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!

40 finalists named for 2011 Binibining Pilipinas

By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia  Monday January 31, 2011 01:00 am PST

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. has officially chosen the final 40 contestants who will compete in the 2011 Grand Coronation night in April.

These 40 candidates will vie for the titles of Binibining Pilipinas Universe and International.

BPCI chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta, directors Pitoy Moreno and Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo along with the current and former Bb. Pilipinas title holders converged at the Gateway Suites, Araneta Center, Quezon City on Saturday, January 29, to officially choose the candidates who made the final cut.
A total of 108 contestants participated in the Saturday screening.

The screening and selection process is usually done closed doors in previous years, but this year, BPCI decided to allow the media to witness the event.

In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia, Araneta said this year's beauty pageant will not be different from previous competitions because of certain limitations but nevertheless, the 2011 Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will still be "exciting."

"Well, actually it's a beauty pageant so we have certain things to follow that will be the same only that ABS-CBN (will broadcast the pageant this year). We have great expectations for the show and we are very happy with the candidates that we have this year so I think it will be very exciting," Araneta told Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

She also added that this new batch of candidates exude a wealth of potential.

"I see that there are many girls that have the 'it' on stage. Even if they're just standing there, they show personality. That is important in a contest. There are many beautiful girls in the contest whether local or international that no matter how beautiful they are if they don't have that element, they won't shine, they won't make it. And there are many here who have that," Araneta said.

Meanwhile, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj couldn't help but look back at her experience when she was aspiring to become a finalist last year.

"This is the very same venue. Nandyan kami na paulit-ulit ng paulit-ulit na paulit-ulit na tintingnan yung hitsura mo kasi nga daw mahirap mag-judge. Kaya ngayon alam ko kung gano kasasakit ang likod ng mga babae na kahit masakit na yung mga likod nila nakatawa pa rin," said Venus.

Venus also gave her advice to the candidates who did and did not make the cut.

"Well sa lahat ng mga candidates ngayon, unang-una sa mga hindi mapipili ngayon, well hindi rin naman ito ang katapusan ng pangarap nila, ng journey nila...Yung mga dati na hindi nakapasok pero the following year sila yung nakapasok. So don't stop dreaming, ganun lang. Sa mga makakapasok they're very fortunate na makakasama sila sa official candidates ng Binibining Pilipinas. Siguro ngayon ang iniisip muna nila makapasok lang pero siguro sa process kailangan nila isipin na 'mananalo ako, mananalo ako.' Ganoon kasi. Kung ang gusto mo lang makapasok sa official candidates definitely hanggang doon ka lang. Pero if you aim high at iisipin mo na mananalo ka, maaabot mo yun. Basta yun lang talaga ang itatak mo sa isip mo," Venus told Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

The Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in April with live exclusive telecast on ABS-CBN.

Here are the official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2011:

1. Camille Alexis Baltazar, 20: Las Pinas
2  Elizabeth Clenci, 20: Australia
3. Samantha Purvor, 23: Quezon City
4. Mary Jean Lastimosa, 23: Manila
5. Jennielyn Natividad, 22: Batangas City
6. Roxanne Cabanero, 24: Davao
7. Hazelyn Santos, 22: Manila
8. Carla Lacson, 22: La Union
9. Kenneth Dimaapi, 20: Plaridel Bulacan
10. Suzette Hernandez, 24: Batangas
11. Isabella Manjon, 23: Manila
12. Sarah Nicole Clenci, 17: Australia
13. Teresa Pamela Ludovice, 22: Manila
14. Arabella Hanesh, 24: Urdaneta City
15. Gianna Therese Quintos, 24: Caloocan City
16. Patricia Marie Tumulak, 22: Manila
17. Wendy Lunas, 20: Jones, Isabela
18. Sabrinne Al-Tavine, 21: Quezon City
19. Maria Paula Bianca Paz, 22: Baguio City
20. Kathleen Subijano, 23: Woodland hills, California
21. Jenilyn Olivar, 25: Quezon City
22. Janine Tugonon, 21: Balanga, Bataan
23. Martha Chloe McCulley, 23: Pasay
24. Diane Necio, 18: Legaspi City, Albay
25. Jenn Roe Gubat, 20: Malolos, Bulacan
26. Ladylyn Riva, 23: Nabas, Aklan
27. Ma. Kristina May Marasigan, 22: Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
28. Zephorah Mayor, 20: Las Pinas
29. Diana Arevalo, 22: Batangas City
30. Paula Camille Figueroas, 24: Marikina
31. Glennifer Perido, 21: Sta. Rosa, Laguna
32. Queenierich Rehman, 22: Pasay
33. Angelina Ong, 20: Manila
34. Carolyn Ty, 24: Quezon City
35. Luzelle Felipe, 18: Hagonoy Bulacan
36. Marish Alyssa Marquinez, 21: Angeles City
37. Krystle Ann Grant: 23: Hayward Ca, USA
38. Grendel Alvarado: 26: Iloilo City
39.Jenette Mieko Noguchi 23: Palo Alto, California
40. Shamcey Supsup, 24: Iligan City

Photo by Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images

Editor's note:This year's Binibining Pilipinas contestants will vie for only two titles this year, Binibining Pilipinas Universe and International. The pageant will no longer award the crown for Binibining Pilipinas World this year, according to a clarification from the Binibining Pilipinas pageant organizers to Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

Bb. Pilipinas marks more milestones in 2011

By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
January 31, 2011, 11:55am
MANILA BULLETIN

The 40 official candidates of Binibing Pilipinas 2011. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Saldaña)

MANILA, Philippines —  In a surprising twist of events, 40, not 24, ladies will vie for the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant’s highly coveted titles this year.

“We want it to be different this year. This year, it’s really amazing. The number of qualified girls, there’s just so many of them. So many qualified girls and we can’t just limit them to 24, so that’s why we decided to extend it,” Gines Enriquez, Araneta Coliseum Sales and Marketing Manager, explained to Bulletin Entertainment after the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Special Press Preview held at the Gateway Suites last Jan. 29.

The decision to choose 40 instead of the traditional 24 official candidates is a first in the pageant’s 46-year history. Members of the press were invited to witness the screenings that began last week; another move that is also a first since the entire screening process used to be a private affair.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chair Stella Marquez Araneta explained to Bulletin Entertainment why they decided to involve the media more actively this year.

“We like to do things that will be more relevant to the year. And I think that people want to be more involved, that's why I have invited people to come in and see what we do,” said she.

Araneta also clarified that there had not been any changes in the pageant’s selection process rules in light of the Venus Raj nationality mix-up last year.

“No, no. There are no difference[s] in the rules. The rules are the same.

“There was just a mistake that she brought some papers that were not for the international contest and that's why she was disqualified. Once things were fixed, then she was welcomed [back].

“But the rules are still the same, they have not changed,” she said.

The remaining 50 applicants endured the rigorous, more than six-hour long final screening in front of a panel consisting of Araneta, BPCI co-vice chair Pitoy Moreno, and past and reigning beauty queens including Venus Raj, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas - International Krista Kleiner, 2010 Bb. - Pilipinas World Charina Gatbonton and 2010 2nd runner-up Nicolette Henson.

“We are thinking of who will represent the best from the Philippines, and that's all my concern. But of course, we select girls who are qualified to enter a beauty contest internationally and have a chance to win,” Araneta said.

This year’s roster of applicants was composed of registered nurses, models, hosts, athletes, and corporate professionals, among others. Aside from parading in their cocktail dresses and two-piece swimsuits, some of the applicants also showcased their talents such as singing, guitar playing and beatboxing.

However, two candidates who stood out because of their backgrounds were former “Deal or No Deal 26k” girl Martha Chloe McCulley and Kathleen Subijano, younger sister of 1994 Bb. Pilipinas – World Cara Subijano.

Below is the full list of the 40 official candidates for the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 coronation night to be held in April at the Araneta Coliseum:

Jenette Noguchi, Elizabeth Clenci, Gianna Therese Quintos, Shamcey Supsup, Diana Arevalo, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Jenilyn Olivar, Teresa Pamela Ludovice, Ma. Kristina Marasigan, Queenierich Rehman

Camille Alexis Baltazar, Glennifer Perido, Krystle Ann Grant, Jennielyn Natividad, Patricia Marie Tumulak, Paula Camille Figueras, Roxanne Cabañero, Marish Alyssa Marquinez, Hazelyn Santos, Arabella Hanesh

Carla Lacson, Martha Chloe McCulley, Diane Necio, Luzelle Felipe, Jenn Roe Gubat, Isabella Manjon, Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, Ladylyn Riva, Kathleen Subijano, Wendy Lucas

Sabrinne Al-Tawil, Janine Tugonon, Kenneth Dimaapi, Angelica Ong, Samantha Purvor, Zephora Mayon, Carolyn Ty, Grendel Alvarado, Sarah Nicole Clenci, and Suzette Hernandez.

Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Official Candidates Announced!

After a series of screenings, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) finally chosen the 40 official candidates for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas Pageant. The final screening was held yesterday, January 29, 2010.

Also, the BPCI announced that a Bb. Pilipinas Globe International winner will be chosen during the coronation night along with Bb. Pilipinas Universe and Bb. Pilipinas International.

The Bb. Pilipinas Globe International title replaced the Bb. Pilipinas World title. This is after the BPCI lost the Miss World franchise.

The 3 titleholders (Universe, International & Globe International will be crowned in April at the Araneta Coliseum and will be aired on ABS-CBN.

Here are the official 40 candidates for this year’s Bb. Pilipinas Pageant:

1 – Jeanette Noguchi
2 – Elizabeth Clenci
8 – Gianna Therese Quintos
11 – Shamcey Supsup
12 – Diana Arevalo
13 – MJ Lastimosa
18 – Jenilyn Olivar
19 – Teresa Pamela Ludovice
20 – Tina Marasigan
21 – Queenie Rehman
26 – Camille Alexis Baltazar
27 – Glennifer Perido
29 – Krystle Ann Dizon
31 – Jennielyn Natividad
32 – Patricia Tumulak
34 – Paula Camille Figueras
35 – Roxanne Cabanero
38 – Marish Alyssa Marquinez
39 – Hazelyn Santos
40 – Ara Hanesh
41 – Carla Lacson
43 – Martha McCulley
49 – Dianne Necio
51 – Luzelle Felipe
52 – Jen Roe Gubat
54 – Isabella Manjon
55 – Bianca Paz
58 – Ladylyn Riva
64 – Kathleen Subijano
68 – Wendy Lucas
70 – Sabrine Al Tawil
73 – Janine Tugunon
75 – Kenneth Dimaapi
84 – Angelia Ong
85 – Samantha Purvor
88 – Sephora Mayon
90 – Carolyn Ty
98 – Grendel Alvarado
106 – Sarah Clenci
109 – Suzette Hernandez

*** special thanks to mabuhaybeauties.com for the photos

PHILIPPINES WON MISS BEAUTIFUL LADY OF THE WORLD 2011

OUR REPRESENTATIVE, MS. ALLYSSA MAE GERONIA WON THE FIRST EVER EDITION OF MISS BEAUTIFUL LADY OF THE WORLD HELD TODAY (JANUARY 27, 2011) AT MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. GERONIA, COMPETED THE SAID PAGEANT TOGETHER WITH OTHER 88 BEAUTIFUL LADIES AROUND THE WORLD.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF RESULT IN THE SAID PAGEANT:

MISS BEAUTFIUL LADY OF THE WORLD: PHILIPPINES
1ST RUNNER UP: AUSTRALIA
2ND RUNNER UP: THAILAND
3RD RUNNER UP: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
4TH RUNNER UP: USA

TOP 10 SEMI- FINALISTS:
PUERTO RICO
JAPAN
KOREA
INDIA
NIGERIA

TOP 20 SEMI-FINALISTS:
TANZANIA
BOLIVIA
BRAZIL
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
CHINA
INDONESIA
VENEZUELA
BELARUS
EGYPT
PANAMA

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS:
BEST IN....
NATIONAL COSTUME: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
CASUAL WEAR: AUSTRALIA
SWIMSUIT: PUERTO RICO
EVENING GOWN: AUSTRALIA

MISS PHOTOGENIC: AUSTRALIA
MISS CONGENIALITY: TANZANIA
MISS TELEGENINC: AUSTRALIA

*** special thanks to jmbeautyqueenfanatics of missosology