BB. Pilipinas TRIVIA

from deybid of missosology.org

VISITACION "TETCHIE" AGBAYANI

A former Girard Peter model, 1978 Bb. Pilipinas semi-finalist, Best in Swimsuit and Miss Close Up Smile Tetchie Agbayani was screen tested by director Joey Gosiengfiao in 1979. Tetchie was introduced twice: in Juan Tamad, Jr. (1980) and Pepeng Shotgun (1981). Her first leading role was in Hubad na Gubat (1981). After her Playboy nude pictorial (German issue, March 1982), Tetchie was able to penetrate Hollywood. She was in the cast of The Dolls (1983), as Caya in The Emerald Forest (1985), Florinda in The Money Pit (1986 with Tom Hanks), Bessie in Desire (1983), Princess Rubali in Gymkata (1985), Lily in Disorderlies (1987), Flossie in Ricky and Pete (1988), Mrs. Morrell in Indio 2: La Rivolta (1991) and in Deathfight (1993). Tetchie was also 1979 Mutya ng Pilipinas first runner-up.

Bb. Pilipinas Makes its Final Cut

from: http://www.bbpilipinas.com/sub.php?c=p&b=402011

The final cut is done.

Almost taking on a reality show flavor, the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant held its FINAL SCREENING Saturday of remaining fifty from the original hundred plus aspirants to the most prestigious international beauty titles held at the Gateway Suites, Araneta Center. Quezon City.
The rigorous screening process started weeks ago when Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chair Stella Marquez Araneta and her bevy of current and past beauty queens, including BPCI directors Pitoy Moreno and Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo, started scrutinizing the girls using the criteria of beauty, style, intelligence, talent and poise.

A new dimension was added to Saturday’s final screening. Candidates were given a minute to give a sneak preview of their unique talents. From singing to dancing to beat-boxing and more, the candidates proved to the guests that they were more than just a pretty face or a sexy body.
Of course, the most enthralling moment came when all the remaining aspirants paraded in their swimsuits.  Gamely walking across a stage in a swimsuit in heels is not exactly the easiest thing to do especially if you are being photographed from all angles. But the candidates made it look so easy. The screening committee said that this skill is crucial because apart from body contour and proportion, the judges are also looking for overall fitness, poise and grace.  The candidates should be able to exude the same confidence parading in a swimsuit as they would in an evening gown competition.

The Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Coronation Night will be held at the Big Dome this April and will be telecast live by its brand new media partner, ABS-CBN. Ms. Universe 2011 to be held in Sau, Paolo Brazil, will also be telecast live by the Kapamilya network in September.

Below are the List of the Candidates who made it to Top 40:

1 Jenette Mieko Noguchi
2 Elizabeth Durado Clenci
8 Gianna Therese S. Quintos
11 Shamcey Supsup
12 Diana B. Arevalo
13 Mary Jean Lastimosa
18 Jenilyn R. Oliver
19 Teresa Paela C. Ludovice
20 Marie Kristina May Marasigan
21 Queenierich A. Rehman
26 Camille Alexis Baltazar
27 Glennifer Perido
29 Krystle Ann G. Grant
31 Jennielyn Natividad
32 Patricia Tumulak
34 Paula Camille Figueras
35 Roxanne Cabañero
38 Marish Alyssa Marquinez
39 Hazelyn Santos
40 Arabella Hanesh
41 Carla Lacson
43 Martha Mc Culley
49 Dianne Necio
51 Luzelle Felipe
52 Jenn-Roe Gubat
54 Isabella Manjon
55 Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
58 Ladylyn Riva
64 Kathleen Subijano
68 Wendy Lucas
70 Sabrinne Al-Tawil
73 Janine Tuganon
75 Kenneth Dimaapi
84 Angelia Ong
85 Samantha Purvor
88 Zephorah Mayon
90 Carolyn Ty
98 Grendel Alvarado
106 Sarah Clenci
109 Suzette Hernandez

Venus of the Universe

By Greggy Vera Cruz (People Asia)
February 02, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Goddess on a mountain top, burning like a silver flame. A sonnet of beauty and love…and Venus was the name.”

That line from the classical hit popularized by the Beatles kept ringing in my ears as I was rooting for the official Philippine representative during the Miss Universe 2010 Beauty Pageant held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada last August.

Until finally, the last berth in the Magic 15 slot was given (drum roll, please) to Maria Venus Bayonito Raj from San Vicente, Bato, Camarines Sur. Upon hearing her status, I wasn’t like those screaming mimis on YouTube. Rather, I offered a thanksgiving prayer to the Lord as our candidate confidently sauntered to her place onstage to acknowledge the appreciative crowd.

From the Top 15 to the trimming down to 10 and eventually garnering a 4th runner-up finish in the Magic Circle of Five finalists, Venus was a goddess on a pedestal; truly, a stand-out by doing the Philippines proud after an 11-year drought in the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world.

Born to be a Beauty Queen

“I’ve been joining (beauty) contests ever since I can remember, even those mock pageants we used to play at home and in the neighborhood when we were kids. During school intramurals, I kept joining as well until grade five,” she recalls amusedly.

Rising above her peers at 5’7” made the then-sixteener go into pageant-hopping in nearby towns and cities in Region 5, among them Miss Camarines Sur and Miss Bicolandia. Year 2008 also saw her competing in Miss Earth Philippines. Yet in all these, the sultry morena would always end up a runner-up. Not until the 47th annual Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum was staged that things took on a different, far better course.

Ticking the tape at 33 ½-22-35 and tipping the scales at 110 lbs. beneath that 5’9” frame, the half-Indian Venus also bagged the Best in Philippine Terno, Miss Friendship and Best in Long Gown special awards during the pageant night. The Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 title was her first major victory!

In every competition, however, detractors abound and in no time at all, she was hogging national headlines as a dethroned beauty queen. Her citizenship was questioned, including her vital papers and documents. When she finally obtained her Philippine passport, she flew off to compete in Las Vegas.

Yet amid all these, Venus simply refused to be downtrodden and, just like Venus rising, she emerged from this brouhaha unruffled, unperturbed and unscathed, with head held high.

“I realized that I had to undergo all that because God has a better plan for me. What did I do wrong when all I did was win the title? Everything happens for a reason as every question was answered.

“I became a stronger woman in the process. They cannot judge me because they do not know the real me. Had I not passed that stage, I wouldn’t have felt the outpouring of love, sympathy and support from all of those who believed in me. I also thank the people who tried to put me down because, in the end, there were more of them who rooted for me,” Venus states.

Her being a stand-out as a Filipina also paved the way for Unilever Philippines to avail of her services as the newest Cream Silk endorser.

Proudly Philippine Made

Prior to the main ceremonies, Venus was also personally handpicked by Donald Trump and the Miss U organizers to promote the pageant alongside selected candidates. Her landing on the Magic 15 was a feat, as she was the only Asian to have entered the circle of finalists.

“Misses Indonesia, Malaysia (my roommate) and the other Asians were so excited for me as well; they were crying as they hugged me backstage. ‘We’re very happy! You Asian, you win!’ I knew then that they were proud of my accomplishment, too,” reveals this A.B. Communication Arts major in Journalism (Cum Laude) alumna from the Bicol University.

We, as Filipinos, are definitely proud of her as well. After Miriam Quiambao’s 1st runner-up finish during the 1999 Miss U ceremonies, it is only now that a Filipina has once again brought glory to the country from that competition. What, then, sets Venus apart from past Bb. Pilipinas Universe candidates who were not as fortunate?

“I’d like to believe that it was also through Divine Intervention. Nothing can beat one’s faith in the Good Lord. It also helped that I was subconsciously thinking that ‘I would win, I would win.’ It’s all in the mind; it’s yours so you just have to claim it. My being poor didn’t stop me from realizing my dreams, regardless of our house being located in the middle of a rice field and not having electricity while I was doing my assignments. One’s destiny in this world has already been written even before one was born.

“It also helps if you have a good heart. I’ve encountered fellow Miss U candidates who are undoubtedly gorgeous and stunning but you could sense something was lacking from within. In the end, no matter how beautiful you are physically, it’s the real beauty from within that stands out,” she attests.

When I reminded Venus that this is intended for “People of the Year” and with her being the youngest of this season’s honorees, she couldn’t help but feel elated over the award.

“Pag naging cover ka ng People Asia, parang ang laki ng naging contribution mo sa bansa mo (When you land on the cover of People Asia, it means you have done something great for your country). Up to now, it really hasn’t sunk in that I’ve landed as 4th runner-up. But I am really thankful that your magazine recognized my small contribution to society.

“That is why I really want to be an inspiration and a role model for the youth that kahit mahirap ka at walang pampaaral ang pamilya mo sa iyo (despite your being less fortunate with your family not being able to afford your tuition fees), there are other means of surviving and making it in this world.

“Even though if I didn’t bring home the bacon, my serving as an inspiration to my fellow Filipinos is already an achievement in itself,” Venus concludes with a flash of her pearly whites.

Spoken, indeed, like a true queen… beautiful, inside and out!