Finding Noemi

Oo, hindi ka namamalimata. Hindi ako na-wrong spelling. What you read is correct. It’s Finding Noemi.

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January 6. Friday morning. A schoolmate of mine was on the way to school on her own for her enrollment. It was a typical day until her family and friends felt something wrong. They weren’t able to contact the girl anymore.

I learned the news from one of her blockmates. Even if I barely know about this girl, I also became shocked. Schoolmate ko rin kasi. Her cousin also posted a photo with some information regarding what happened. The concerns grew few hours ago, even reaching the attention of the entire school community. I even tried to post the info on Twitter and tweeted some celebrities if they could RT (retweet) the plea. The next day, she was declared missing.

Days passed and it seemed that Noemi Lagman was still not seen. We never heard anything regarding her whereabouts.  The appeals were constantly shared and retweeted, even gaining a trending spot in some sites. Mayor Bernabe of Parañaque City and the authorities also acted in search of Noemi. Her family, friends, and some concerned citizens were tirelessly vigilant and were praying that she should be found safely as soon as possible.

January 10. Wednesday, 11:10 PM. Her father issued an update on Facebook. Noemi was already been found and was with her family.  He acknowledged everyone who helped in spreading the info on Facebook. Due to the authorities’ advice, Mr. Lagman asked for understanding and privacy about the details of how and where she was found yet he shared how exhausting and emotionally tiring , to quote the “longest 100 hours of their lives”, in searching his daughter. He ended his statement with a piece of advice telling us to love our families unconditionally because it matters most.

For more details, click the related article here.

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Here are my thoughts:

As I have said, I barely know Ms. Noemi Lagman. Hindi ko siya kilala totally and personally. Naririnig ko yung pangalan niya at if I’m not mistaken, she retweeted one of my tweets in the past. All I know is we have the same course (AB Multimedia Arts), that she is in her senior year at college, and I know some of her blockmates. But what happened to her prompted me to simply help. Regardless of how we know each other, a person who is missing is a person who needs our help.

Social media played a huge role in Noemi’s case. Naaalala niyo pa ba yung kaso ni Lola Auring at ang kanyang nawawalang asawa last year? Both of them reunited thanks to the support and effort of people who used social media sites as a tool to help find her husband. A simple act of sharing the photo and/or retweeting had brought awareness to the community. Malaking bagay ang pagpapakalat ng panawagan; the only resources that we need aside the internet are a short amount of time, willingness, and effort to help.

As I quote a good friend of mine Ms. Justine Roce, “In the case of Noemi Lagman, let us not forget the human component in finding her. The police and we internet folk had a hand in this. +1 for the human race!” We should be proud of this achievement. Nang dahil sa walang-tigil na pasheshare ay nagawa nating makita at makapiling ng kanyang pamilya si Noemi.

Tulad niyo rin, napapa-isip ako kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari kay Noemi, kung papaano at saan siya nakita at nahanap. But we should respect the decision of her family. I believe they have the right to keep it confidential for important reasons. Ang mahalaga ay buhay siya at kapiling na niya ang kanyang kaanak. Also, let’s give her and her family a time to recover for what had happen to them.

To someone who was criticizing  me during the course of finding Noemi, just to let you know I didn’t acted for my own interest at all. Nagpaparinig ka at sinasabing nakikisawsaw ako sa issue para lang sumikat. Well, it’s not my fault if I have lots of connections. I used what you claim my ‘popularity’ to help, not the other way around. So I hope this will make you shut up.

May mga usap-usapin na kumakalat about what really happened to the point na everyone seems to be overjudging. Read the comments on Yahoo! Philippines’ report (above) and I’m sure you’ll be shocked. Too much prejudice, too much name calling. Some even cited she only did that to gain fame and be thrown with stones. Even if hindi ko kilala masyado si Noemi, I felt the urge to step up and defend her right. Kagaya ng nakararami ay maraming katanungan ako pero hindi ko kailangan insultuhin ang pagkatao ng isang nawawala para lang masagot ang mga tanong. Given with a small amount of info, let’s just analyze it by ourselves and learn something from it. Kung may tamang pag-iisip tayo at aware tayo na mayroon tayong ganoon, gamitin natin. Kung siya ay kinidnap or may masamang nagyari, tayo’y mag-ingat para hindi matulad sa sinapit niya. Kung siya’y naglayas at may tampuhang nagaganap, mahalaga ay naiparamdam natin kay Noemi na may mga nag-aalala sa kanya at dapat ay hindi na maulit pa. At sinasabing it was such a waste of effort and time? It might be if we’re too narrow-minded and not compassionate but for her family, friends, and to all who are concerned, it was a test of love and a matter of wakeup call for them.

What made me more uncomfortable is some people are too demanding that they owe the family an explanation. Naging utang na loob pa nila.

Dinakip o naglayas, iisa lang naman ang ibig sabihin. May nawawala. At ang nawawala ay dapat makita.

Sa nangyari, isa pa ang napatunayan ko. God is really good. He never failed us. He answered our prayers. I am wishing that God gave us the gifts of patience and understanding during the crisis, whether you’re involved or not involved. Nagdasal tayo na sana ay makapiling na ni Noemi ang kanyang pamilya kaya marapat lang tayo’y manalingin muli para pasalamatan ang Panginoon. To those who are in doubt and still criticizing what happened, I hope the Lord will guide you.
I hope we learned a great deal of lesson from what happened. God bless us all. Alleluiah!

ITAAS ANG MGA PUTING PANYO! (Ok, pwede na yata ako maging pari. Haha! Pinapatawa ko lang kayo dahil naging seryoso tayon dito. Be happy.)

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

P.S. Lastly, I advice everyone especially students never bring a huge amount of money for enrolment while commuting. Bring check or use ATM/credit card instead. Or be accompanied by your parents while going to school.

Maria Ozawa: Ang Babaeng Nagpaasa

Bago basahin, isang paalala muna mula sa MTRCB…

Inilagay ko ito alinsunod sa patakaran ng MTRCB. Kinuhanan ko pa ito ng permiso sa NTC, DTI, PNP, BFAD, at kung saan-saang ahensya ng gobyerno. Naka tax-mapped rin ang Kakabakaba Ka Ba? ayon sa batas ng BIR. Pinabakunahan ko pa sa RITM ito para sigurado. Mahirap na.

Hey boys...

Napabalita kamakailan na si Maria Ozawa, isang tanyag na Japanese pornstar, ay diumano’y nasa ating bansa. Di niyo siya kilala? Paki-Google niyo lang po. Dumating DAW si Binibining Ozawa noong December 22 ayon sa kanyang status sa Facebook account. Di matukoy kung saang bahagi ng Pinas namamalagi si Maria Ozawa: kung siya ba ay nasa isa sa mga gusali ng Sogo, nasa Baywalk ba, nasa Babuyan Islands, nasa tuktok ng Mt. Pinatubo, or nasa Puerto Princesa Underground River. Ngunit maaaring nasa kathang-isip lang natin siya, kinukulit ang ating imahinasyon. Nabaliw lalo ang sankalalakihan nang diumano’y nagkomento muli si Binibining Ozawa na siya ay bumili ng Globe sim at naghahanap ng mga Pinoy na kanyang isasalang sa isang audition para sa isang porn film. Parang audition lang ng Pilipinas Got Talent, X Factor, at Pinoy Big Brother (pun intended). At naglipana ang mga volunteers na tila mas hihigitan pa ang dami ng mga volunteers sa Red Cross.

Dinugo ako sa lalim ng Tagalog.

Angelica Panganiban & Maria Ozawa: separated at birth?

Sino nga ba si Maria Ozawa?

Una kong natuklasan si Maria Ozawa mula sa aking mga haliparot na blockmates noong college na naguumpukan sa harapan ng isang computer monitor. Syempre, kahit kasinghigpit na ng CIA ng Amerika ang security ng network sa school, di mapigilan na may nagaganap na kalakaran ng mga porn. Nasa hidden folder or di kaya nasa folder na may secret name ang mga videos. Upang makakuha ka ng kopya, dapat madiskarte ka. At dahil lalong illegal pag binuksan mo at pinanuod sa loob ng lab, ilalabas lang ang USB at CTRL+C/CTRL+X tapos CTRL+S na kaagad. Walang sinabi ang mga drug mules sa China sa kalakaran.

At napanuod ko si Binibining Ozawa. Namumukhaan ko sa kanya si Angelica Panganiban. Kulang na lang sumigaw ng mga ala-Rubi kontrabida lines habang nakikipagsiping si Maria Ozawa. Kung tutuusin may similarities din sila: parehas silang mahilig sa banana split. :p

Kung ang America ay may Sasha Grey, ang Asia naman ay merong Maria Ozawa. What if kung mag-star sila sa iisang film. Panigurado taob ang tandem nila Vilma Santos at Nora Aunor (teka bat sila naisip ko???).

Sa dami ng pinapatulan nila, napapaisip ako: di kaya may STD or HIV AIDS na sila? Kasing luwag na ba sila ng kalsada pag Mahal na Araw o ng garter ng luma kong salawal?

Oh balik tayo sa usapan.

Nakita ko sa Facebook news feed ko about Maria’s arrival here sa Pilipinas through one of my contact’s post. Tinignan ko yung mismong page kung saan nanggaling yung balita. “Hello Philippines” daw sabi ni Maria. At sumunod ang mga nakakaulol at nakakawindang na comments tulad ng nasa ibaba.

Babala: Naglipana ang mga manyak.

Ewan ko pero habang nababasa ko ang mga comments, di ko mapigilang mainis imbis na magalak sa pagdating ni Ozawa. Sorry pero parang yung iba na nagpopost parang uhaw na uhaw sa sex. Hindi ako magpapakahipokrito. Nanunuod ako ng porn at likas sa kalalakihan ang makaramdam ng tawag ng laman bukod sa flag ceremony. In short, ma-el ako… maligaya. May psychological explanation naman na ang isa sa pangangailangan ng tao ang sexual needs. Pero sa aking nasaksi ay tila mga asong nauulol sa isang piraso ng karne. Parang ugaling kanto lang na parang nakainom tapos aambushin ang isang dalagang dumaan. Yung iba kung makapag-Ingles parang signal na choppy na ang hirap i-comprehend. There’s a fine line between being maligaya at being manyak. Kaya sa bandang huli, natawa na lang ako. Tawang gorilla lang.

Ang mga kalalakihan ay naglaway. Parang sinumpong ng dysmenorrhea ang kababaihan. Paniguradong nagiinit na naman ang mga puwitan ng mga arsobispo. At ang mga beki ay dedma galore lang. PAK

At hindi nagtapos ang Maria Ozawa craze. After couple of days, nagpost na naman si Maria Ozawa. Bumili daw siya ng Globe sim.  Sounds fishy. Siguro kung nalaman to ni Manny Pangilinan for sure pati si Ozawa ay bilhin na niya. At di lang yon, may audition daw para sa mga Pinoy para sa susunod niyang porn film. At mismong tiniweet ng ANC ha.

ANC tweeted this. Seriously? I hear some 'UHHHH'.

After few hours, GMA 7 refuted the rumors. I hear some 'AWWWW'.

Parang auditions lang ng PBB, X Factor, at PGT.

Paging Katrina Halili and Maricar Reyes, what can you say about this? O.O

Di ko mawari paano kung ibinalita ito over TV Patrol or 24 Oras. Baka maubo sina Korina Sanchez at Mike Enriquez. Excuse me pow.

But on the other hand, GMA 7 refuted the rumors. KJ? I think they have a point. In the first place, madali mauto ang tao sa mga fake accounts. Basta may pangalan na ng artista, finofollow na sa Twitter or inaadd sa Facebook. Parang bumibili ka ng something na hindi mo alam kung registered yung tindahan. Andaming napapahamak at nanghahamak sa social media sites. Yan ang downfall. Daming naglipanang posers at fake accounts. Good thing GMA 7 did this since they are known for their Think Before You Click campaign. Kaso ang nangyayari ay Click Before You Think. *facepalm*

And I think majority are now booing, cursing, making dirty fingers, and mooning their computer/laptop screens.

Isa lang ang leksyon dapat nating matutunan mula sa pangayayaring ito:

THINK BEFORE YOU LICK ay este CLICK!

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

Meet the ANTM winners

I am an America’s Next Top Model addict. There’s no doubt about that. Tell me something about the show and we will have a great conversation. At pwede pa tayo magkaroon ng ‘smizing’ (smiling with your eyes) at ‘H2T’ (heat to toe posing) showdown.

I discovered the show from my former boss of a school magazine way back in college. That was summer of 2006. I didn’t have any interests in reality shows before, even American Idol failed me to entice me. But when he told me about ANTM Cycle 4 which was being aired on ETC. After watching an episode (I think it was the episode with the Horoscope-inspired photoshoot), I instantly got hooked. Besides fashion and drama(?), I particularly pay attention on the photoshoots: on how the lighting works, wardrobes, locations, hair and makeup, posing, direction… everything about photo production. If it wasn’t for Tyra Bank’s syndicated modeling reality TV show, I won’t be interested in photography and fashion.

So basically the premise of the show is to find a set of girls across the US then every week they will undergo model training basics (ie. runway challenges and photoshoots). Every episode, a girl gets eliminated until one girl remains and eventually becomes America’s Next Top Model. 17 seasons or ‘cycles’ have passed since 2003 and it attracted a large audience market, created a huge fan base, produced 17 winners, and is being localized to more than 50 countries worldwide. On its 8 years span, ANTM continues to inspire and sometimes raise someone’s eyebrow. They are currently filming Cycle 18.

And now may I introduce you to the 17 winners of America’s Next Top Model…

Adrianne Curry, Cycle 1

The first winner of ANTM, Adrianne is best known for her daring and spunky personality *insert tongue-out expression here*. She was not the girl-next-door beauty unlike the classy and conservative runner-up Shannon Stewart. Adrianne has the unconventional beauty that makes her stand out. On the other hand, my fave was Elyse Sewell who is currently booking more modeling opportunities than those two. Too bad the feud between Adrianne and Tyra Banks is still unsettled.

Yoanna House, Cycle 2

I think Yoanna is one of the most beautiful girls in ANTM history.  She has an ethereal and breath-taking face. If Cover Girl was already a sponsor during that time, I think she’d be a great CoverGirl. She is quirky but high fashion, flawless, and stylish. My favorites are her, April Wilkner, and Shandi Sullivan (the first dorky girl of Top Model).

Eva Pigford, Cycle 3

Before Nicole Fox became the petite cycle 13′s winner, Eva is the shortest winner in the history of ANTM (standing at 5′ 6.5″, Nicole is 5′ 7″). Despite her height, Eva’s beauty radiates and she has the best runway walk in the bunch. She is fierce and sassy and her personality shines through. Eva is the diva. My favorites in this cycle are her, Nicole Borud, Tocarra Jones, and Amanda Swafford.

Naima Mora, Cycle 4

Her cycle was my first exposure to ANTM. She was the quiet, shy but fierce-looking girl who sports the mohawk. Naima did fair on photoshoots but during the finale, she owned the runway. My bet was Kahlen Rondot (runner-up) since she produced much stellar photos during the competition yet Naima redeemed herself on the final runway challenge. I think both girls deserves to win. My faves besides the final 2 girls are Rebecca Epley, Christina Murphy, and Brittany Brower.

Nicole Linkletter, Cycle 5

I never thought that girls who are sweet, romantic, and babyfaced can be high fashion. Nicole proved that during cycle 5. She fought till the end against Nik Pace (runner-up) who was also one of the strong contenders for the top model spot. Both of them produced stellar photos but Nicole’s gradual improvement, versatility and fierce final runway walk made her won the competition. Fave contestants: Nicole, Nik, Lisa D’ Amato, and Kim Stolz.

Danielle Evans, Cycle 6

Danielle and Joanie Dodds (runner-up) are the strongest girls in cycle 6 and arguably one of the best final 2 contestants in Top Model history.  It was really hard to choose who would be the winner since both of them were consistently delivering stellar photos and have unique personalities. Joanie is all-American girl while Danielle has the Black girl glamour. But in the end, Danielle won because of her presence and drive. Aside from the final two, I love Jade Cole (even if she’s a bitch, I still love her), Sara Albert, and Mollie Sue Gondi.

Caridee English, Cycle 7

Cycle 7 is one of my favorite cycles of all time. Best set of girls. Best photoshoots. Best winner. The first-ever natural blonde winner, Caridee wowed us with her classic glamour look and fun/outgoing personality despite sometimes being too loud. She resembles Rebecca Romjin (remember Mystique from X-men? Skip the costume and you’ll get what I mean). She produced best photos throughout the competition. Another best final 2, both Caridee and Melrose Bickerstaff  fought till the end but Caridee has extra something than Melrose (and Melrose was kinda arrogant and bitchy). Caridee further inspires us with her unique story about her psoriasis that she thought it would hinder her dream to become a model.

Jaslene Gonzalez, Cycle 8

Who would have ever thought that the ChaCha Diva who was just a semi-finalist on Cycle 7 would eventually become next season’s winner? Jaslene brought flavor to the competition with her Latina vibe and beauty. She never placed in the bottom two throughout the competition. Jaslene and Natasha Galkina who was another contestant with another heritage (she is Russian) became the final two girls. For me it was really hard to choose from one of them since they did remarkable performances and they were so beautiful in their own unique ways. But the judges applauded Jaslene’s overall consistent performance.

Saleisha Stowers, Cycle 9

Personally, she’s my least fave winner. She may have the strongest walk from the bunch (her final runway performance proved it) and was able to take striking photos but I could relate to Chantal Jones (runner-up) more than her. Chantal oozes more high fashion appeal than Saleisha in my opinion. And her winning caused a huge uproar due to the surrounding issues concerning her eligibility to join ANTM. Nonetheless, I think Chantal booked more jobs than the actual winner. My other faves from this cycle were Lisa Jackson, Jenah Doucette, and Heather Kuzmich (the contestant who suffers from Asperger Syndrome and ADHD).

Whitney Thompson, Cycle 10

The first plus-sized winner of Top Model… or ‘full-figured’ just like what Tyra had said. Cycle 10 is one of the cycles that has best set of girls and has creative photoshoots. Anyone can be the winner until the competition got thicker. I was rooting for Katarzyna Dolinska and Anya Kop to be the final 2 but the show seemed to gear towards achieving the first plus-sized winner. Anya and Katarzyna have high fashion appeal. On the other hand, Whitney’s figure didn’t become a hindrance on achieving the title. Her winning became an inspiration to young girls. And it just proves that ham can be sexy.

McKey Sullivan, Cycle 11

Cycle 11 has the most diverse girls in terms of looks. It seemed that they come from different races (French, Russian, Black, Latin, Asian, etc). I didn’t notice McKey that much during the first few episodes of Cycle 11 until my initial bets, Elina Ivanova, Lauren Brie Harding, and Analeigh Tipton, started to dwindle in the competition. On the other, Samantha Potter’s runner-up finish was unexpected. McKey is the second winner that didn’t appear at the bottom 2 due to her stellar photos yet I think she needs to practice more on her walk.

Teyona Anderson, Cycle 12

Another ANTM vocabulary was born: ‘wind in the face’, thanks to cycle 12 winner Teyona’s long face structure or like a tunnel-vision look. She has an athletic+high fashion appeal that can book her jobs. Despite her stiff final runway walk, judges picked  her over Allison Harvard (runner-up) because of her versatile creative portfolio and deemed true personality. I like Teyona but I love Allison more. Allison is weird but awkward and had an outstanding transformation that made her win the hearts of the viewers.

Nicole Fox, Cycle 13

It is the first in Top Model history to cast contestants who are 5’7″ tall and below. But no matter how short they are, the rules of the game stay the same (Wow it rhymes!). And it was “Bloody Eyeball” Nicole Fox who topped the petite cycle. She has a weird and dorky exterior but with a haute couture edge. She reminds me of Alice Burdue (Australia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 winner). Southern sweet girl Laura Kirkpatrick became the runner-up, another tough competitor. I must say that those two finalists are also one of the best finalists in Top Model.

Krista White, Cycle 14

At the release of promo for Cycle 14, it was too hard to predict who was going to win. All girls were unique and had potential. And ow, Angelea Preston (a semifinalist from Cycle 12) returned as a finalist. At the end, then 25 years old Krista won America’s Next Top Model. She was praised for her edgy but sophisticated high fashion appeal that is marketable. Though her chocolate-skinned ugly-pretty beauty and angular Vogue-ish look, I dislike her dead eyes as well as her attitude. That’s why I prefer Raina Hein (runner-up) who is nicer and has smizing eyes.

Ann Ward, Cycle 15

Cycle 15 was revamped to look more high fashion with the changes of some prize sponsors: representation with IMG models and Vogue Italia spreads and a cover/spread in Beauty in Vogue. 6′ 2″ tall Ann is the 15th winner of ANTM, making her the tallest and thinnest winner so far (the latter description made a huge uproar because of Tyra’s misunderstood soundbite from one of the promos). Not only that, Ann earned the highest number of first call outs in Top Model history (a total of 6, 5 of them were consecutive). However she was deemed shy and insecure despite her awkwardly waif beauty. She had troubles with CoverGirl commercials and runway walk but managed to improve till the end. My initial bets were Kayla Ferrel (the lesbian chic) and Jane Randall (the Ivy League model) since I was expecting Ann will break down soon. I finally liked Ann during the finale.

Brittani Kline, Cycle 16

This is the only cycle that didn’t have casting call episode. Another cycle full of beautiful girls with lots of potential. But it was Brittani who beated the other 13 girls. Though my heart was on Molly O’ Connell (runner-up to Brittani), ANTM cycle 16′s winner is a serious strong contender even if she was caught in a fight with Alexandria Everett, another contestant and also a finalist. Both have strong bodies of work but Brittani won due to her strong walk and romantic charm. In the end, I find both of them great and can have a successful career. And yes, this cycle also featured Michael Cinco, our kababayan/famous designer base din Dubai, who provided gowns made from recycled stuff on one episode.

and now, presenting the recent winner…

Lisa D’Amato, Cycle 17: All-Stars

The 17th edition of America’s Next Top Model brought back some of the girls from some past cycles who made a huge impact and drama(?). Huge disappointment when Jade Cole (cycle 6 finalist) wasn’t included in the cast. As usual, what can you expect from bringing back some Top Model divas and girls with big personalities (and egos?) in the house? Total drama! Lisa D’Amato of Cycle 5 became the All-Stars winner, beating Allison Harvard who is deemed the fan favorite. There are speculations that Angelea Preston was the original winner and she allegedly spilled some info that’s why she got disqualified. I was rooting for Dominique Reighard (from cycle 10) because I felt she evolved into a mature model, unlike what she used to be during her cycle. After Dominique got booted out, my top 3 became Allison-Lisa-Laura. I can like Angelea  if only she can tame her abrasive and diva attitude.

So there you have it. Brace up for Cycle 18 this coming Spring of 2012!

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

America’s Next Top Musician?

Sabi nga ni Tyra Banks, after Cycle 16, next seasons will never be the same. And it did manifest on All Stars cycle.

Episode 8 was about contestants asked to write a song about their own lives and then make music videos. Music video for a modeling competition? I have mixed feelings about this. I had doubts about the outcome and even the relevance of the challenge to the main premise of the competition. Pero for the sake of entertainment (since it’s a reality show in the first place), pinagbigyan ko na ang sarili ko.

Lisa D’Amato’s “I Like Be Whoa!”

Advantage ni Lisa ang challenge since she is already known for her music during post-ANTM career before she was included in All Stars cast. As expected, from writing the song to shooting the music video, Lisa nailed it. Napa ‘whoa’ ako. I’m picky on rap songs dahil hindi naman ako hip-hop person pero I like her song and performance. Bilib ako sa creativity niya on writing songs. Mahirap magsulat ng rap content ah.  Her voice reminds me of Pink. If ever hindi manalo si Lisa (pero malaking chance na manalo siya), I’m sure she still has music industry to fulfill her dreams.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa may mga loud personality, sa mahihilig sa rap music, at sa mga wild.

Dominique Reighard’s “Tooch Ya Booty”

Eto hindi ko ineexpect. I agree with what Game (the guest judge and director of the music videos) had said to Dominique. She has J. Lo. + Beyonce’s vibe, hence, binansagan siyang Jeyonce. I love the lyrics of her song. It might be too vain pero it works on her. Plus, she looks good on her music video. She reminds me of Shakira based on her looks. Naaalala ko pa when I was so upset to her during her cycle (cycle 10) dahil she was the resident bitch. Pero now it changed in fact she might be the dark horse of the competition.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga attention seekers, matatambok ang pwet, at sa mga Cover Girl consumers.

Allison Harvard’s “Underwater”

And here comes Creepy Chan. Prior to the music video shoot, she struggled during the song writing challenge because she admits it’s not her cup of tea. But after some words of encouragement and support, it turned out not as I was expecting. Akala ko magiging downfall ni Allison itong episode. Judging on the song, it sounds like a ethereal but mysterious nursery rhyme. Brother… Sister… Mother… Father… Underwater… But the story behind the lyrics was about the tragic death of her father a year ago. Creepy pero it worked on her. And when the music video shoot came, it was a piece of cake. AND HER EYES WERE HAUNTING! Parang siyang Russian doll. Game even commended her weirdness as beautiful and unique at tila nagkakacrush siya sa kanya. Allison’s song reminds me of Enya + Bjork + Lenka + with a touch of krung krung Sandara Park.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga weird, creepy, at may lahi ng manika at kuwago.

Shannon Stewart’s “World Go Round”

I admit gusto ko rin yung kanta niya. Pure, sweet, at romantic. Her song was about her husband. Maganda yung pagkakasulat ng lyrics. She has a Faith Hill vibe. Simple lang yung music video setup sa kanya (tela tela lang) pero it worked pretty good. What’s weird is that she looks like a Victoria’s Secret Angel pero due to her Christian belief, she doesn’t like posing while wearing underwear. Gaga rin to. Nakakapagsuot ng bikini pero underwear hindi.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga in love sa boyfriend/asawa at mahilig sa ‘fairy tale romance’. Romance pocket books ala Precious Heart also count.

Laura Kirkpatrick’s “Southern Sweet Girl”

Gusto ko si Laura since her cycle (cycle 13) pero I found her cheesy on her music video. Ewan ko pero I feel weird (not in a good way). May pagka Taylor Swift yung dating niya. Pero parang ngongo yung boses niya or parang lasing. Kidding aside, the lyrics of the song is good naman. The concept of the music video about being a Southern sweet girl is kinda cheesy (parang 90s lang) and very limiting. Plus, have you noticed her feet? Parang madumi. Sorry, Laura. Bawi na lang next time.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga pa-gurl, sa mga mahilig kay Taylor Swift/Selena Gomez/Myley Cyrus, at sa mahihilig sa stuffed toys at diary.

Angelea Preston’s “I’m Here”

After listening to this song, sasang-ayon kayo sa akin na may pagka-Mary J. Blige ang boses ni Angelea. Gusto ko yung song niya. It really speaks about her story of struggle and how she deals with it. Song of confidence and fight. Ramdam mo yung galit ni Angelea. But unlike her song, medyo di ko type yung music video niya. Though she looked great (diva kung diva), ang kulit niya gumalaw na parang kiti-kiti. And like Laura’s, very limited yung music video niya. San naging kasing astig ng song yung performance niya sa shoot.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga nagdidiva-divahan, sa mga nanghahamon ng away, at sa mga nakabangon sa mga problema. Game bitch on *snap snap fingers*.

Alexandria Everett’s “Go, Go, Go…”

Actually, gusto ko yung timbre ng boses ni Alexandria. Parang si Sophie Elis Bextor. And hindi ko inaasahang magaling din siyang kumanta. Ewan ko pero I like her voice. Gusto ko rin yung kanta niya. Maganda yung lyrics. Pwede siya sa mga clubs. Chill kung chill. What I don’t like is her music video. It’s too painful to watch. I agree with the remarks: ang stiff niya gumalaw. Or dahil wrong direction? Siguro kung iba ang binigay sa kanya na direction, pwede pa bumawi si Alexandria. Oo nga naman… Go, go, go pero I didn’t feel the movement. Kung sana nakasakay siya sa kotse habang umaandar (I know it’ll be too impossible since they only shot it inside a studio/warehouse) or setup ay inside a club. And di ko trip yung styling sa kanya. Nagmukha siyang matanda. Poor Alexandria.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga mahihilig sa club, sa car lovers, at sa mga on-the-go lagi.

Ang masasabi ko lang about this episode ay:

• I hate to say this pero epal si Tyra Banks. Give the contestants their own time and space. Moment nila yun, huwag na sumingit. Hindi ba sapat na show mo na yan? I found that unnecessary.
• Pot Ledom? I find it corny.
• Some of the music videos are limiting. Example: Angelea, Laura, and Alexandria. Kasalanan ‘to ng production team.
• As expected, paabor kay Lisa ang episode.
• Kung hindi palarin sa modeling industry, I think Alexandria and Dominique can make it to the music industry.
• Sana magrelease ng extended version ng single ni Allison! Hindi matanggal sa utak ko ang lyrics!

Excited to see them at Greece on next episode! Oppa!

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

Shamcey Forever

Bago pa mawala ang Miss Universe fever ay kailangan ko na sabihin ang aking saloobin.

Magbalik tayo sa aking mga piniling pambato. Ang mga naka-highlight ay mga nakapasok mismo sa Top 16:

1. Costa Rica
2. Spain
3. Ukraine
4. Mexico
5. Paraguay
6. Aruba
7. China
8. Angola
9. Puerto Rico
10. USA
11. Venezuela
12. Greece
13. France
14. Australia
15. Malaysia
16. Philippines

10 ang tumugma. Ang 6 na wala sa listahan ko na pasok sa Top 6 ay Brazil (panigurado dahil host city ang Sao Paulo, Brazil), Panama, Portugal, Colombia, Netherlands, at Kosovo. Inisip ko na pwede mapabilang ang 6 (except Kosovo) dahil may potential pero nasa waiting list ko sila. Nagulat ako na hindi man lang napabilang sina Greece at lalo na si Malaysia. Complete package din si Miss Malaysia tulad ni Shamcey Supsup. Pero buti na lang dahil major threat siya kay Shamcey.

Akala ko hindi ko masusubaybayan ang Miss Universe kahapon. Wala akong pasok nung gabi ng Monday (night shift) kaya masaya ako dahil makakapanuod ako kinabukasan. Tapos biglaang may lakad ng umaga ng Tuesday; medical appointment ng tatay ko. Hindi ako maaari maka-hindi. Pero buti na lang at maaga natapos at nakauwi. Ilang minuto na lang at nagsimula na. Alam kong delayed sa ABS-CBN kaya naghanap ako ng livestream sa internet (wala kaming Star World, linek na Destiny Cable). At kahit lagged, pinagtiyagaan ko na lang.

At di ko inaasahan. Lusot si Shamcey sa Top 16! At hindi siya yung ‘fan favorite’ na pwede makasama sa Top 16, meaning, mataas ang performance niya sa Preliminary competition.  Isa-isang nalalagas ang major threats niya hanggang sa nakatuntong siya ng Top 5. Sabi ko this is it. Huling hirit na lang, Shamcey.

Oras na ng pinakanakakakabang bahagi ng kompetisyon: ang Final Question and Answer round. Una si China. Kung tutuusin, ok yung sagot niya pero parang bitin. Parang kumain ako ng isang order lang siomai. Sumunod si Shamcey…

Vivica Fox: Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why and why not?

Miss Philippines: If I had to change my religious beliefs, I will not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God, who created me. And I have my faith, my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too.

Uy pwedeng-pwede ang sagot! Confident. Humble. Honest. Straightforward. At may muita obrigada pa sa dulo. Pakiramdam ko siya na ang ikatlong Miss Universe mula sa Pilipinas. Kulang na lang ng korona.

Hanggang sa huling sumagot si Leila Lopes, Miss Angola. Ang nagtanong ay si Lea Salonga. Kita mo nga naman ang pagkakataon. Sumagot si Angola gamit ang wikang Portuguese kaya lamang siya. Idagdag mo pa ang paghiyaw ng mga manunuod habang isinasalin ng translator ang kanyang sagot (pakiramdam ko na parang ginagandahan rin ng translator ang sagot). Subalit inabutan siya ng time limit na ibig sabihin ay hudyat para tapusin ang kanyang pagsagot.

Habang commercial break ay iniisip ko kung sino ang mananalo talaga. Iniisip ko at ipinagdadasal ko na sana si Shamcey ang manalo. Maganda ang performance ni Shamcey, kung titignan. Siya ang halos fan favorite. Sa stage pa lang, ramdam mo ang presensya niya. Kumikinang siya sa kagandahan. Abot hanggang ibang galaxy ang kanyang ngiti. Napakaganda ng kanyang pagrampa (sabi nga nila tsunami walk daw, tipong kabog na kabog ang lahat). Pero para akong natatae sa kaba dahil posibleng magkatunggali sila ni Angola sa bandang dulo. Magaling din si Angola. Hindi ordinaryo ang ganda niya. Kakaibang black beauty at isa siyang bukod-tanging black contestant sa mga napanuod kong Miss Universe editions.

At dumating na nga ang announcement ng winners. Para akong nilagnat sa kaba at excitement. Kulang na lang ay maglabas ako ng rosaryo at magdasal para kay Shamcey. 4th runner up si Miss China. Nabawasan ng 20% ang kaba ko. 4 na lang. Nakakawindang ang suspense…

Sabi ko pa nga: Lord, ibinida kayo ni Shamcey sa sagot niya. Sana, ibida niyo rin siya as Miss Universe 2011.

Hanggang sa binanggit ng host ang pangalan ni Shamcey bilang 3rd runner up. Sabi ko anyare? Bakit? How did it happen? Unfair! Di ko matanggap. Napamura ako. Bigla akong nanlumo. Kung si Shamcey ay nakangiti at kumikinang LALO sa kagandahan kahit inabutan na siya ng bulaklak at inanyayahang tumabi, medyo naluluha ako.

Sabi ko, Angola na ang dapat manalo. At nabanggit na rin si Brazil bilang 2nd runner up. Dalawa na lang ang natitira. Si Ukraine at Angola.

At nanalo nga si Leila Lopes. First-ever winner from Angola at 2nd Black African winner since Miss Universe 1999 (panahon ng ating pambatong si Miriam Quiambao kung saan siya naging 1st runner up).

Ano masasabi ko? Dahil napagod ako sa kakatype ng kuwento ko, idadaan ko na lang sa summarization. Ayoko ring murahin niyo ako dahil lalo kong pinapahaba ang usapan dito.

• Di ko trip yung opening number ng Miss Universe 2011. Umaasa ako na mas magarbo dahil: 60th anniversary, at hello, nasa Sao Paulo, Brazil sila. At pansin ko nagkakagulo sa pagfocus ng mga camera sa mga kandidata, hindi alam kung sino ang kukuhanan. Dahil ba super nagandahan ang mga cameraman sa kanila kaya nakalimutan na nila ang kanilang trabaho?
• Plus, akala ko sasayaw sila or may national costume parade? Yun lagi ang inaabangan ko every pageant.
• The musical performances were kinda blah. Pero ok na rin yung mga dancers.
• Nagtataka ako bakit hindi talaga napabilang si Malaysia at Greece. Oh well, better not dahil malaking competition sila kay Shamcey at kay Leila rin.
• Ampayat ni Alyssa (USA). Ang tangkad ni China, may lahi ata siya ni Yao Ming. Medyo parang mayabang ang dating ni Brazil. At nakasuot na kaya ng panty si Colombia after ng kanyang No Panty controversy?
• Saang lupalop ba ng universe sila nanggaling? Ang katawan, kamusta naman. Titig na titig ako.
• Shamcey Supsup’s tsunami walk is classic. At ang Colgate smile. Kumikinang tulad ng mga bituin.
• Since 60th anniversary, dapat may special tribute para sa mga past winners tulad ng ginawa sa Miss USA 2011 na kung saan almost lahat ng past winners ay nandun. Ansaya siguro pag makita mong andun sila Gloria Diaz at Margie Moran, di ba?
• Kahit di ka na manuod ng coverage, basta may Twitter ka, buhay na buhay ka na. Ako naman, hindi ako nakuntento. Update ako ng update pati sa Facebook. Sorry kung napuno ko ang News Feed niyo, kung friends ko kayo dun. Pasensya na.
• Diba pag naabutan ka ng time limit, may bawas points? Look at the case of Angola.
• But I admit, she (Angola) answered well. Sana hindi na niya sinobrahan by giving an advice. Nabitin pa yung advice niya.
• Some said that Shamcey’s answer WAS NOT universal. The point was she doesn’t need to sound universally acceptable but moreover she should be honest, sincere, confident, understandable, and straightforward. Di na uso ang mga too pageantry na sagot.
• I think she deserve a higher place.

Hay. Tapos na. Wala na tayong magagawa. All we can do is be happy with what Shamcey Supsup had accomplished. Hindi man niya nasungkit ang korona ng Miss Universe ngunit napanalunan naman niya ang bawat puso ng kanyang mga tagahanga at tagasuporta (isama na niyo ako). Mahirap ang lumaban para sa bayan. Sa mga patuloy na bumabatikos sa kanya, isipin niyo ang kanyang sinabi noong lumalaban pa siya sa Binibining Pilipinas 2011…

 Beauty is indefinite… we define it.

Sa mga fans niya, patuloy natin siyang suportahan. Magpasalamat tayo dahil isang karangalan para sa ating bansa na magkaroon ng isang Filipina, Iskolar ng Bayan, top notcher sa Architecture Licensure Board exam, at ngayon ay pang-apat na pinakamagandang binibini sa buong universe.

Para kay Bb. Shamcey Supsup, kung mabasa mo man ito, gusto ko sabihin na crush kita. Hehe. Pwera biro, gusto ko sabihin na salamat sa pagiging inspirasyon. Ibang-iba ang kagandahan mo. Bukod tangi. Kahit hindi ka nanalo as Miss Universe, ikaw pa rin ang panalo para sa akin. At dahil sa sagot mo, lalo tumibay ang pananampalataya ko sa Panginoon. Mabuhay ka, Shamcey. You made us proud. We love you!

Who knows. Next year makabawi tayo. May biro nga na sa susunod na mga tanong, pataas ng pataas ang rank ng Pilipinas. So ibig sabihin na ang Miss Universe 2014, Philippines na ang manalo. Joke.

Ok, back to reality. Back to work. Business as usual na sa mga parlor. Back to closet daw para sa mga lalaki daw. Haha. But Shamcey’s legacy will be in the history forever.

See you sa susunod na World Cup ng mga beki! PAK!

Congratulations to all the winners

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!