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Herlene Budol reacts to pageant luto, Miss Universe fake inclusivity issues
Kapuso actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol believed that beauty pageants are really fair to every contestant. .....»»
Maxine buntis na sa 1st baby nila ni Timmy Llana: OMG! We can’t wait!
KUMPIRMADO! Buntis na ang Kapuso actress at dating beauty queen na si Maxine Medina sa panganay nilang anak ni Timmy Llana. Ilang buwan makalipas ang kanilang kasal, ibinandera nina Maxine at Timmy ang good news sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng social media. Sa kanyang Instagram page, ipinost ng aktres at Miss Universe Philippines 2016 ang litrato.....»»
DA readies pathways, tramlines for rice terraces
The Department of Agriculture and the local government of Mountain Province will be building pathways and tramlines toward the province’s rice terraces, a United Nations’ world heritage site, to boost sustainable tourism in the area. Engineer Winston Beyden, officer-in-charge of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, said the national government recently created in Mountain Province the Office of the Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer to provide local officials technical assistance on the construction of pathways and tramlines toward the rice terraces. “In a strategic move to boost local tourism, farm pathways along rice terraces will be developed instead of traditional farm-to-market roads. This approach aims to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the province,” Beyden said. The rice terraces in The Cordillera region consist of five clusters, cover four municipalities, and were built 2,000 years ago by the ethnic group Ifugao to plant rice upland. Separate OPABE Within the region, only Mountain Province has a separate office for agricultural and biosystems engineering or OPABE so far. This was made possible also through Provincial Ordinance 465 which complies with Republic Act 10915 or the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016. “Mountain Province’s OPABE serves as a template showcasing to other offices in The Cordillera region what the office is capable of accomplishing. This collaboration between Mountain Province and the DA is expected to bring significant improvements in agricultural infrastructure and tourism in the region,” Beyden said. Due to the effects of climate change and migration of farmers to urban areas, the rice terraces started degenerating and were included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2001. The DA said the pathways and tramlines will cause minimal soil erosion to the rice terraces and encourage more Filipinos to visit the heritage site to appreciate its beauty and social significance, and help protect it. Geo-Agri mapping Through Geo-Agri mapping, a web-based application, Beyden said engineers will be able to determine the appropriate areas for the pathways and tramlines project, along with irrigation and post-harvest facilities of the mountainous rice farmers. Beyden added the DA will also build diversion dams and canals, and farms for sugarcane, coffee, chickens and goats in Mountain Province. The post DA readies pathways, tramlines for rice terraces appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nicole Borromeo crown-ready for Miss International 2023
Philippine bet Nicole Borromeo is enchanting in her official photo as the country’s official delegate to Miss International 2023. On 18 September, Miss International posted Borromeo’s official photo, along with the inspiring story of her journey toward the international competition. “I wholeheartedly embraced the role of Carcar City’s lead dancer for the Sinulog Festival. This path ultimately led me to be crowned the Sinulog Festival Queen of 2019, an achievement that forever reshaped my view of Filipino tradition,” she wrote. “My commitment to mastering graceful movements, amidst the relentless demands of both physical and academic pursuits, took me to my breaking point,” she recalled. “Dancing along the festival’s vibrant streets for an arduous eight-hour procession, surrounded by elaborate floats and donning an 11-kilogram ensemble, tested my endurance to the fullest.” Still she pulled through, and “This triumph epitomized devotion, showcasing the profound connection between people, culture, and faith — a connection I carry with me to the Miss International pageant, infused with the same passion, commitment, and purpose.” said the 22-year-old host and beauty queen. As of writing, her profile has garnered over 41,000 likes and 3,000 shares. Following the release of her official photo, Borromeo thanked all her supporters in a heartfelt post on Instagram. “Overflowing with gratitude seeing all the incredible support I’ve received since the release of my official Miss International headshot, your unwavering love has touched my heart deeply!! Thank you for standing by my side on this remarkable journey,” she wrote. Filipino pageant enthusiasts have the opportunity to send their love and support to the beauty queen as Binibining Pilipinas has announced her official send-off on 27 September at the Gateway Mall 2 Quantum Skyview at 4 p.m. The send-off can also be viewed virtually through the organizations’ official YouTube Channel. Since the beginning of the Miss International pageant in 1960, the Philippines has brought home six crowns. Gemma Cruz was the first Filipino and Asian to win the title in 1964, followed by Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Mimilanie Marquez in 1979, Lara Quigaman in 2005, Bea Rose Santiago in 2013 and Kylie Versoza in 2016. Borromeo is all fired up to bring home the country’s seventh Miss International crown. Her predecessor, Hannah Arnold, finished in the top 15. The coronation night for Miss International 2023 will be on 26 October in Tokyo, Japan. The post Nicole Borromeo crown-ready for Miss International 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mindanao flamboyance
Besides being a beacon of camaraderie among the native creative talents, the Mindanao Fashion Summit is also a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. It can’t be denied that members of this dynamic community comprise the dominant force in fashion and pageantry. So, it was quite fitting that a special segment dedicated to the flamboyant LGBTQ+ members continued at the 12th MFS. The Oro Fashion Designers Guild, headed by its president, Mark Christopher Yaranon, and MFS chairman, Dr. Mavy de Leon Ladlad, are grateful for the multi-sectoral support that they received. “Our special thanks go to the marketing team of Ayala Malls Centrio, our venue, and to MFS co-chairman, Atty. Jose Pepe ‘Joey’ Abbu Jr.; to the LGU of Cagayan de Oro headed by Mayor Rolando A. Uy and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, the City Tourism Office, and the Department of Tourism-Northern Mindanao Office headed by regional director May Salvaña-Unchuan,” Yaranon said. The show, held on 24 August, was directed by Robbie Fortich Pamisa, an HIV screening motivator at Oro Pia Community Center, which is named after and heavily supported by homegrown beauty, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Pamisa is also the executive director at Kagay-an PLUS — Preserving Life, Uniting Society Inc. Here, the designers shed light on their ostentatious creations: [caption id="attachment_182184" align="aligncenter" width="1587"] MARK CHRISTOPHER YARANON (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] MARK CHRISTOPHER YARANON “For the third time, Christer Kim is my muse. She’s the most competent and articulate host in our city, and I’ve been her designer since she started her hosting gigs. She’s known as the ‘Carry On Queen’ for her ‘the show must go on’ stance. She is also this year’s backstage correspondent for the MFS. “Christer is wearing a long and slinky drop neckline, long-sleeved evening gown in gold lace embedded with crystals and beads with a front high slit.” [caption id="attachment_182186" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] SHINE J CASINO (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] SHINE J CASIÑO “My creation for the MFS LGBT segment is inspired by the Parisian male workers during the 1960s. The Mikado silk jumpsuit, instead of using solid colors, I chose pastel to highlight the lives of LGBTQ+ men. “My model is Peter Leary Brown, known as Pedro or Sycris Brown. Half-Spanish and half-Bisaya, he was a Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 finalist who represented General Santos City. He also placed third in the grand finals of It’s Showtime’s “I Am Pogay” contest.” [caption id="attachment_182185" align="aligncenter" width="1743"] RUVIL NERI (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] RUVIL NERI “My model is Marvie Salvania, a bisexual student. I chose her because she is one of my models at Models & Queens, which I manage. I also love her confidence, X Factor and character onstage. “Marvie is wearing a purple coatdress that resembles an overcoat with collar, lapels and front ribbon made of honeycomb silk. It is matched with a spaghetti-strapped, dope-dyed chiffon, straight-cut knee-level dress. I picked the color purple for the cocktail dress for it represents the LGBTQ+ [people] being creative, original and passionate.” [caption id="attachment_182181" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] BOOGIE MUSNI RIVERA (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] BOOGIE MUSNI RIVERA “My muse Steffy Marie Sy epitomizes two of my most wonderful childhood experiences — playing with Barbie dolls while watching beauty pageants. These are memories that I would always stamp on my heart and mind. “Steffy was a runner-up at Queen of CDO 2022. She is wearing a fully beaded and sequined gown with one-shoulder oyster neckline. The silhouette is A line cut with a slit at the left side. The color is hot pink, which is inspired by Barbie.” [caption id="attachment_182182" align="aligncenter" width="1705"] KIKO DOMO (Photo by Roger Nazar Lactao Jr.)[/caption] KIKO DOMO “Channeling the mythical power of the Oro Fish and the strength of a Japanese warrior, my creation embodies the fusion of art and inspiration. Crafted from 3/4 inch-squared synthetic gold tiles, it forms a captivating silhouette representing, charisma and power. Just like my LGBT muse Frank Tongco, a renowned makeup artist, my design celebrates the beauty of diversity and the resonance of mythical legends.” JOSHUA N. GUIBONE “My fully sequined creation, called ‘Strong in Gold,’ is a mesmerizing piece that exudes glamour and sophistication. Its exquisite design combines a thigh-high slit and a daring deep neckline, making it the perfect choice for those who want to make a bold fashion statement. The waist is artfully slimmed using a darker shade of gold, creating a visually striking contrast that accentuates the wearer’s curves. The show, held on 24 August, was directed by Robbie Fortich Pamisa, an HIV screening motivator at Oro Pia Community Center, which is named after and heavily supported by homegrown beauty, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. “This thoughtful design element not only adds depth to the gown but also highlights the wearer’s natural beauty. With its luxurious sequined fabric and impeccable tailoring, it’s the embodiment of elegance and allure. Whether you’re attending a glamorous event or simply looking to make a stunning entrance, this fully sequined gold gown is sure to leave a lasting impression. “My muse is one of my great friends and a batchmate at Xavier University High School, Barbie Lindelle Neri. She is the current president of the LGBTQ Federation of CDO and the chairman of the Queen of CDO pageant. “She dons a resplendent gold gown symbolizing her role as a warrior queen. Leading the LGBTQIA community in Cagayan de Oro, she stands at the forefront of the battle for our rights, amplifying our voices to reach higher officials. Her ability to exude beauty, power and glamour while advocating for our marginalized community sets an inspiring example.” The post Mindanao flamboyance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sana (kub)ol
So the Bureau of Corrections is dismantling kubols in the New Bilibid Prison compound AGAIN. A kubol, for the uninitiated, is that peculiarly Filipino invention of a customized personal space in a prison that is supposed to have standardized living quarters for all prisoners. This is strange because then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (2010-2016) made a big to-do about demolishing kubols in her time — which was also the Golden Age of Kubols. It was in 2014 when I, as a lawyer for one NBP inmate (who eventually became part of the so-called “Bilibid 19,” but more on that later) went to the prison for an initial conference with my client, who obviously couldn’t come to my office. I was shocked — shocked! — when I arrived at the compound, and not only because I was ushered in through a side door by a warden who put me in a fancy golf cart to take me to my client. En route, I saw that there were buildings(!) inside the prison premises housing — okay, be ready for this — mini-groceries, beauty salons and barber shops, spas, restaurants and, I was to learn later, a high-tech recording studio and radio-television broadcast facility. My client was waiting for me in a three-story(!) building. The first floor housed a fully-equipped office(!) and staff; the second floor was my client’s office with phones and a computer connected to the Internet, and a separate conference room for 12 people; the third floor housed his quarters (a bedroom with toilet, shower and bathtub). Responding to my quizzical look, he answered my unasked question: “Attorney, dito lahat puede basta ‘magpaangat’ ka kay secretary (Anything goes here, just ‘take it up’ with the secretary).” Anyways (to use the favorite expression of my friend Arni Teves), back to my client. Later that year, he and 18 other prisoners had a falling out with Secretary De Lima over what he claimed to be drug dealing inside Bilibid, and they were transferred incommunicado to the National Bureau of Investigation compound. To the frantic cries of their families who feared that they would be liquidated, I filed for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals. Their detention was ruled unconstitutional, and their families and I were allowed see them, albeit with very strict restrictions. The story that they told me of drug trafficking inside the NBP compound would later form the backbone of the indictments against De Lima once Aquino was out of power. I had cautioned them to keep things under wraps, as such disclosures then would definitely put them in grave danger. Back to the kubols. De Lima invited the press to witness their destruction, and the mediamen’s jaws dropped — as mine did years before — at the sight of luxury houses complete with airconditioning, king-size beds and Jacuzzis; a state-of-the-art recording studio; a radio and television station with equipment to rival many commercial stations; among other things. As De Lima smiled smugly for the cameras, claiming credit for “cleaning up Bilibid,” friends in media asked her the question, obliquely and sometimes directly, “How could such a thing happen under your watch and your very nose all these years?” The answer was somehow provided in the probe by the House of Representatives in 2017, when an inmate testified that in a meeting with the late J.B. Sebastian (one of the privileged inmates who was said to have done De Lima’s bidding in the Bilibid drug trade) inside his , De Lima held on to a pole (one provided for pole dancing) and, after preening, looked at Sebastian and said, “Okay ba, J.B.?” She knew, and tolerated — nay, encouraged — it. The authorities can knock down the kubols every year, and they will keep springing back up again, unless drastic reforms in the correctional system are made. In this, we sincerely wish Secretary Boying all the luck and success in the world. So when these kubols are removed, we can plausibly wish, SANA (KUB) ALL… The post Sana (kub)ol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘BLINK x BLACKPINK forever’: 7 years of the K-pop megagroup
BLACKPINK turned seven this year, and the girl group’s members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa commemorated the event with heartfelt messages to their fans and personal photos through the years on their Instagram accounts. Jisoo shared an adorable photo booth snap of the quartet with the caption: “Blink Blackpink forever.” The 28-year-old superstar also went live on Weverse to celebrate the anniversary and talk to fellow BLINKs. Jennie, meanwhile, said in a post accompanying a mini-album of the group: “7 years with @blackpinkofficial. I love us, I love Blackpink, I love Blinks.” Lisa also shared personal photos of her bandmates, noting how the number seven is one of her favorite numbers and now they’ve reached seven years in the industry: “Happy 7th anniversary to me and my 3 amazing girls @blackpinkofficial… I hope this year will be a lucky one for us! Love you girls and blinks so so much.” Not to be left out, Rosé penned a long and emotional tribute to the girls and all their fans along with childhood photos. [caption id="attachment_168666" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF IG/LALISA MANOBAN[/caption] “Thank you, Blackpink for being such a blessing in my life. I have really been able to experience everything and more than what I have ever dreamed of growing up as an aspiring artist. Thank you, thank you and thank you a thousand times. Blackpink, Blinks, Teddy, YG entertainment and everyone else who believed in @blackpinkofficial for the past seven years,” she wrote. “My heart is so full. I cannot express my gratitude for every single person who has been a part of this seven year journey with us four. 7…..!!! @blackpinkofficial is officially seven years old today.! And I am immensely proud of every single one of us. For making history. For always having so much fun and pride with what we do. Thank you to our blinks for trusting each and every one of us, all along,” she added. BLACKPINK was the first girl group from YG Entertainment in seven years, debuting in 2016 with their hit songs “Boombayah” and “Whistle.” The K-pop megagroup rose to global stardom and became one of the most successful girl groups in the world. The BLACKPINK girls are also shining brightly in their solo endeavors. Aside from the successful solo music they released, they also became global ambassadors of several luxury brands like Dior Beauty, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Bulgari and more. Jisoo and Jennie have also ventured into acting. Jisoo bagged her first lead role in the successful 2022 drama Snowdrop while Jennie made her Hollywood debut alongside Lily-Rose Depp in the recently concluded television series The Idol. BLACKPINK has been headlining its second worldwide concert tour “Born Pink World Tour” since 2022, which will conclude on 26 August in Los Angeles, California. The post ‘BLINK x BLACKPINK forever’: 7 years of the K-pop megagroup appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment
A resolution denouncing China’s intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as the mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution which urges the national government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to elevate China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone. Likewise, the agency was encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila’s claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of 5 July, the Philippine government, through the DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines’ established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission.” The post Senate adopts reso on WPS harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS
A resolution denouncing China's intrusion into the West Philippine Sea and its harassment of Filipino fishermen was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The approval of Senate Resolution 718, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, came after the Senate held an executive session on Monday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and their senior officials. Members of the Senate, as well as mentioned officials, discussed Hontiveros’s earlier resolution which urges the national government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to elevate China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly. Under the resolution, the lawmakers urged the Philippine government, through the DFA, to “continue asserting” the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic rights. Likewise, the agency was also encouraged to “intensify” efforts to engage the international community in upholding its hard-earned victory at the Hague. The Philippines celebrated the seventh anniversary of its historic victory over China in 2016 last month, which solidified Manila's claims to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to reject the arbitral ruling and stood by its historic rights over the area. As of July 5, the Philippine government, through DFA, has filed a total of 30 diplomatic protests against China in the last seven months. Over the span of three years, Manila has sent a total of 427 notes verbale against Beijing. The resolution also states that the DFA is “expected” to continue holding dialogues with the Chinese government to push for recognition and respect of the Philippines' sovereign rights over its EEZ and pursue the formulation of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea based on international law and the UNCLOS. Should China continue to ignore the country’s efforts, the resolution contains actions the agency must do such as bringing international attention to China's harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS; utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea; and engaging with “like-minded” countries to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS. The DFA is also encouraged to file a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly, to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the Philippines' established rights in the West Philippine Sea; and pursue other diplomatic modes as the agency may deem appropriate and necessary. ‘Never watered down’ In his manifestation, Zubiri stressed that the resolution filed by Hontiveros was “never watered down,” but instead “strengthened.” “We came out with strong consensus yesterday after the discussions with the West Philippine Sea Task Force, together with the AFP chief of staff General Brawner and DFA Secretary Manalo and actually we never watered down the resolution that we filed, we actually strengthened the first resolution that we initially filed with Senator Risa,” he said. “I think what happened here is we strengthened the position of the government. Now we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the North,” he added. He continued: “And the beauty of this is with proper consensus and of course consultations among our colleagues we have come out unanimous.” For her part, Hontiveros expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the adoption of the resolution, which she described as an “important success” for the country. “I would first like to thank all our colleagues for this concerted effort to not only make the West Philippine Sea issue a part of our national conversation but for ensuring that the Philippine government takes the necessary steps to consolidate global support over our historic 2016 Arbitral Award,” she said. “This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission. In the face of relentless China propaganda since last week, we held our ground. Despite fake news and lies to stop the adoption of the measure, we stood firm,” she added. She continued: “This is an important success not only of the Senate but of the whole Philippines. The Senate crossed party lines to stand unified for our country.” The lawmaker also said that the fight against China’s reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea “does not end here.” “The fight continues,” she stressed. The post Senate adopts reso condemning China’s incursion, harassment in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kylie Verzosa magiging unang Asian celebrity na may ‘AI’ model
KABILANG na ngayon ang beauty queen-turned-actress na si Kylie Verzosa sa lumalaking bilang ng mga kilalang personalidad na gumagamit ng artificial intelligence (AI). “I partnered up with some developers in San Francisco to create an AI model version of myself,” sabi ng 2016 Miss International titleholder nang mapabilang siya sa panel na “The future of […] The post Kylie Verzosa magiging unang Asian celebrity na may ‘AI’ model appeared first on Bandera......»»
Only in Mitsukoshi: J-beauty brands to try
Some of Japan’s beauty secrets even under-the-radar ones found only in Japan are now available in the country at Mitsukoshi Beauty in BGC. The beauty and wellness zone of Mitsukoshi BGC houses a wide selection of carefully curated, natural Japanese skincare, hair care and makeup brands, both familiar and new in the country. Mitsukoshi BGC is located along 8th Ave. in North Bonifacio Global City and at the podium of The Seasons Residences, a residential development that offers the unique Japanese way of life. Debuting in the country are the sophisticated and high-quality Japanese brands Waphyto, E Standard and La Casta. Waphyto When founder Atsuko Morita developed asthma and dry skin and hair as a flight attendant, a French friend introduced her to phytotherapy techniques (therapy that uses plants and herbs to treat medical conditions) to manage her concerns. Not only did the therapy work, but it also gave Atsuko many other unexpected benefits. This pushed her to leave the airlines and study medicine and botanical therapy in Paris. When she returned to Japan, she contributed to plant biology research, earning her multiple awards. Armed with knowledge and experience, Atsuko created a skincare brand powered by phytotherapy + biotechnology + herbology, called Waphyto. Made for men and women of all ages (from infancy to adulthood), Japan’s first plant bio methodology brand has products for skin, hair, body and intimate care. The plants and herbs in Waphyto products are sourced from Mikawa, Japan, where the soil is vitamin-rich. E Standard Most people follow multi-step routines to care for their skin. Based on the concept that “hair care is also skincare,” E Standard offers a comprehensive range of meticulous hair and scalp care solutions, just like what you would expect from a complete lineup of skin care products. Pamper your hair the way you do your skin with its five-step routine consisting of shampoo, hair serum, two hair treatments and hair oil (this can be reduced or increased based on your hair’s needs) for luscious, healthy and beautiful hair. E Standard’s organic products are made from nine plant extracts and three essential oils. And while most hair care brands use purified water, E Standard uses Hita Tenryosui natural mineral water to help nourish and revitalize hair. La Casta La Casta is a hair care brand used by many professional stylists in hair salons across Japan. The components of this brand are only natural aromas and botanical ingredients. Its hair care concept: “vitality and healing from plants.” This award-winning hair care brand (2015 and 2016 VOGUE Natural Wonder Prize and 2020 and 2022 WWD Beauty “Best Cosme”) has shampoo and conditioner ranges to treat several hair and scalp concerns, like thinning, tangled, frizzy, dry, oily and colored hair. They also have solutions like specialized brushes, scalp treatments, masks and hair lotions. To find the best range and combination of products for your hair, La Casta provides consultation services from their expert Beauty Advisors. The Seasons Residences houses the country’s first Mitsukoshi, a four-story mall and a branch of Japan’s oldest department store. This premium commercial space showcases Japanese design elements in a casual yet elegant setting. To know the latest about Mitsukoshi BGC visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram page. The post Only in Mitsukoshi: J-beauty brands to try appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts
Patronage of the arts and promotion of Philippine culture are two endeavors that have always been the domain of Philippine First Ladies. The approach, of course, varies, whether through the presentation of Filipino folk dances and fashion shows featuring Filipiniana designs during state dinners, showcasing the best of the Philippine arts on the walls of Malacañang Palace or highlighting Philippine crafts in during international expositions. When the presidential couple visits other countries, they bring with them gifts of Philippine crafts for the kingdom’s monarch and their escort or the republic’s president and his first lady. Presidential wives, too, have always been the foremost models of Philippine costume, which they wear during state visits abroad, formal functions at the presidential palace and when attending big events such as raising the Filipino flag in Rizal Park on Philippine Independence Day. Liza Araneta-Marcos, almost in all activities that she graces, whether right in the Palace or outside, wears a knee-length version of the terno, its butterfly sleeves defining its uniqueness and versatility. With her, terno has become an almost everyday get-up, which she accessorizes with heeled shoes, mostly Marikina-made. Cultural mapping The current First Lady’s support for arts and crafts and her involvement in cultural development manifested early on in her public life when her husband was the governor of Ilocos Norte in the early years of the millennium. Right in her husband Bongbong’s home province, she spearheaded efforts in the documentation of Ilocano culture. Under her auspices, a full-scale cultural mapping of Ilocos Norte took place. Then a new thing in the country, its aim was to list and document everything about the inherent culture of each barangay — songs, dances, oral and written literature, zarzuela and other dramatic forms, crafts using indigenous materials, historical sites, architectural marvels including ancestral houses, native delicacies and festive fare, musical instruments, gardens, parks, tourist spots and, of course, the people who make these things happen and exist — the weavers, painters, cooks, writers, local historians, harpists and so on in the vast field of arts, culture and heritage. It was trailblazing in that only years later would local government units be required to identify their cultural assets and provide the data needed for development, especially in education, tourism and creative industries. Eager to know more about her husband’s home province and absorb its culture, she even joined the team in its fieldwork in the seashore towns like the Pagudpud coastline and the highland town of Adams which they reached by riding a dump truck. Among the highlights of her undertakings for heritage tourism was her support for the Museo Ilocos Norte, which housed artifacts and the local textile, inabel. Most significantly was her commitment to the revival of the local weaving industry that produces the exquisite inabel. In an interview, the young and smart wife of the governor said, “I was looking for a viable project that would help boost the livelihood of the Ilocano, one that was low-key, which was not difficult to fund and uniquely Ilocano.” According to Liza, “Ilocano women love multi-tasking.” She explained that in the past, each home would have a loom, “so the mothers could weave while doing their home chores, including taking care of the baby.” Indeed, well spoken by a career woman who, while lawyering, made sure she was at the top of her family home and the care of her children. What she was telling them was it was possible to earn one’s livelihood while fulfilling one’s duties as a homemaker and parent. She thus advocated for the putting up of weaving centers where the young Ilocano may learn the craft. Embroiderers, woodcarvers and basket makers Fast forward to 2016, Liza joined the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council which fosters cultural exchange and unity by widening the exposure, knowledge and expertise of individual artists, scholars and art professionals. All her years spent on supporting Ilocano crafts had not only been beneficial to the local weavers. It also became a model, a small-scale version of what she would eventually achieve from her day one as First Lady. This time, she would widen the scope of her advocacy by supporting as well the other crafts in the regions. In Feburary 2023, the Office of the First Lady, in cooperation with the Office of the Social Secretary of Malacañang, other government agencies and private creative industry practitioners put together an exhibition that introduced the talented weavers of the country. It was a success as it showcased the best of Philippine weave from the Ilocos region to Laguna, Aklan and Zamboanga. A few months later, she expanded the project to “Likha” to showcase not only talented weavers — but also our skilled embroiderers, basket makers, woodcarvers, pottery makers and shell craftsmen,” among other Filipino artisans in cities, shores and hinterlands of our beautiful country. Community of artisans Hers was a most welcome support to the local artisans and craftsmen, anthropology scholars, tourism workers and educators. Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac, an associate professor of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, who accompanied her father, Paete master sculptor Luis Ac-Ac, shared her thoughts about the First Lady, who spoke at the opening ceremonies of the three-day exhibit. [caption id="attachment_163255" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with master sculptor Luis Ac-ac and his daughter Marygrace.[/caption] Marygrace said, “What impacted me the most about the First Lady’s speech is her promise to support talented Filipinos and the traditional crafts, which is in keeping with the words of President Bongbong Marcos in his first State of the Nation address. It was, to me, giving hope to the industry and to Filipino artists and artisans. I am happy that she herself said she is looking forward to “Likha” 3, 4, 5 and so on. “Beyond the First Lady’s support for livelihood among the local communities, just as important is that, through the “Likha” exhibitions, she is fostering a national community of artisans, which cultivates a sense of cultural identity among our people. Moreover, this gives us national pride as through the First Lady’s initiatives we are able to show to the world what we are capable of creating.” Of her father, the master craftsman Luis Ac-ac, she said, “he is grateful to the First Lady for her initiative and for spearheading the advocacy to uplift the traditional crafts of all the artists and artisans.” Goldenberg fashion series On her new home grounds, the Malacañang compound, the First Lady has imprinted her passion for heritage through the renovation of three iconic structures, long out of use and run-down Teus Mansion, which is now the presidential museum containing memorabilia of past presidents; Bahay Ugnayan, which houses memento of President BBM; and the Goldenberg Mansion, which the First Lady has designated as a venue for cultural and artistic events. All three are now open to the public for free. Last May, the Goldenberg Fashion series started with a fashion show featuring the creations of Puey Quiñones, who collaborated with weavers, embroiders and artisans, thus elevating Filipino style as he used them in his interpretation of the modern terno, suits and barong for men. [caption id="attachment_163256" align="aligncenter" width="928"] With designer Puey Quiñones at the Goldenberg Mansion fashion show.[/caption] Next was Avel Bacudio’s “Avel,” which, in turn, was a spectacle in black and white as the designer paid tribute to the handiwork of Filipino artisans all over the country, his creations manifesting virtuosity even as he downplayed extravagance and over-the-top ornamentation by focusing on well-defined structure, casual elegance, comfortability and versatility, the last allowing the wearers to mix and match to suit the occasion. In a way, the whole collection resonates with the overall style of the First Lady who has insisted on simplicity, function and comfort in her wardrobe, while now and then showcasing the innate artistry of the Filipino through indigenous textiles. Finally, when we celebrated the nation's Independence Day, with the President and the First Lady hosting a vin d’honneur in Malacañang Palace, the various lady ambassadors assigned to the Philippines attended in their most beautiful and exquisite Filipiniana, thanks to the First Lady who made the collaboration between top Filipino designers and the ladies possible. It was an evening that did not only enhance the beauty and charm of the lady ambassadors, but also made our designers proud. Indeed, our artisans and fashion designers, as well as performing artists, are fortunate to have a friend, ally and benefactor in a First Lady whose sense of nationalism combined with her heartfelt admiration for Filipino ingenuity has made her the best ambassador for Filipino craftsmanship and artistry. The post First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty queen Patch Magtanong ties knot with Joshua Cordoves
Binibining Pilipinas International 2019 Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong has married her boyfriend, Joshua Cordoves, the brother of Miss Grand International 2016 1st runner-up Nicole Cordoves. On 10 July, the beauty queen shared photos from their intimate ceremony on Instagram. “Thank you for the well wishes everyone!! We decided to have a simple and intimate ceremony with just our families first! We’re excited to celebrate with the rest of our family and friends next year during our big wedding!!! Guess where!”, the caption said, hinting at a 2024 beach wedding. In September 2022, the couple got engaged in Amsterdam. Magtanong, who is also a lawyer, took her oath shortly after being crowned as Miss International Philippines 2019. Afterwards, she represented the country and emerged as the top 8 in the Miss International 2019 pageant. The post Beauty queen Patch Magtanong ties knot with Joshua Cordoves appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nikki de Moura crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2023
Nikki de Moura is the titleholder of the country’s first “golden crown,” following the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 pageant that was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on 13 July. The 19-year-old beauty queen from Cagayan de Oro City competed against 29 contestants and was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2023. Aside from securing the crown, she also bagged multiple awards such as the Skin Elements Ambassador, Miss Philippines Airlines, Miss Bench and Miss Photogenic awards. De Moura is no stranger to the world of pageantry and fashion. In 2019, the Filipina-Brazilian beauty queen was crowned Miss Teen Philippines at the age of 15. She was also the Philippines’ representative when she competed in Supermodel Me, ranking second. Cagayan de Oro’s bet will represent the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2023 in Vietnam this October. A Filipina representative has yet to win the Miss Grand International crown. Nicole Cordoves’ first runner-up finish in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo’s similar first runner-up finish in 2020 are the country’s best placements so far in the pageant. The post Nikki de Moura crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes shape
Let Catriona Gray tell you a thing or two about shape-shifting. The elasticity of her career is the ultimate framework: from being a Filipino-Scottish model hailing from Australia, to Miss World Philippines 2016, to singer with a degree in Music Theory, to a black-belted Choi Kwang Do martial artist, to Miss Universe 2018, it’s clear […] The post Beauty takes shape appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Hosts Catriona and Nicole pose for Binibining Pilipinas pictorial
Beauty queens Catriona Gray and Nicole Cordoves shared some snaps of their Binibining Pilipinas photo shoot on social media to the delight of their fans. The two gorgeous ladies look elegant and sophisticated in their high-slit golden gowns. "We had so much fun shooting this!! Inspired of course by global icons @cher and Raquel Welch. Huge thank you to this amazing team! Photography @bjpascual," said Gray, the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe title in 2018, on Instagram. "Can’t wait to be back on stage with my queen sis @catriona_gray and welcome all of you back to ARANETAAAA (iykyk)," Cordoves exclaimed in a separate social media post. She won 1st Runner-Up in Miss Grand International 2016 pageant The two beauties will host the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on Sunday evening, 28 May, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The post Hosts Catriona and Nicole pose for Binibining Pilipinas pictorial appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kylie Verzosa parades Bumgarner creations at Cannes
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa continued to turn heads by donning Mark Bumgarner creations at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France. On her red carpet debut, she showed off with her black ball gown adorned with feathers and crystals, "cascading down to the hem that creates a halo-like effect" as described by the designer. She attended the premiere of Maïwenn's “Jeanne du Barry,” which stars herself and Johnny Depp. On day 3 of the festival, the beauty queen-turned-actress made an impression again when she went to watch the film screening of Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s "Black Files", which is top-billed by Sean Penn and Katherine Waterston. She wore a dazzling pink dress that day which made her look like a gorgeous mermaid. Versoza admitted that it was a dream come true to her having attended the prestigious film festival and walked on its red carpet. "It was so surreal," she exclaimed on social media. The post Kylie Verzosa parades Bumgarner creations at Cannes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Taj Mahal’ of Negros Occidental
“Ancient ruins,” said Mary Jo Arnoldi, chair of the anthropology department at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “give us a connection to the past that’s visceral. This was a real place, and you can walk through it.” This could be why Raymund Javellana, the man who wanted The Ruins, which is listed by oddee.com as “one 12 most fascinating ruins of the world,” restored to its former glory. The Ruins was a mansion built in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. “I am so glad that it was not destroyed completely. With the blessings of The Lord, we were able to restore the mansion itself. I challenge people who keep on destroying the old structures to please stop and make some good use of it,” Javellana said when he accepted the award for The Ruins as Best Destination (Heritage Sites category) at the first Choose Philippines Awards in 2016. Javellana is the great-grandson of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, the Negrense sugar baron who built the mansion for love. How the mansion came to be Love, goes a famous song, comes from the most unexpected places. This is what happened to Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugar baron from Negros. The most-sought after bachelor was visiting Hong Kong with a friend when he met Maria Braga, a Portuguese lady from Macau and daughter of a ship captain. Smitten by her beauty, he courted her earnestly until she said yes. To make the long story short, they got married and he brought her to his ancestral house in Talisay, where they raised their family together. Children came after one another: Victoria, Rafael (who later became the governor of Negros Occidental), Mercedes, Natividad, Sofia, Felipe (who became a mayor of Talisay), Consolacion, Angelina, Ramon and Eduardo. Maria was pregnant with their 11th child when she slipped in the bathroom. She was bleeding; her condition was so precarious that traveling outside of the house was out of question. Mariano summoned some of his men to get a resident doctor from a nearby town. He told them to use a horse-drawn carriage, then the fastest mode of transportation. It was the 1920s and it took two days to traverse the various sugar farms to Silay. By the time the doctor arrived, on the fourth day, Maria and her child were dead. Mariano was so devastated, he went into a depression for a time m. Yet knowing he still had children needing his attention, he began to focus instead on building a house in memory of his beloved wife. He consulted his father-in-law about the idea, who fully supported his plans. Being a ship captain, he brought in many items from Europe and China — ranging from machuca or handmade custom cement tiles, chandeliers and china wares. He even brought with him some construction workers from China just to help build the mansion. A local builder was entrusted to make the design and building specifications. Mariano asked his son Felipe to supervise the project and ensure an A-grade mixture of concrete was precisely poured. The marble-like effect of high-grade concrete can be felt by touching the posts and walls of what remains now of the mansion. The entire property has a floor area of 900 square meters: 450 sq.m. upstairs and the same on the lower ground. Ten rooms occupied the mansion: eight for children, a Master’s bedroom and a family room. The house was of Italianate architecture as evidenced by its neo-Romanesque columns all around. “Since the engineer was a Filipino, it is believed the design came from that of Maria’s ancestral mansion which was given by her father to Mariano as sample,” an inflight magazine said. “The imprimatur of Maria’s father, a ship captain, is now clear from the shell-inspired décor all around the top edges of the mansion – the same ones that identified the homes of ship captains in New England at that time.” It took about three years to finish the Don Mariano Lacson Mansion. Because it was built out of a husband’s devotion to his wife, Javellana likens it to the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife. The initials engraved on every post of the mansion — two Ms facing each other — stand for Mariano and Maria. [caption id="attachment_134716" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The two M's facing each other stand for Mariano and Maria.[/caption] At that time, the mansion was the largest residential structure ever built in the area. It was constructed at the center of a 440-hectare farm. The Lacson family lived in the mansion happily, but it was not “ever after” as Japanese forces invaded the country in December 1941 after Japan’s declaration of war upon the United States, which controlled the Philippines at the time and possessed important military bases. In anticipation of the war, the Lacson family fled their home. They left behind all their furniture, china wares, home décor and some personal belongings, locked up the place and left a caretaker to watch over the mansion. The soldiers of the US Armed Forces in the Far East came to the place. Sensing that it might be used as headquarters of the Japanese troops, it was decided that it would be burned just like other big houses in the area. While it took three years to build the mansion, it took only three days to consume all of its roofs, ceilings, two-inch wooden floors, doors and windows, which were all made of hardwood of tindalo, narra and kamagong. Still, the three-day inferno was not able to flatten the whole mansion. Thanks to its oversize steel bars and the meticulous way of pouring A-grade mixture of concrete, the skeletal frame remains. The four-tiered fountain in front of what remains of the mansion makes it a perfect replica of the ancient homes with spacious gardens – like those you see in the old city of Savannah, Georgia in the United States. Joy Gallera Malaga, an independent writer who visited the place, wrote: “And most likely you would appreciate the mansion even if it was already reduced to its skeletal frame, or maybe it is its present condition that adds to its character and beauty. That’s the charm of old structures; it invites you to engage in an experience just by being there, getting to know it better through the stories it continues to tell.” [caption id="attachment_134715" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Water fountain.[/caption] Love and legacy Filipinos would have never seen The Ruins – which was abandoned for 67 years! – had it not been for Javellana. He is the son of Ramon, who was the son of Mercedes, the daughter of Mariano. Raymund had a travel agency in Manila when his mother requested him to come back to Negros and help her manage their sugar plantations. He now settles in Silay but in one of his trips to Talisay, he saw the abandoned mansion, which is located in Hacienda Sta. Maria. He decided to make it one of the province’s tourist attractions. Although people were not too keen about the idea, Javellana pursued his plans. In January 2008, he opened The Ruins to the public. People flocked to the place. Aside from being a tourist attraction, The Ruins is fast becoming a favorite venue for weddings and photo shoots. It was a good Javellana, inspired by his father and their forebears, kept his dream alive, never giving up on it. That’s love. The post ‘Taj Mahal’ of Negros Occidental appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kylie agree na may ‘K’ manalo ng major award si Herlene sa Bb. Pilipinas 2022; bibida sa pelikula tungkol sa ‘Sugar Babies’
PARA kay Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa deserving din ang Kapuso comedienne at aspiring beauty queen na si Herlene Budol na makakuha ng major title sa Binibining Pilipinas 2022 pageant. Bumilib din ang beauty queen-turned-actress sa naging performance ni Herlene o Hipon Girl sa katatapos lamang na pageant lalo na sa pagsagot nito ng Tagalog […] The post Kylie agree na may ‘K’ manalo ng major award si Herlene sa Bb. Pilipinas 2022; bibida sa pelikula tungkol sa ‘Sugar Babies’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordoves gagawa ng ‘history’ sa Bb. Pilipinas 2021
SA unang pagkakataon (sa beauty pageant history) ay parehong babae ang magiging host sa gaganaping Binibining Pilipinas 2021 coronation night sa Hulyo 11 sa Smart Coliseum. Sina Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-up Nicole Cordoves ang napiling mga host sa nasabing pageant base na rin sa post ng una […] The post Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordoves gagawa ng ‘history’ sa Bb. Pilipinas 2021 appeared first on Bandera......»»