down. The good thing is that it made her "relatable" to countless others being bullied online or facing some form of stigma.

Maricar likes how her online presence  enables her "to reach more people in a more personal way."

"When people get my book and they tell me a similar story of what happened to them, I like it because we feel connected in some way," she narrated.

Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

"When the pandemic happened, Richard and I needed to re-evaluate things. We decided to focus more on our business, like the chocolate cakes. And then from there, I thought there are other things apart from showbiz, so it's nice to explore that," she reasoned.

She clarified, however, that "if there's an offer, if there's a nice role, then we will consider it." She added that she watches a lot of true crime documentaries and would be partial to doing that type of film.

We teased Maricar that with her fair complexion and slanted eyes, she would fit seamlessly in a Korean movie. At this point, she gave credit to her skin clinic of choice, Velasco Medical Aesthetics (VMA), located at the Inoza Tower in Bonifacio Global City, for her Korean glass skin complexion.

Not all people know that Maricar is a licensed medical doctor and the owner of VMA, Dr. Erika, is her batchmate at the University of Santo Tomas where they studied medicine.

Maricar goes to VMA for the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra, a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment with minimal downtime.

"What I like about this place is that the beauty sessions are really long. You can completely relax, and when you wake up, fresh ka na!," the actress enthused.

"What I also like is that they will only give you what you need. Hindi yung sobra na. Ang gusto ni Doc, parang natural pa rin," she noted.

Maricar was a special guest, along with other celebrities and influencers, at the first year anniversary celebration of VMA recently.

Even though it is located in BGC, Velasco Medical Aesthetics is gaining popularity among office workers for its affordable facials and other beauty treatments. It's an Instaglow facial, which takes an hour and costs P2000. On the other hand, the 14-step Prime Facial - which lasts two hours - is priced at only P3,500.

Daniel Padilla set to attend Bagong Pilipinas concert in Davao

By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 09:07 AM May 22, 2024

Daniel Padilla will be among the guests at the “Pagkakaisa” concert in Davao in June, an event organized by Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.

The actor’s attendance at the show was announced by his mom, actress-TV host Karla Estrada, through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, May 21.

Estrada shared a publication material released by Padilla’s fan club, which shows the details of the upcoming event.

“This is it! See you in Davao del Norte, June 7!” she captioned her post.

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a flagship program of the Marcos administration, is a service caravan that “aims to provide major government services to less fortunate Filipinos in various communities across the country and features the government’s flagship programs.”

How to vote for the next Miss Universe Philippines 2024 winner

 Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night poster

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

May 22, 2024 | 9:07am

MANILA, Philippines — Have you been a member of a selection committee or a judging panel?

Those who have will tell you how difficult it is to weigh your options to arrive at the best results.

Well, tonight is your chance to be the 11th member of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024 judging panel.

In a message on social media, the MUPH Organization wrote, "You can be the 11th judge! Fans everywhere can now vote for their favorite Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finalists and help increase their chances of getting closer to the crown.

"From the Top 20, vote for your favorite to enter the Top 10. And from the Top 10, you can vote again to move up your favorite to the Top 5. From the Top 5, vote one last time for the one you think deserves to be Miss Universe Philippines 2024!

"This is exactly how it feels to be a judge in Miss Universe Philippines! The power to choose our next queen is in YOUR hands!"

Cast your votes using the Miss Universe Philippines app.

Catch the finale later tonight in SM Mall of Asia Arena. Or, you may opt to watch the Livestream via EmpirePH's channel on YouTube. All others can watch the final show on Sunday, May 26, through a delayed telecast on GMA.

Capturing the fleeting beauty of flowers

Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings

BY MB LIFESTYLE

May 20, 2024 08:16 PM

  

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An artist’s life is not an easy one. Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime but now his paintings of irises, sunflowers and cypress trees are some of the most recognizable images in the art world.

Rachell Ann Morada

This is why parents often tell their artistically-inclined children to take up a business course at university, so they can have something to fall back on. As the dutiful daughter, Rachell Ann Morada followed her parents’ advice and enrolled in an accountancy course. She graduated and began to help support her family—but a creative life continued to beckon to her.

“I discovered my love for art when I was in kindergarten. I was fond of drawing girls and anime characters,” Rachell recalled. She experimented with other visual art forms like calligraphy, portraits and watercolors but always returned to drawing.

Photo shows (L-R): A Mother’s Love; Enchanted to Meet You; Hello, Spring.

Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings. In 2021, she discovered acrylic paint and began using color to bring her flowers to life. “Now I can say I’m a painter who paints flowers for people’s homes.”

When she marked her 30th birthday earlier this year, Rachell knew that she wanted to focus on creating art even if not everyone could appreciate the art she made.

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m trying to live my life not on people’s expectations. Slowly, I’m having the courage to pursue things that I truly love—and that includes painting—while also trying to live a purposeful and meaningful life. I believe it’s God’s perfect time for me,” she said.

On her Instagram (rachelience_art), Rachell posts short clips of herself at work. With her back to the camera, she paints masses of flowers on large canvases. There are roses and daffodils, hydrangeas, daisies and spider mums. The arrangements are placed in an assortment of vessels: blue and white china, clear glass vases, milky blue jars. 

For this self-avowed people pleaser, the act of painting is therapeutic and healing. She is able to slow down, be present in the moment and make her mind go quiet.

“I was a perfectionist but painting taught me that every stroke of the brush doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be free. It allows me to love the imperfections. It’s okay to make mistakes—sometimes they’re even the ones that enhance the painting.”

Her paintings have a naïf-like quality and might not be everyone’s cup of tea but Rachell has made peace with the fact that she won’t be able to please everybody.

In an IG post, she shared what her mother told her. “You don’t need hundreds of friends or many people showing you love. If at least one soul loves you, that is enough to appreciate.”

RLC’s Roseann Villegas saw the potential in Rachell and reached out to ask if she was interested to stage her first solo exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria. 

Having a solo exhibit wasn’t in Rachell’s plans because she said that she only wanted to paint, share her art, and serve others through this gift she had been given. “When I read Ms. Roseann’s message, I felt like the universe conspired for me. I’m so grateful for the way they support new artists like me.”

I Love You Always; Sunflower Love; You Are My Home.

With the help of ARTablado, Rachell’s paintings are now on view in her first solo exhibit, “Life in Bloom.” Aside from the obvious reference to her floral paintings, she said she chose this title because she believes her life is robust and alive. “I always see the blessings in my life, whatever season it is in. Like flowers, we all bloom differently.”

Asked what she would tell struggling artists, Rachell said that they should accept that their feelings are valid. “If there's hesitation because you fear the unknown or you fear failure, it is valid. It takes courage to be an artist. Sometimes you get the support you need but sometimes you don't. But I hope that you keep on finding the courage to create and make art and do what you truly want to do.”

“Life in Bloom” is on view at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria from May 16 to May 31.

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

May 21, 2024 08:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Although Sheree will show a lot of flesh and sex appeal in this concert, she still dedicates this dream concertto her son Gian Haley, who has turned 16.

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Sheree

“My advocacy is to empower women to be strong and brave while embracing their sensuality. This is why I staged this concert. 'L’art De Sheree' is a dream concert of mine. We, women, should be courageous in facing any challenges that come our way, turning our dreams into reality. As an artist, I love exploring and creating art, whether painting or entertainment. I enjoy experimenting and creating shows that resonate with me, such as cabaret, burlesque, and Cirque du Soleil. I have trained and studied the art of pole and aerial dance, blending it with my love for music. I want to inspire women to believe we can make our dreams come true. I hope to showcase this show in the Philippines and tour it in different countries. That is my dream," sultry singer and actress Sheree tells Gossip Girl. 

From a simple birthday online concert, her idea has now evolved into a full-scale dream concert at the Music Museum this coming May 24.

“I am not getting any younger, and my fear is growing old without achieving my goals. I want to fulfill my dreams until I can no longer do so and then pass them on to someone who shares my aspirations. As much as I can, I will work tirelessly and continue to learn and experience life," the seductive pole dancer Sheree tells us.

Directed by Jet Loveria with Bobby Velasco as musical director, Egay Bautista as Creative Director, and Earl Baer as her choreographer, accompanied by the Speed Dance Company,  L’Art De Sheree plans to top Dita Von Teese’s Burlesque shows.

Although Sheree will show a lot of flesh and sex appeal in this concert, she still dedicates this dream concert to her son Gian Haley, who has turned 16. 

“I am a lucky mom because my son is smart, amazing, talented, and, most of all, has a good heart. He understands what art is all about and that I express my art through seductive song and dance. I also dedicate this concert to my mother. I love my mom so much, and I am very grateful to have a mom who is as hardworking, generous, and loving as she is." Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld (www.ticketworld.com.ph). L’Art de Sheree is presented by Happy Studios, Botejyu,Digital Fusion, and dooh.ph. 

Air traffic software glitch delays Naia flights, 9,000 fliers

 

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:46 AM May 21, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — More than 9,000 passengers—mostly those departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)—were affected by flight delays and cancellations for several hours on Monday due to a technical issue with the navigational air traffic management system.

In an advisory issued at 1 p.m., the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said it identified a “potential problem with the software” in the system of the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC).

“To ensure [the] safety of the flying public, Caap decided to be conservative and control the operations by providing longer separation of departing flights,” it said.

Caap did not give other details but an advisory from local carrier Cebu Pacific said the “main flight data processor of the ATMC system experienced a technical issue.”

The ATMC houses the communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system, which manages and supervises the air traffic activities within the Philippine Flight Information Region.

Caap assured the public that “communication and surveillance at the ATMC remain available and unaffected” during the three-hour period when the software issue was being fixed.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the flight disruptions at Naia, the country’s busiest and main gateway, started around 11 a.m.

A total of 56 flights were affected as of 3 p.m.—36 were domestic (five arrivals, 31 departures), while 20 were international (three arrivals, 17 departures), with the number of affected passengers estimated at 9,240.

Among the worst affected was Cebu Pacific’s Flight 5J 506, which was supposed to depart Naia Terminal 3 at 11 a.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao at 12:10 p.m.

Because of the problem with the ATMC’s system, it was only able to take off almost four hours later at 2:41 p.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao Airport at 3:41 p.m.

By 2 p.m., Caap issued another advisory, saying the “identified problem in the ATMC is now resolved, and regular flight operations are being restored.”

It would take some time, however, for operations at the four Naia terminals to normalize. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines already canceled several flights on Monday afternoon and evening.

To address the situation, MIAA general manager Eric Ines ordered the opening of the Naia runways for 24 hours for airline flight recovery operations.

This was not the first time Caap’s ATMC system malfunctioned. On Jan. 1, 2023, hundreds of flights were delayed and thousands of passengers at Naia were left stranded after the Philippine airspace shut down for several hours when its CNS/ATM system and backup failed. It took days for flight operations to normalize.

Beat the Heat

 

Beat the Heat How we can survive the long hot simmer

May 21, 2024

It may have started raining now, but make no mistake: Per the weather bureau, temperatures will remain high and we remain vulnerable to the extreme heat that scorched us during this year's unprecedented summer season. March 2024 now stands as the hottest month in the planet's climate record, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. It was also the 10th in a row of record-breaking warm months. With climate change, the projection is that we will have to live with hotter and hotter days in the years to come. What can we do to keep ourselves safe and healthy in this increasingly dangerous weather? How do we avoid heatstroke? Are there foods we can eat to keep ourselves cool and hydrated? How do we help lower the temperature in our homes and vehicles? Here's a collection of Inquirer stories that provide tips and other timely reminders on how to survive the long hot simmer we're now experiencing. Always, drink lots of water! How to avoid heat stroke Children, the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses range from mild symptoms such as red and itchy skin (heat rash) to more serious ones including nausea, fainting and muscle pains (heat stroke).