The Philippines is Country of the Year 2015

As the year 2015 is about to end let’s recap our country’s successful year in the international beauty pageant scene.

Five lovely Misses Philippines have upgraded their titles to the following:

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (crowned wearing a gown by Filipino designer Albert Andrada)

Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong

Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis

Miss International Queen 2015 Trixie Maristela

Miss Scuba International 2015 Cindy Madumma

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was crowned wearing this figure-hugging blue gown
with a dramatic back done by Filipino designer Albert Andrada.

Our other candidates also placed in their respective pageants.

Hillarie Parungao – Miss World 2015 Top 10 and Multimedia Award

Janicel Lubina – Miss International 2015 Top 10 and Miss Best Dresser (dressed by Filipino designer Leo Almodal)

Parul Shah – Miss Grand International 2015 3^rd runner up and Best National Costume (created by Filipino designer Edwin Uy)

Rogelie Catacutan – Miss Supranational 2015 Top 20

Christi Lynn McGarry – Miss Intercontinental 2015 1^st runner up

Miss International Philippines 2015 Janicel Lubina was awarded Best Dresser
for her white sakura flower gown by Filipino designer Leo Almodal.

Miss Grand International Philippines 2015 Parul Shah won Best National Costume
with this golden Muslim-inspired piece by Filipino designer Edwin Uy.

International beauty magazines Missosology and Global Beauties have called us “Country of the Year” this 2015.

We now have a total of 12 crowns in the Big Four international beauty pageants.

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz

Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

Miss World 2013 Megan Young

Miss International 1964 Gemma Cruz

Miss International 1970 Aurora Pijuan

Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez

Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman

Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry

Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell

Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong

The Filipina is truly a world-class beauty that stands out!

Let’s continue sending beautiful girls wearing exquisite Filipino designs to international beauty pageants.

From the country with the most beautiful women in the world and in the universe… isang Masayang Bagong Taon sa ating lahat!

Megan Young as Marimar will set your TV on fire

Tom Rodriguez as Sergio and Megan Young as Marimar

Miss World​ 2013 Megan Young​ from Olongapo City is the new Marimar​. 

Marimar is a Mexican TV telenovela that was originally broadcast in 1994 on Mexican media magnate Televisa. With Mexican actress Thalia​ playing the lead role as Marimar the series became a smash hit in many South American and Asian countries including the Philippines. 

Mexican actress Thalia played the role of Marimar in 1994

The telenovela is well-loved in the Philippines that this is the second time a 'Filipinized' version of it will be released. The role Marimar was also previously reprised by Filipina actress Marian Rivera​ in 2007.

The latest edition of Marimar starring Megan is set to premiere on August 24, 2015 on GMA, and will also be aired worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV.

Supporting Megan's in her biggest TV break to date is Tom Rodriguez​ who will play the role of Sergio.

Ariella Arida's towering heels

Check out Miss Philippines Ariella Arida​'s killer heels which she wore during the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow.

The power heels boosted her 5 feet 8 inches height while discreetly hiding under the skirt of her yellow gown.

Ariella Arida won Miss Universe 2013 3^rd runner up. Venezuela’s Gabriela Isler was crowned Miss Universe 2013. 

From left: Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler (Venezuela), 3^rd runner up Ariella Arida (Philippines), 1^st runner up Patricia Rodriguez (Spain), 4^th runner up Jakelyne Oliveira, 2^nd runner up Constanza Báez (Ecuador).

Megan Young’s competitor in Miss World 2013 is crowned Miss USA 2015

Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan (left) and Miss World 2013 Megan Young

Olivia Jordan, USA’s representative to Miss World 2013, was crowned Miss USA 2015 in a glamorous coronation ceremony held Sunday night, July 12, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Olivia Jordan hails from Oklahoma.

First runner up was Miss Texas Ylianna Guerra. Second runner up was Miss Rhode Island Anea Garcia. Completing the Top 5 were Miss Nevada Brittany McGowan and Miss Maryland Mame Adjei.

The Rest of Top 11

Miss Alabama Madison Guthrie

Miss Delaware Renee Bull (first time for Delaware to be a finalist in Miss USA)

Miss Hawaii Emma Wo (one of the two Asian-Americans to make Top 15)

Miss Louisiana Candice Bennatt

Miss Michigan Rashontae Wawrzyniak

Miss Kentucky Katie George

The Rest of Top 15

Miss Arizona Maureen Montagne (Filipino-French-American candidate. She’s proud of her Pinoy roots)

Miss Illinois Renee Wronecki

Miss New York Thatiana Diaz

Miss Virginia Laura Puleo

Miss World 2013 was held in Bali, Indonesia where Olivia Jordan made it to the Top 20 and Filipina beauty Megan Young was crowned Miss World.

Miss USA, Miss Universe in shambles

Donald Trump and Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega

Hello, folks! You probably have heard the news. Miss USA​ and Miss Universe are in shambles. 

Things started falling apart shortly after Donald Trump, owner of Miss Universe, announced his US presidential bid. During his announcement speech, he laid out his stance on immigration reform.

"When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best," he said. "They’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists."

Trump's anti-Mexican immigrants tirades had been strongly criticized by Latin immigrants and Latin countries.

How did his words affect Miss USA and Miss Universe? Please read on.

MISS USA AND MISS UNIVERSE BROADCAST CANCELLED

NBC ended its business relationships with Trump -- which meant canceling the upcoming telecast of the Miss USA pageant and next year's telecast of Miss Universe. Trump was also fired as the host of The Apprentice.

Univision, the Spanish language broadcaster of Miss USA in the US, also canceled the pageants’ broadcast.

The good news: Cable and satellite network Reelz stepped in and announced they will broadcast Miss USA saying “this special event, and the women who compete in it, are an integral part of American tradition.”

JUDGES, HOSTS, PERFORMERS, AND SPONSORS WITHDREW FROM MISS USA AND MISS UNIVERSE

Program hosts Cheryl Burke, who’s part Filipino, and MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts have bowed out of Miss USA

Co-host Jeannie Mai who has been part of the Miss USA and Miss Universe shows for five years has stepped down

Rapper Flo Rida, “The Voice” winner Craig Wayne Boyd, and pop singer Natalie La Rose confirmed they will no longer perform for Miss USA

Miss USA judges HGTV star Jonathan Scott, E! News anchor Terrence Jenkins, TV host and former Miss Universe winner Zuleyka Rivera and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith all pulled out of the competition

Long-time sponsor Farouk Systems, makers of CHI and Biosilk, formally announced its withdrawal of its sponsorship of the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss Teen USA pageants

NATIONAL FRANCHISES CANCELLED PARTICIPATION IN THE PAGEANT

The Miss Panama organization and the Telemetro television channel announced that they won't participate in or broadcast the Miss Universe contest this year

Mexico and Costa Rica have pulled its contestants out of the Miss Universe pageant

Bogota, Colombia withdrew its candidacy to host Miss Universe

MISS UNIVERSE 2014 PAULINA VEGA ASKED TO STEP DOWN

Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, who hails from Colombia, called Trump’s comments “unjust and hurtful.” How Trump reacted to Paulina's sober retort was far from surprising. He called her a "hypocrite."

Trump’s Twitter account @realDonaldTrump tweeted “Miss Universe, Paulina Vega, criticized me for telling the truth about illegal immigration, but then said she would keep the crown-Hypocrite”

Pressure on Paulina Vega to quit has increased over the past several days.

For our readers based in the US, do you support Trump’s stance on immigration?

Do you agree with the backlash Miss Universe Organization has been receiving after Trump’s comments?  

How does this affect our candidate Miss Universe Philippines Pia Wurtzbach’s bid to bring home the next Miss Universe Crown?

Share your thoughts. Cheers! :)

Working student from Manila crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2015

Miss Philippines Earth 2015 Angelia Gabrena Ong

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2015 Angelia Gabrena Ong of Manila. Angelia was crowned during the beauty pageant’s grand coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena last 31 May 2015.

During the Q&A portion, Angelia was asked by actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, "Do you believe in same-sex marriage? Why or why not?"

Angelia answered: "I think, it really depends on the person if he or she believes in (same) sex marriage but as for me, if the person feels that he or she needs to be married to show his or her love, then I don't mind having (same) sex marriage. If you feel that that is love, then so be it."

(From left to right) Miss Philippines-Ecotourism Jona Sweet (Iloilo City), Miss Philippines-Water Catherine Joy Marin (Bago City), Miss Philippines-Earth Angelia Gabrena Ong, Miss Philippines-Air Chanel Olive Thomas (San Antonio, Nueva Ecija) and Miss Philippines-Fire Carla Angela Valderrama (Siniloan, Laguna) 

Here is the full list of winners:

Miss Philippines Earth: City of Manila, Angelia Ong

Miss Philippines Air: San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Chanel Thomas

Miss Philippines Water: Bago City, Catherine Joy Marin

Miss Philippines Fire: Siniloan, Laguna, Carla Angela Valderrama

Miss Philippines Eco Tourism: Iloilo City, Jona Sweett

This is the list of top 15:

City of Manila, Angelia Ong

Baguio, Sofia Deliu

Cabanatuan, Diana Mackey

Dinalupihan, Bataan, Myle Reyes

San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Chanel Thomas

Guinobatan, Albay Jian Salazar

Lipa City, Paris Silva

Santa Cruz, Laguna, Alyanna Mikaela Cagandahan

Siniloan, Lagunam Carla Angela Valderrama

Bago City, Catherine Joy Marin

Iloilo City, Jona Sweett

Mandaue City, Mhon Theress Menaling

Cagayan De Oro City, Beatrice Alvarez

Iligan City, Jocehl Cristoria

Misamis Oriental, Mitsume Aguilar

Winners of the special awards:

Best cultural costume: Lipa City, gown designed by Chico Estiva

Best eco video: Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay, Maria Loraine Macay Grengia.

Miss SM Markets: Bago City, Catherine Marin

Miss Hana 2015: Manila, Angelia Ong

TV host Robi Domingo and Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, and Ginger Conejero hosted the pageant.

Congratulations to this year's batch of Earth warriors!

Congratulations to the winners of ProudlyFilipinoMade National Costume Design Contest

Hello, folks!

We would like to thank all those who joined ProudlyFilipinoMade National Costume Design Contest. We received nearly 200 designs from designers from all over the archipelago and even abroad.

I would also like to thank the judges for sharing their talent and time. They are…

Mr. Santi Obcena

2nd runner up Project Runway Philippines Season 2

Finalist MEGA Young Designers Competition 2010

Designer, Signature Style Collection for Boardwalk PH

Designer/Founder, House of Santi

Mr. Mac Taug

Muslim Filipino Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer at Fashion Institute of the Philippines - Ortigas

National Director, Miss Scuba Philippines

CEO, Mr. Moro Philippines Organization

Director, Mac Taug Couture

Mr. Joseph Aloysius Montelibano

Designer, Fiber Fair

Designer, The Pilipinas Men's Fashion Week

Project Runway Philippines Season 3 alumnus

Collaborated with American fashion designer Patricia Field in Sex and the City, New York costume designer Eric Daman in Gossip Girl, and Beyoncé's mother Tina Knowles for House of Deréon

And now’s let’s proceed with the announcement of winners.

 4^th Runner Up

Entry 93

"Vinta"

Robert Jerico Francisco

Angeles City, Pampanga

3^rd Runner Up

Entry 173

"Sampaguita"

Amor Albano

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

2^nd Runner Up

Entry 62

"Maharlikang Bulaklak"

Hady Sabbagh

Carmen, Cebu

1^st Runner Up

Entry 30

"The Pearl of the Orient is the Philippines"

Ronnie Gutierrez Visitacion

Goa, Camarines Sur / Brunei

Winner

Entry 146

"The Manuvu Princess"

Jay-R Gamboa Flores

Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

Congratulations to all the winners! Let’s continue supporting and celebrating ProudlyFilipinoMade designs and products.

Kylie Minogue wears Michael Cinco in Dubai

International pop singer Kylie Minogue was recently spotted wearing creations by Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco.

Kylie Minogue posted two dresses by the Filipino designer on her Instagram account @KylieMinogue. The first one is a body-hugging, floor-length lavender dress.

The other one is a billowing turquoise dress which Kylie happily wore and twirled in during a photo shoot on a rooftop in Dubai.

Kylie Minogue performed for the closing party of the 20^th Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai on 28 March 2015.

Pia Wurtzbach: Evolution of a Miss Universe Philippines

It is no secret that Pia Wurtzbach joined Bb. Pilipinas three times before getting the top plum this year 2015. By top plum of course I am referring to the most coveted among the five crowns Bb. Pilipinas gave away this year -- the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Miss Universe Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach hails from Cagayan de Oro

She first joined in 2013 looking very sweet and youthful almost like a dalagita. She won 1st runner up that year.

She joined for the second time in 2014 with more experience and confidence and was styled on the finals night to look glamorous and regal. Personally I think the styling was amiss because she looked like a "Tita." We all know how this year went down for Pia. (Top 15 finish!)

When she joined again this year her styling was on point. With her long, straight hair do she looked like a winner from the first sighting. She also added a few things to her performance that made her stand out that night. She twirled while lifting her gown. She did a turn and look that sent shockwaves to as far as Nagoya, Japan. Lol. It was obvious Pia was in it to win it and because of that attitude was crowned Miss Universe Philippines.

Pia Wurtzbach: Evolution of a Miss Universe Philippines. Pia's Bb. Pilipinas looks from 2013 (leftmost), 2014 (center), 2015 (rightmost)

Which among these three looks is Pia's best look for you? Share your thoughts.

Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 3 premieres today, 25 March 2015

Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 3 will debut today, 25 March 2015, with Georgina Wilson as the new host.

The top-rating reality show's first episode will premiere 8:45 PM Manila time on Star World and will also feature resident judges Joey Mead King and Alex Perry.

British-Filipina model and TV personality Georgina Wilson replaces Australian-Indonesian model Nadya Hutagalung who handled the show's first and second cycles. The show was shot in Singapore.

AsNTM Cycle 3 will feature three Filipina contestants.

Amanda Bianca Chan, 17 years of age, Manila

Franchesca Denise Lagua, 23 years of age, Quezon City

Marlena Monika Sta. Maria, 23 years of age, Manila

Miss Supranational Philippines 2015 Rogelie Catacutan wows in a Philipp Tampus national costume

A look back at one of the outstanding national costumes during the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 pageant. Rogelie Catacutan wears an elegant beige Filipiniana executed by Cebuano designer Philipp Tampus (spelled with double “P” like the Philippines). 

The costume is adorned with romantic linings and drapings of pearls. The look is completed with a stylized halo made of pearls and crystals, giving Rogelie a more royal almost holy appearance.

Rogelie was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2015.

Best Look: Kathryn Bernardo in a pink gown by Francis Libiran

Primetime Princess Kathryn Bernardo looked every bit the modern-day princess that she is wearing this pink gown during her debut celebration held in March 2014 at The Blue Leaf Filipinas. 

Featuring a classic A-line silhouette, a sweetheart neckline, and elaborate beadwork, the gown is a stunner from every angle. 

Up close the pink gown features stunningly elaborate beadwork

The gown was executed by Filipino fashion czar Francis Libiran.

Maria Harfanti is the new Miss Indonesia

Jogjakarta beauty Maria Harfanti is the new Miss Indonesia. Maria Harfanti, 23 years of age, beat 33 candidates and clinched the crown in the pageant held last February 16, 2015 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

She was crowned by reigning Miss World Rolene Strauss and Miss World Indonesia 2014 Maria Asteria Sastrayu Rahajeng. Congratulations, Maria! Selamat dan sukses untuk anda!

Janine Tugonon walks for New York Fashion Week

A blonde Janine Tugonon walked for New York Fashion Week. Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon opened the fashion show for clothing brand Mr. Triple X at the Lincoln Center Theater last February 19, 2015.

Designed by Erik Rosete, the collection entitled ‘All X in Wonderland’ was presented to buyers and the media during the fashion show. The brand Mr. Triple X is known as a high-end streetwear with an edge, designed for the inner rockstar in everyone.  

Erik Rosete of Mr. Triple X

Miss World Rolene Strauss opens new hospital ward in the Philippines

Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss officially opened the new cancer ward at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila. The ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies were held last February 18, 2015 with Miss World Rolene Strauss as the guest of honor. She was accompanied by Miss World Chair Julia Morley, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann, and Miss World Philippines National Director Cory Quirino during the event.

Back in June 2014, then Miss World Megan Young attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the PGH pediatric hematology-oncology ward and this time another reigning Miss World beauty graced the official ceremonies for its opening.

In a post on her Instagram account, the South African beauty shared how she was warmly welcomed by the Filipina beauty queens.

“What a warm welcome from The Philippine Queens – @meganbata and @vweigmann. You are the sweetest,” she said.

From left to right: Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann, Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss, and Miss World 2013 Megan Young

Thank you for visiting the Philippines, Rolene! Mabuhay!

Miss World Rolene Strauss with the children who will benefit from the new ward

Katy Perry wears Furne One in her music video "Wide Awake"

Filipino designer Furne One with Katy Perry

Let’s rewind to 2012. For the music video of her song “Wide Awake” Katy Perry was seen wearing a fabulous gown made by Filipino designer Furne One.

Furne One’s creation for Katy Perry is a futuristic beige gown adorned with butterflies. Furne says the gown is inspired by gothic glamour and cosmic mysticism and it displays female strength and power.

Born in Cebu and currently based in Dubai, Furne One is the creator of the Amato Haute Couture label.

His advice to Pinoy designers: “Nothing is impossible. Just have the vision and determination, and believe in yourself.”

If you want to see Furne One’s gown on Katy Perry in motion I suggest you watch the music video. Check out 2:10. 

Congrats again, Furne One and the Amato Haute Couture team, for bringing Filipino design ingenuity to mainstream pop.

Apl.de.Ap​ and Nicole Scherzinger in Intramuros, Manila

Filipino-American singers Apl.de.Ap​ and Nicole Scherzinger​ getting in touch with their Pinoy roots. Here is a snapshot of them while they toured Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila​ this February 2015. Nicole is currently in the Philippines to do charity work for UNICEF. She's also doing some private engagements on the side.

Did you guys notice how fair Apl.de.Ap's legs are? Lol