Remember the years when the Bb. Pilipinas Official Candidates had their charity work conducted inside the Fiesta Carnival at the Araneta Center where the children from the orphanage-beneficiaries of BPCI would meet the ladies inside the Amusement Center and spend a few hours on the rides, munching on hotdogs and picking cotton candy with their fingers?

Well, I certainly don’t miss that one because the 2014 batch had theirs at the GK Escopa Outreach Center where they bonded, danced and played games with the kids. All the beauties were definitely in high spirits, especially Binibinis 22 Bianca Guidotti and 29 KC Halili who led the storytelling and group dynamics with the small ones.

Thank you, Binibinis, for making the children at Gawad Kalinga Village of Barangay Escopa happy as Big Sisters. :-)

Aces & Queens' Victory Party and Reunion of Class 2014 and former winners

A night of joy, laughter and good food at Wafu in Greenhills aptly described the victory party of Aces & Queens for its winning Binibinis – Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Yvethe Santiago and Laura Lehmann – which also doubled as a reunion of sorts for the beauty camp’s Class of 2014 with Hannah dela Guerra, Diana Arevalo, Mary Ainjely Manalo, KC Halili, Magel Trinidad, Katz Salao and Jeane Flores among others.

The event was made more special with the presence of Ara Arida, Shamcey Supsup and Elaine Kay Moll (MW2013 Megan Young arrived after I already left). Also in attendance were four of the six ladies for Miss Philippines Earth 2014 – Ross Misa, Melanie Balagtas, Hannah Caayon, and Janelle Tee. In addition, Barbie Salvador came, plus one of the group’s bets for BBP2015 Justine Felizarta.

(L-R) Ara Arida, Pia Wurtzbach and Bianca Guidotti

Pia Wurtzbach gamely showed up as well. And she looked lovelier than ever. She’s back to her usual fun self and has now moved on from her BBP2014 experience. Her running joke was to resume her showbiz career via a Pinoy Big Brother stint or something. I did not take it in jest, though. I really think she should seriously consider that.

Your blogger with the beautiful Diana Arevalo

Of course, the A&Q team was present. Jonas Gaffud, Arnold Mercado, John Cuay, Ces Evangelista, Caloy Buendia, Pao Oap and Gerry Diaz joined in the fun.

All the beauties now

Some of the members of A&Q Class 2014

It was a most engaging event indeed. And everyone is in agreement that the reunion should be done more often. :-)

Play the music video of “Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen” before slowly scrolling down to read the post below for extra heartwarming effect.

courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Only seven (7) ladies won. So where does that leave most of the remaining 33 aspirants? The sulking and crying leave-me-by-my-lonesome period is thankfully over.

Consider this post an epilogue to Bb. Pilipinas 2014. Just like in a book or in the movies, the end credits show updates on what’s new or what has now become of the characters we just watched. For sixteen of the less than-successful Binibinis, life goes on as follows:

Bininini 1 Julian Aurine Flores is back to her first love - modelling.

Binibini 21 Racquel Kabigting just auditioned for Bodyshots 2014

Binibini 6 Anabel Christine Tia is back in Ozamiz City where she recently re-activated her art/cooking/dancing classes (aptly called Bb. Summer 2014 now) to kids and teens in a much bigger space.

Binibini 28 Carla Lizardo went back to her radio DJ work (seen above being visited by close pals Pia Wurtzbach and Bianca Guidotti) inside the booth. She has also resumed news presenting at PTV4.

Binibini 33 Erika Tilokani has been reuniting with her friends plus officially graduating from her course at Rizal Technological University.

Binibini 14 Emma Tiglao is also back to modeling like the hair-designing stint she did above for Maggie Wilson-Consunji.

Binibini 16 Zahara Soriano has also resumed work accepting modelling and promo gigs like the one she did for Smart above.

Binibini 10 Shauna Indra Curran (shown above with her father Bruce) has returned to Baguio to manage the family business.

Binibini 31 Angelique de Leon has returned to job hunting and is actually considering/deciding on a few good offers by now. She might even get an endorsement offer soon.

Binibini 32 Jeslyn Santos just spent the past weeks in Hagonoy, Bulacan before resuming her modeling assignments here in Manila.

Binibini 20 Kenneth Santiago is still keeping her 3feety shoe business alive while training at Philippine Airlines.

Binibini 34 Leonalyn dela Cruz has touched base with her auditing job again, but has also screened for Bodyshots 2014.

Binibini 29 KC Halili (2nd from right) will be resuming her Medical studies at UST.

Binibini 15 Kimverlyn Suiza has returned to work behind the camera.

The Instagram update of mentor Arnold Mercado above should give us a hint on what Binibini 17 Diana Arevalo could be up to next.

As for Binibini 8 Pia Wurtzbach, she has beautifully moved on from the Binibini experience and is currently mulling over other career options, like a resumption of her showbiz life perhaps?

So as you can see, these ladies have already learned to let go of the Binibini dream for now. Real life beckons and it’s time to process the next chapters of their individual journeys.

By the way, you can also add up developments about the other unfeatured Binibinis by replying below.. :-)

Familiar Binibinis who are now vying for the title of Miss Manila 2014 (Photo credit: Melvin Sia for OPMB Worldwide)

There are four (4) ladies who previously joined Bb. Pilipinas and are now part of the roster of contenders for Miss Manila 2014.

From the 2014 batch, KC Halili and Julian Flores are in the hunt.

From the 2013 edition, Leona Santicruz is taking part.

And from way back 2011, there is Angelia Ong.

The four ladies are shown above during their respective Binibini years.

Individually, these four beauties have their specific specialties should one of them become Miss Manila on 2014 on June 24. KC, who is in Medicine proper, can take on Medical Missions. Angelia can always stand up for the welfare of the large Fil-Chinese community in the city. Leona, a Tourism graduate, can lead the way in projects that make it more fun in Manila. And Julian? Having been a literal resident ever since, she knows how to read the pulse of the more economically struggling families and become an excellent voice for the masses in City Hall.

Looks like these young women have the work cut out for them if ever. But they should also keep an eye on the other candidates because one of the remaining ones might just pull the rug from right under their noses in their unguarded moments. ;-)

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili on her way to Manila Hotel riding a pedicab.

Anyways, allow me to segue to one of KC’s first charity projects. Here goes her message:

Missionaries of Charity in Tondo

If you are interested to make donations in cash, you can directly deposit to BDO Savings Account No. 004550175195 (Krischelle Halili) or you can also message Krischelle on her Facebook page on how to have food items/supplies/medicines sent. :-)

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (standing at the back, 5th from left) with friends and fellow candidates who joined in the charity visit.

From the packing of medicines to giving a pep talk to all who joined and the endless cheering of the sick children and elderly patients, KC led all the way.

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili posing in front of one of her charity sponsors, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetic Center.

KC promoting her charity cause on radio via 92.3 FM Aksyon Solusyon with Alex Tinsay.

And your blogger is just too happy to be part of this charity activity organized by the ever-gracious Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili from start to finish.

(L-R): Kayesha Chua, Justine Felizarta, Monique Trinidad, Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili and your blogger posing before the start of the activity.

And when everyone got hungry, KC treated the whole group to lunch at Aristocrat. Left to right: Your blogger, Justine Felizarta, Kayesha Chua, Queenie Bautista, Dexter Ngo, Monique Trinidad and Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili.

Till the next cause, ladies! :-D

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili during her talk in front of the students of Raja Soliman Science & Technology High School

Launching the 5S Campaign with the J. Abad Santos General Hospital. To her left is 2nd Runner-Up Angelia Ong

She is living up to the responsibilities of the crown she signed up for and won.

Her charity activities and speaking engagements are happening left and right, but she is more than game enough to make herself available to all of the invitations. Just recently, she helped in the 5S Campaign at the Justice Abad Santos General Hospital which centered on cleanliness and solid waste management. And earlier in the week, she found herself speaking before a big crowd of students at the Raja Soliman Science & Technology High School about Adolescent Health Issues and Perspective. She also took the time to talk with the OB-GYN specialists who trained the trainers about the abstinence-based program.

With the further help of her friend and 2nd Runner-Up Angelia Ong, she is looking forward to starting new initiatives in the City of Manila that will give more meaning to her reign as its ambassadress.

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (seating, 5th from left) with the 55 OB-GYN doctors from all over the country who completed the Training of Trainers of A.H.I.P. (Adolescent Health Issues and Perspectives)

Just keep up the excellent work, KC! You know that I’m always here to help you out in whatever way I can. ;-)

The next Ambassadress of the City of Manila will be known by June 24, 2015!

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili

If you are interested in applying for the competition, below are some of the things you need to know.

Here are the basic guidelines and qualifications for Miss Manila 2015:

In celebration of this year’s Araw ng Maynila, the city government of Manila, under the decree of Mayor Joseph Estrada, is holding a beauty-and-brains search where the best of the best will be ultimately crowned “Miss Manila” on June 24, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The proceeds of this year’s pageant will benefit the Ospital ng Maynila and the City of Manila Dialysis Center of MARE Foundation, Inc., a non-profit institution headed by its Chairperson, Dra. Luisa Loi Ejercito-Estrada. This year’s Pageant Director is Ms. Jackie Ejercito-Lopez.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Applicant must be a naturally born female;
2. Applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines at the time of application. For this reason, applicant must submit a National Statistics Office (NSO)- issued birth certificate;
3. Applicant must turn at least eighteen (18) years old during the reign of Miss Manila 2015 as defined in Clause H (5), and no more than twenty-five (25) years old on the date of application;
4. Applicant must be at least 5 feet 3 inches tall;
5. Applicant must be single, has never been married, divorced or had a marriage annulled or declared null. She must have never been pregnant, whether or not such pregnancy resulted to actual birth;
6. Applicant must be a high school graduate, and at the time of application, enrolled in or graduated from a reputable university or college;
7. Applicant must be of good moral character and must have not been convicted of any crime, or currently facing prosecution for violation of any law. She must not have at any time engaged in prostitution or any act similar or related thereto;
8. Applicant must have good poise, pleasing personality and engaging charm. She must possess beauty of face and proportionate body structure;
9. Applicant must be proficient in Filipino and English;
10. Applicant must be able to exhibit good knowledge of the history and culture of the City of Manila; and
11. Applicant must meet any one of the following criterion:
a. Born in the City of Manila;
b. Resident of the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where she resides;
c. Either parent must have been born in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit the NSO-issued birth certificate/s of her parent/s;
d. Either parent must be residing in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where her parent/s reside;
e. Student of a university/college in the City of Manila for at least two (2) years. For this reason, applicant must submit a copy of her transcript and/or diploma from said university/college;
f. Any relative within the third (3rd) degree of consanquinity must be residing in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where said relative resides; or
g. Working in the City of Manila for the past two (2) years. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certificate of employment.

Click above to download the application form for Miss Manila 2015

The deadline for submission of application forms will be on May 21, 2015.

Bessie Besana, the designer, and his first muse, Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)

KC proudly wore Bessie’s first creation (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)

Of course, you all know my friend Bessie Besana as Mark Besana, one of the several pillars behind Aces & Queens. Well, the lovable guy can now add a new profession to his already colorful achievements in the pageant world – Fashion Designer.

Prior to this career shift, Bessie was doing corporate work before spending almost a year fulfilling a logistics-based position in Hong Kong. It is here where he realized that pageant life is what really makes him happy and fulfilled. And so, he enrolled at Slim’s to equip him with the technical know-how. His creative juices happily flowed from there, and the rest was inaugurated last night when his first muse – KC Halili – paraded the first-ever creation. He plans to initially foray into pageant designing, while continuing with his coaching job for Aces & Queens. I bet we’ll hear and see a lot from him in the months and years to come.

It will all be pleasantly uphill from this point for Bessie Besana, the Brand (see logo on the right) and the Fashion Designer.

Count on my 100% support every step of the way. And I’m sure my dear readers will also welcome you with open arms. Right, guys? ;-)

Best of luck, my dear friend!

Tomorrow is the last day of screening for Miss Manila 2015

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (left) and Ms. Gay Manila 2015 Trixie Maristela (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)

Be sure to put your best foot forward once there. It’s going to be an exciting opportunity for interested applicants.

I bet Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili and Ms. Gay Manila 2015 Trixie Maristela will be around to welcome all comers. ;-)

Miss Manila 2015 will be crowned on Araw ng Maynila itself

Who will be KC Halili’s successor?

Among this year’s hopefuls are deaf charmer Christine Balaguer, tall (and the reigning Miss Arellano University) Angelica Lopez, the ‘granddaughter’ of Gloria Diaz – Erika Diaz, with pretty misses Anna Conanan and Crissia del Atienza.

Miss Manila 2015 will be crowned in glittering ceremonies at the PICC Plenary Hall on Araw ng Maynila itself, June 24. Watch out for another feature on all the ladies vying for the crown. ;-)

One of the signature dishes is the “Pata Kang Kare Ka!” which combines two Pinoy favorites – Crispy Pata and Kare-Kare

One of my personal favorites on the menu is the Pedro ‘n Coi Salad, much like a Pinoy Ensalada with the crunch and yum!

Pedro ‘n Coi’s SISIG-AWW is a must-try!

DIS IS IT PANCIT! for either lunch or merienda

During the actual blessing of the place. Shamcey announced afterwards that she is 2 months pregnant (Photo credit: Jonas Gaffud)

Your blogger with Mafae Yunon-Belasco

Right after the blessing, Shamcey proudly announced to everyone that she is already two months pregnant – a wonderful news indeed!

Back to the restaurant, make sure you do lunch or dinner at Pedro ‘n Coi Pinoy Pop Chibog one of these days. I guarantee you will come back for more. :-)

Four (4) Miss Universe Philippines (left-to-right): Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Jennifer Barrientos

The twenty-six (26) Official Candidates of Miss Manila 2015

Miss Manila 2015 will be crowned on Araw ng Maynila itself, June 24

My Top 10 Picks for Miss Manila 2015, in random order.

In order of preference now, above are my Top 5 ladies

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (Photo credit: Edmund Chua)

And as far as the Top 5 finalists are concerned, I would be happy seeing a quintet made up of Anna Karmina Conanan, Regina Malana, Patrixia Sherly Santos, Franchesca Diaz and Christine Balaguer. One of them would make an excellent successor to Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili who has completed such a mission and charity-filled reign that would be relatively hard to follow.

Good luck in the finals, ladies. May the best Manileña win! ;-)

Pageant tidbit: Did you know that the full name of the candidate tagged as the ‘granddaughter’ of Gloria Diaz is Franchesca Diaz Floirendo? Talk about having the surname and married surname of our two former Miss Universe titleholders in her name. The Floirendo part was temporarily dropped for competition purposes. :-)

Kaycie Fajardo (middle) after being crowned Miss Manila 2015 by last year's KC Halili (Photo credit: Jonas Gaffud)

Left-to-right: 2nd Runner-Up Angelica Lopez, 1st Runner-Up Christine Balaguer, Miss Manila 2015 Kaycie Lyn Fajardo, 3rd Runner-Up Franchesca Diaz Floirendo and 4th Runner-Up Jillian Urbina (Photo credit: Jonas Yu)

Kaycie (left) with 1st Runner-Up Christine Balaguer (Photo credit: Jonas Gaffud)

Congratulations to all the winners! :-)

Miss Manila 2015 Kaycie Lyn Fajardo

The next Ambassadress of the City of Manila will be known by June 24, 2015!

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili

If you are interested in applying for the competition, below are some of the things you need to know.

Here are the basic guidelines and qualifications for Miss Manila 2015:

In celebration of this year’s Araw ng Maynila, the city government of Manila, under the decree of Mayor Joseph Estrada, is holding a beauty-and-brains search where the best of the best will be ultimately crowned “Miss Manila” on June 24, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The proceeds of this year’s pageant will benefit the Ospital ng Maynila and the City of Manila Dialysis Center of MARE Foundation, Inc., a non-profit institution headed by its Chairperson, Dra. Luisa Loi Ejercito-Estrada. This year’s Pageant Director is Ms. Jackie Ejercito-Lopez.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Applicant must be a naturally born female;
2. Applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines at the time of application. For this reason, applicant must submit a National Statistics Office (NSO)- issued birth certificate;
3. Applicant must turn at least eighteen (18) years old during the reign of Miss Manila 2015 as defined in Clause H (5), and no more than twenty-five (25) years old on the date of application;
4. Applicant must be at least 5 feet 3 inches tall;
5. Applicant must be single, has never been married, divorced or had a marriage annulled or declared null. She must have never been pregnant, whether or not such pregnancy resulted to actual birth;
6. Applicant must be a high school graduate, and at the time of application, enrolled in or graduated from a reputable university or college;
7. Applicant must be of good moral character and must have not been convicted of any crime, or currently facing prosecution for violation of any law. She must not have at any time engaged in prostitution or any act similar or related thereto;
8. Applicant must have good poise, pleasing personality and engaging charm. She must possess beauty of face and proportionate body structure;
9. Applicant must be proficient in Filipino and English;
10. Applicant must be able to exhibit good knowledge of the history and culture of the City of Manila; and
11. Applicant must meet any one of the following criterion:
a. Born in the City of Manila;
b. Resident of the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where she resides;
c. Either parent must have been born in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit the NSO-issued birth certificate/s of her parent/s;
d. Either parent must be residing in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where her parent/s reside;
e. Student of a university/college in the City of Manila for at least two (2) years. For this reason, applicant must submit a copy of her transcript and/or diploma from said university/college;
f. Any relative within the third (3rd) degree of consanquinity must be residing in the City of Manila. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certification from the barangay where said relative resides; or
g. Working in the City of Manila for the past two (2) years. For this purpose, applicant must submit a certificate of employment.

Click above to download the application form for Miss Manila 2015

The deadline for submission of application forms will be on May 21, 2015.

Tomorrow is the last day of screening for Miss Manila 2015

Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili (left) and Ms. Gay Manila 2015 Trixie Maristela (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)

Be sure to put your best foot forward once there. It’s going to be an exciting opportunity for interested applicants.

I bet Miss Manila 2014 KC Halili and Ms. Gay Manila 2015 Trixie Maristela will be around to welcome all comers.

Kaycie Fajardo (middle) after being crowned Miss Manila 2015 by last year's KC Halili (Photo credit: Jonas Gaffud)

Left-to-right: 2nd Runner-Up Angelica Lopez, 1st Runner-Up Christine Balaguer, Miss Manila 2015 Kaycie Lyn Fajardo, 3rd Runner-Up Franchesca Diaz Floirendo and 4th Runner-Up Jillian Urbina (Photo credit: Jonas Yu)

Kaycie (left) with 1st Runner-Up Christine Balaguer (Photo credit: Jonas Gaffud)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Miss Manila 2015 Kaycie Lyn Fajardo