Miss Earth 2016 attends SONA 2017

Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin of Ecuador attended the 2nd State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte last July 24, 2017 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. 

Posted by Queens PH on Monday, July 24, 2017

She graced the SONA 2017 red carpet wearing an elegant black laced Filipiniana terno by Oliver Tolentino.

According to Queen Kath, she was able to attend the said momentous event because she is an honorary member of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines. 

She also thanks the Department of Tourism for her appointment as Philippines' Tourism Ambassador since she is a great Earth Warrior. She also expressed her support to President Duterte with regards to environmental concerns.

Keep on slaying, Queen Kath!!! 🌏 💚 👑

Pageant Review: Miss Philippines Earth 2017

The 2017 edition of the Miss Philippines Earth was held last July 15, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Being one of the major national pageants, it was awaited and watched by thousands of pageant fans. Before the day ended, Karen Ibasco from the City of Manila was crowned as Miss Philippines Earth 2017, hence being the official Philippine representative to the 17th Miss Earth pageant on November 4 in Manila.

Now that a new Philippine Alpha Queen was crowned, here's my point-by-point review on MPE 2017!

(Photo from Lito Caleon)

🌏 Opening Number

Before formally beginning, the organization offered a heartfelt prayer for our affected brothers and sisters of the Leyte Quake and Marawi Siege. For me, as a Filipino, that was so moving and touching. Then, a run-through introduction video of the ladies was shown before the opening number. I loved how they gave a good 5-second moment for each contestant in the video. 

(Photo from Lito Caleon)

Then the moment the song started to play and seeing the girls - BAM! I LOVE IT! I looove the opening number! So much power - #GirlPower to be specific! The org stayed true to its "Eco-Warrior" concept with the ladies wearing princess warrior costumes, of course, made of sustainable materials. The steps may be so simple but the ladies oozing with so much confidence and the song are enough for the opening number to be so powerful!

🌏 Cultural Attire Presentation

This segment is love! The 40 contestants paraded in their cultural attires, all made by talented Filipino fashion designers! This part of the pageant shows that MPE gives importance to Filipino culture and heritage through a showcase of extravagant and colorful cultural attires and kudos for that!

Miss El Salvador City - Best in Cultural Attire

🌏 Tripping Fiasco

Unfortunately, during the Cultural Attire Presentation, Miss Lucena accidentally tripped because she was wearing a 30-kg costume while she was going down the stairs on the stage. Luckily, the girls near where she fell immediately helped her - Miss Biñan, Miss Tayabas, Miss Manila and Miss Porac. Mad respect to these ladies for their act of selflessness. Almost more than a half of the ladies were done but the organizers decided to have a re-run of this segment. You know what they say, the show must go on!

🌏 Top 10 Semifinalists

This set of semifinalists has been one of the strongest in MPE history, all are fit in the "beauty and brains" standard. But a lot of pageant fans were surprised with the exclusion of some heavy favorites in the first cut - Miss Pulilan, Miss CDO, and Miss Puerto Princesa to name a few. Had the organizers made the semifinalists into 15 instead of 10, maybe the heavy favorites will make the cut.

(Photo from Lito Caleon)

🌏 Swimsuit Competition
I love the swimsuit that the semifinalists used - superhero-ish, sexy but not too revealing. The girls know how to flare up the stage! Though two of them almost tripped, they still continued to werk and slay! If there was a best in swimsuit award, for me it would be Kim De Guzman (Olongapo City). 

(Photo from Lito Caleon)

🌏 Top 10 Q&A - Word Expansion/Hashtags

This has to be one of the defining moments for the Top 10. If they mess up this round, it will cost them a spot in the Top 5. But luckily, all of them delivered and did not disappoint. Though there were some that will take you time to process their answers, still, the ladies were all impressive and well-spoken. I also love how they donned their swimsuits with indigenous fabrics making them look like wearing cocktail dresses. 

🌏 Evening Gown Competition

The gowns, all proudly Filipino made, are amazing! Love how the Top 10 graced the stage with so much class and elegance wearing their fabulous long gowns. For me the best gown and best in evening gown would be Jessica McEwen (Fil. Comm. of New Zealand) wearing Benj Leguiab IV. Those details and beadwork are looove!

(Photo from Lito Caleon)

🌏 Top 5

This set of finalists is a strong one but I think it will be stronger and the competition will be tougher had been Miss New Zealand and Miss Porac, Pampanga were in the Top 5. But nevertheless, the Top 5 was still a great one. 

🌏 Final Q&A 

Miss Philippines Earth is known to have mind-boggling questions and this year, they've done it again! The final question was "Our government's slogan is 'Change is coming.' What change do you want to see in terms of environmental policies in the country?", and it's really a tough one. Of all the Top 5, Miss Manila City gave a definite, solid and straight-to-the-point answer and that was her defining moment, making her the clear winner of the night. But over-all, kudos to the rest of the Top 5 because they all delivered well during this round of the competition. All were impressively well-spoken! Kudos!

🌏 Outgoing Queens' Farewell

These queens may not be the same ladies who were crowned last year due to she who must not be named's fiasco, I'm proud that they all humbly heeded the call to be warriors of the Earth. I love how their final walk as queens were simple yet very heartfelt. Congratulations for a wonderful reign!

🌏 The New Order of Crowning

Again, because of she who must not be named's fiasco, a new order of crowning was done. The elemental queens were in crowned random order because the elemental crowns are of all equal importance. If for any reason the winner cannot fulfil her duties, any of the elemental queens can take over. This part was quite off for me but maybe it's MPE Org's early resolution if ever the same drama from last year happens, and hopefully not. 

🌏 Over-all Production

I love how Miss Philippines Earth under Carousel Productions always keep every coronation night simple yet elegant. The stage design may be simple but it worked because it did not overpower the contestants who are the real stars of the event. You know, Mother Earth doesn't need that much extravagant decors because her alone is already so beautiful.

Robi Domingo as a host for the fourth consecutive time is something and he earned that right because he is great host for MPE! I love his energy, his humor, and his adlibs.

The lighting is great - not too bright nor too dark, just right and no eyesore contrast of colors. The camera angles are also good. They were just fit for a pageant and not to noon time show-ish. 

There's just one thing I didn't like in the pageant - the anchors/co-hosts!!! During segment gaps, former MPE Queens roam around the venue to interview significant people present in the event. But everytime this particular queen starts to talk, I can't help but mute the audio because she's just so trying hard to speak in slang English and it hurt my ears! Side note: girl, I think it won't kill you to just speak in Filipino or in Taglish if you can't speak in proper American English. Peace out!

🌏 The New Miss Philippines Earth 2017 and her Elemental Court

The final Q&A was the defining moment for the Top 5 and I was not wrong. The best answer was given by the winner herself, Karen Ibasco from the City of Manila. The way she spoke, she doesn't only exude intelligence but also heart, wisdom and genuineness. I'm happy that this oriental beauty took home the title. I believe that she will do well as a Miss Philippines Earth. I'm excited for her feat in Miss Earth!

I'm also happy for our new Elemental Queens! I love that we will be seeing more of them as they go on in their reign as the new Earth Warriors. And I must say that this batch is one of the prettiest ever! Again, congratulations!

🌏 Conclusion

Over-all, from the pre-pageant activities, to the coronation night, and to the winners - all were just right - making Miss Philippines Earth 2017 a huge success. Rest assured, we are all in full support for your advocacies in saving our home, our Mother Earth. I can't wait for Miss Earth 2017!

(Photo from Anton Eder)

Mabuhay ang Gandang Pinay at si Inang Kalikasan! 💚🌏

Karen Ibasco is Miss Philippines Earth 2017

The 26-year old physicist and university professor Karen Ibasco from the City of Manila, bested out other 39 ladies, as she was crowned as Miss Philippines Earth 2017 last July 15, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She is the Philippines' official delegate to the Miss Earth pageant, which will be happening on November 4, 2017, in the Philippines. 

(Photo from OPMB)

After the final round of Q&A, Ibasco was the clear winner of the night. The final question was "Our government's slogan is 'Change is coming.' What change do you want to see in terms of environmental policies in the country?" According to her, the change that she wants to see is the implementation of Carbon Tax, which can be investing on renewable energy so our world can be a better, greener and habitable place for the whole humanity.

Crowning Moment: Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Loren Mar Artajos crowns her successor,
Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco. (Photo from Lito Caleon of Fabmanilaph)

The 2017 Elemental Queens are also comprised of Miss Philippines - Air Kim De Guzman (Olongapo City), Miss Philippines - Water Jessica Marasigan (Caloocan City), Miss Philippines - Fire Nellza Bautista (Villanueva, Misamis Oriental), and Miss Philippines - Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo (Lobo, Batangas). 

FIRE - AIR - EARTH - WATER - ECO-TOURISM
(Photo from OPMB)

The new queens will be our newest environmental advocates as they will go around the country doing activities to promote saving Mother Earth.

The pageant was hosted by Robi Domingo and anchored by former Miss Philippines Earth queens like Angelia Ong, Jamie Herrell, and Sandra Seifert.

Here are the official and final results from the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Pageant.

The Top 15 for the Pre-Judging Segments of Beauty & Poise, Form & Figure, and Intelligence.

Miss SM Markets - Mandaluyong City

Earth Warrior - Lobo, Batangas

Best Eco-Video -  Taguig City

Best Cultural Attire -  El Salvador City

(Photos from Lito Caleon of Fabmanilaph)

The Top 10 Semifinalists

If you missed the livestream and the telecast, here's a video of the full show from Rappler.

Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Final Picks

Today, a new set of Earth Warriors as the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Coronation Night takes place tonight. Before the Women of The Earth get crowned, here are my final picks. 

There you have it, my final bet for this year's Miss Philippines Earth 2017. Watch the Coronation Night on the SM Mall of Asia Arena at 7PM with a live simulcast on Rappler. The delayed telecast will be on July 16, Sunday, at 9:45AM.

Mabuhay ang Gandang Pinay! ✨ 🌏 💚 👑 🇵🇭

IN PHOTOS: MPE 2017 Quick Recap

We are now just counting days before the next Woman of The Earth is crowned but before we arrive to that day, here's a quick recap of the pre-pageant competitions that were held recently.

Press Presentation

The MPE 2017 Press Presentation was held last July 5, 2017 at the Diamond Hotel. 

Among the 40 contestants, 4 were named as Darlings of The Press. Catherine Tabaniag of Panglao, Bohol and Krishia Antonio of Porac, Pampanga tied for the bronze medal. Kim De Guzman of Olongapo City bagged the silver medal while Samantha Acosta was the gold medalist. 

Swimsuit & Resort Wear Competition

The MPE 2017 Swimsuit Competition was held last July 6, 2017 at the Versailles Palace, Alabang.

Miss Puerto Princesa City, Miss Cagayan De Oro & Miss Olongapo City

Miss Olongapo City - Kim De Guzman was the bronze medalist while Miss Puerto Princesa City - Sandrine Stoelzaed won the silver medal. Miss Cagayan De Oro - Sherlyn Doloriel was named as the best in swimsuit for bagging the gold medal. It was incidental that the Miss CDO and Miss Puerto Princesa wore the same swimsuits and finished as the top 2 of the pre-pageant competition.

The Resort Wear Competition followed after the ladies parading in swimsuits.

Miss Caloocan City; Miss Pulilan, Bulacan; Miss Mandaluyong City

Miss Mandaluyong City - Shane Tormes bagged the bronze medal while Miss Pulilan, Bulacan - Samantha Acosta was the silver medalist. Miss Caloocan City - Jessica Marasigan was proclaimed as the best in resort wear for winning the gold medal. 

Make-Up Challenge

The 40 lovely ladies were on a competition for doing the best look that suits a queen. The event was sponsored by one of the country's leading make-up brands, WUNDER2 PHILIPPINES, and held at Fisher Mall in Quezon City.

Miss Pulilan, Bulacan - Samantha Acosta bagged the bronze medal while the silver medal was awarded to Miss Olongapo City - Kim De Guzman and Miss Marilao, Bulacan - Agnes Tolentino was the challenge winner for winning the gold medal.

The Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Coronation Night will be on July 15, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at 7PM. Livestream will be available via Rappler. 

With regards to the ticket sales, just stay tuned for updates by following our social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photo credits to Mr. Lito Caleon of Fabmanilaph and MPE Org.

A New & Revamped Miss World Philippines

Last January, it was reported that beauty and wellness guru, Cory Quirino, had given up the Miss World Philippines franchise. It was on the same day that Arnold Vegafria announced that he is the new franchise holder. So last July 7, 2017, the new Miss World Philippines Organization was formally launched through a media and press conference at the New World Makati Hotel. 

In attendance were the new MWP Organization President Mr. Arnold Vegafria, MWP General Manager Bessie Besana, and former queens, Miss World 2013 & MWP Consultant for International Affairs Megan Young, Gwen Ruais, Queenie Rehman, Hillarie Parungao, and reigning Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray. The event was hosted by Kapuso star and 24 Oras Chika Minute correspondent Iya Villania.

Aside from the formal launching, the new MWPO also announced the important changes that will be observed in the pageant this coming September 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Press Presentation of the official candidates will be on August 5. They will also incorporate the Fast Track events this year - Beach Beauty, Sports Challenge, Top Model Challenge through a brand fashion show which will be open to the public, Talent Competition through a charity gala, and a Charity Day in the organization's beneficiary, José Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Details regarding the Beauty With A Purpose will be revealed soon. Plus, the winner will get to wear a new crown co-designed by our very own Miss World 2013 Megan Young. The former queens also revealed that they will be hands-on as mentors in the journey in choosing who will join their ranks.

One major announcement in the press conference would be the addition of three new titles - Miss Eco International, Reina Hispanoamericana, and Miss Multinational, leaving two spots for the princesses (runners-up). 

Reigning Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray

But of all the announcements, the most important one would be the revelation that the Miss World Organization offered the MWPO the hosting rights of the Miss World pageant in the Philippines on 2019. 

Two major sponsors were also acknowledged - New World Makati Hotel as the official residence and BYS Cosmetics as the official cosmetics sponsor. 

Deadline of submission for application is on July 22, 2017. So to all ladies aspiring to be a Filipina for the world, apply now! 

Make sure to follow MWP's official social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for more updates! 

✨ 🌐 💙 🇵🇭

Photo Credits to OPMB

MPE 2017 Unmasked: Beauty of Face & Poise Pre-Judging

For the first time in pageant history, Miss Philippines Earth 2017 launched the first ever competition wherein the 40 lovely contestants will be parading bare-faced with little to no make-up, and will be judged according to the beauty of face and poise. The said competition was held last June 28, 2017 at the F1 Hotel Manila. 

The judges were composed of Photographer Raymund Isaac, Designer Mixy Valencia, Beauty Queens Justine Gabionza & Priscilla Meirelles, Personality Coach Ping Valencia and, Fashion Stylist and Model Bea Constantino.

Here are some photos from the event, all shot by Miss Joy Arguil.

Who do you think stood out in this round of the competition? 😊

MPE 2017 Evening Gown Competition in Palawan

The Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Evening Gown Competition was held last July 1, 2017 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The 40 lovely candidates paraded in their long gowns all made by talented Filipino designers. 

After the evening gown presentation, the winners of special awards were named, then the medalists of the major award which is the best in Long Gown.

Organizations Choice Awardees

Miss Dermcare & Darling of The Press

The gold medal was bagged by Sandrine Stoelzaed of Puerto Princesa City, while the silver and bronze medals were given to Catherine Tabaniag of Panglao, Bohol and Jessica McEwen of Fil. Comm. of New Zealand, respectively.

Their next activity, which is the Swimsuit and Resort Wear Competition, will be on July 6, 2017 at the Versailles Palace in Alabang. 

Stay tuned for updates! 

Follow me on Instagram for quick updates! 😊

Bb. Pilipinas 2017: A Brief & Honest Review

I know this is two months late but I feel the need of posting it and I want my voice to be heard. 😄

The most anticipated national pageant in the universe was held last April 30, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Eight emerged victorious with six of them who took away the crowns. Leading the pack is the top plum winner, Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Louise Peters of Camarines Sur. 

Now that the battle royale of Filipina Beauty is over, here's my point-by-point review on the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Coronation Night.

PS: I didn't watch the pageant live due to lack of funds 😂  so this is from a telecast viewer's POV. 

✨ Opening Number

I love how the opening dresses remind me of Miss Universe 2007 but I think the style is kind of outdated compared to the opening dresses back in the 2015 and 2016 editions. I was expecting for an "explosive" opening dance number but to be honest, it bored me a bit. I loved the steps especially when the ladies formed a long straight line but I guess it was the song. If I'm going to ask what edition has the best opening, it has got to be 2016 - "PHILIPPINES, ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?!"

✨ Top 25 Semifinalists

I commend BPCI for taking the leap and in making this change, the first round of elimination, but this has got to be the most shocking set ever! Many were also upset that it was Angelique De Leon's third and last try and still failed to be at least a semifinalist. A lot were sad and disappointed (including me) about the non-inclusion of heavy favorite Dindi Pajares in the first cut. The pageant fans were wondering why they didn't make the cut. Has it something to do with their attendance and deportment during the pre-pageant activities? Was it the closed door interview? What really went wrong? Unfortunately, until now, this is a mystery. Again, I commend BPCI for giving emphasis on the communication skills because we don't need a beautiful lady, we need a beautiful spokesperson. But with the set of semifinalists, we need a clarification with regards to the criteria for choosing the 25 semifinalists. What's done is done but justice needs to be served. If they are planning to do this again next year, maybe do a preliminary competition with all the criteria for selecting the Top 25 transparent to the public.

✨ Swimsuit Competition

Most of the ladies did well in this round of the competition especially Rachel Peters! Her statuesque and toned physique is to die for! No doubt that she was awarded as the Best in Swimsuit. What raised my eyebrow was the swimsuits! I liked the cut but the colors! Black can be a safe color but instead of giving a pop of color and a contrast, it just blended in the background in a bad way. Again, comparing to last year, the swimsuits were just white and simple but pleasing to the eyes.

Best in Swimsuit - Bb. 19 Rachel Peters

✨ Evening Gown Competition

Kudos to the Filipino designers for a job well done in making the wonderful evening gowns for their muses and to the ladies for carrying and wearing them well. Mariel De Leon looked alta, classy, and sophisticated in her red serpentina Cary Santiago gown made her deserving for being the Best in Evening Gown. Loved the ladies in this round. They all shone like bright stars in the evening sky. I super loved this part of the competition.

Best in Long Gown - Bb. 15 Mariel De Leon 

✨ Top 15 Finalists X Q and A Portion

Loved this set. No WTH placers compared to the first cut. All of them delivered great answers, except for one heavy favorite. Many were disappointed at Sirene Sutton because she was just one step away from victory but her answer cost her the crown. According to her on a post-pageant interview, she was so nervous that she didn't properly hear the question causing her to not fully understand it. 

It was very clear that the best answers were given by the winners. Plus, I love that the questions were about current events and in-depth personal views and not tacky pageant patty questions. Those were the questions that many wanted to hear. Two thumbs up to BPCI.

✨ 2016 Queens' Farewell Walk
It was a bittersweet moment for the queens and for me as a pageant fan. I followed them from their journey to the BBP crowns, to their international competitions, and that time that they are ready to pass on their crowns to their successors. It was delightful to see how each of the queens shone so bright in their own rights and ways. The 2016 Queens has been one of the most beautiful and most successful batches in Binibini history.  Thank you for the pride and honor. Congratulations and mabuhay kayo!

Plus, I also loved how they wore gowns of their respective designers since they competed last year, to their international competition and to their farewell walk: Nichole Manalo wearing Leo Almodal, Joanna Eden wearing Mark Bumgarner, Maxine Medina wearing Rhett Eala, Kylie Verzosa wearing Francis Libiran, Nicole Cordoves wearing Val Taguba, and Jennifer Hammond wearing Nat Manilag. A sign of loyalty, gratitude, and love.

✨ Over-all Production (Stage, Lighting, Host, Performers)
To be honest, I did not like this year's production. For me it was a downgrade from last year's "party". I love the stage design but the lighting, I think it was quite dark. The choice of colors for the LED backdrop and lights was a bit dark. 

With the hosts, Xian Lim and Pia Wurtzbach, I felt that something was lacking. For Xian, it was his fourth time to host the pageant. As he went on, improvements were already seen but I just don't know with his performance this year. He lacked energy. For Pia, Queen P, you know I love you, but for this, I'm giving her 6.5 out of 10 for her hosting performance because looked like she was just reading the spiels. But I will let this pass because this is her first major hosting stint.

With the performers, not to downsize their talents, but I think they are unncessary. You can put on a great show without having guest performers, provided that the production is great. But for this year, the production was a bit off, and the performers didn't help in giving an additional color or spark to the show. Especially that one performer - he was supposed to serenade the ladies but what did was he was like having his solo prod number. I just rolled my eyes until I saw the back of my head. Again, comparing to 2014 and 2016, there were no performers but the show was great. I really felt the excitement and competition because the focus was just solely on the girls. Believe me, I watched the shows live. 

I thought the show (coronation night) was going on a great path because ABS-CBN became BPCI's media partner since 2011. The shows were great from year to year, I just don't know what happened with this 2017 edition. I just hope that next year, since they said that the coronation night is for the fans, they will really give a show that the fans deserve.



✨ The New Set of Binibini Queens
I. LOVE. THE NEW. SET. OF QUEENS! Plus our two lovely runners-up, of course! Our new queens are all fit for their titles wherein all of them will give a great fight once they compete in the international stage. They still need to be polished but this batch is at the top of their game. Each of them are crown contenders. I can't wait to follow each of their journeys to the crowns!

✨ Conclusion
Despite of the many lapses, the most important is that the judges and Madam SMA picked deserving ladies for the crowns. I just hope that they had an assessment with this year's competition and from that, they will be able to correct all the lapses and weaknesses. So that next year, it will be a bang that the universe will never forget!



Hoping and praying for a great performance by Team Philippines in the world of pageantry this 2017! ✨ 💙 🇵🇭