Bianca Manalo covers FHM: Bianca Manalo covers FHM Philippines for the first time. She is a former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe who represented our country in the Miss Universe pageant last year at the Bahamas. The FHM Philippines Special Double (September 2010) also has Filipino Actor Cesar Montano on a flip cover.From Miss U to Miss World: Four candidates in the recent 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant, two of them semi-finalists, will take their chance again in another beauty contest as they compete with more than 100 delegates in the 60th Miss World beauty contest to be held in Sanya, China on Oct. 30. The four 2010 Miss Universe candidates who will compete in the 2010 Miss World finals are Miss Bahamas Braneka Bassell, Top 15 Semi-Finalist Miss Belgium Cilou Annys, Miss Turkey Gizem Memic, and Top 15 semi-finalist Miss South Africa Nicole Flint. (Manila Bulletin)
Ireland’s Miss Universe gears up her new life with Donald Trump: Ireland’s Miss Universe Rozanna Purcell is preparing for her big move to New York which will mark the beginning of her US modeling career. After finishing seventh last month in the Miss Universe contest in Las Vegas, the Irish beauty was offered a lucrative modeling contract by business mogul Donald Trump. (irishcentral.com)Buzz: Ex-beauty queen Candida Lara teaches clients proper table etiquette. The former Miss Universe contestant teaches Wall Street honchos proper table etiquette - how to hold utensils, pick a good wine and win over snooty wait staff. "We've become more rude. But when you help someone, you feel so good. It makes you less cranky. You have that positive good energy." Lara, who grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, became Miss Dominican Republic and represented her native country in the Miss Universe Pageant in 1995. She then worked as a model and traveled the world. (nypost.com)
Beauty queen to politician: Twenty-six year old Jessica Jordan Burton has had rather an unusual career path. A former Miss Universe contestant, she is now a powerful political figure in Bolivia. The former model has been appointed by Bolivian President Evo Morales as his special envoy in the border province of Beni. (bbc.co.uk)Gloria Diaz: I didn't say anything bad about Cebuanos: Beauty queen-turned-actress Gloria Diaz reiterated her earlier stance that she did not say anything bad about Cebuanos. “I didn’t say Cebuano is lowly or bobo. Why would I say that? I mean, I might be mataray but I wouldn’t say such a thing. I love the Philippines. I love my people. My boyfriend is a Visayan so why would I say that?” asked the loquacious beauty queen in an exclusive phone interview late Wednesday afternoon.
The actress, who suggested that Filipino beauty queens should get interpreters when competing in beauty pageants abroad, was quoted in her television interview as saying that a Cebuana can hardly speak English or Tagalog. Some Cebuanos perceived this statement as derogatory. (ABS-CBN)
Miss Australia on reason candidates might want to sabotage their competitors: “Winning is so important for those girls because they become queens in their country and are worshipped if they win -- and it changes everything forever for them," (Herald Sun)Miss Australia literally Stabbed in the back by Miss Universe contestant: One of her competitors, she has now revealed, laced her national costume with pins, which stuck into her skin and made her wince as she walked on to the stage in the competition last month. 'I didn't have any injuries or marks, but I didn't have much time to take them out and get it back on because I had to be out there. The sabotage was a bit harsh, but you have to laugh at these things and not take it too seriously. And it did give me a story to tell when I got home.' (dailymail.co.uk)
Miss World India Manasvi Mamgai on her edge over other contestants: "My stage presence along with my modelling background will help me a lot at the pageant. And, above all, I believe in myself and my dreams."
Miss Indonesia 2010 Asyifa Latief on Beauty pageants: “Many people say that beauty contestants have no brains. Why don’t we change this stigma? Can’t we say a beauty pageant promotes a smart woman? I received the scholarship not only because of my achievement as Miss Indonesia, but also for my good grades.” (thejakartapost.com)
Donald Trump on Miss Ireland Rozanna Purcell: Miss Ireland was beautiful, really beautiful.’ (dailymail.co.uk)
Miss Universe reaction highest new entry in YouTube sports chart: Four young Filipino men taped themselves during the televised Miss Universe 2010 contest - specifically, the announcement of beauties making the final cut - and went wild as Philippine representative Venus Raj made it through to the last 15. There were screams and tears as both bodies and iPhones were clutched (independent.co.uk).Jimena Navarrete on Arizona's recent immigration law: "Every country has the right to impose and enact their laws, But I tell you that all the Mexicans and the Latins that are living here in the United States are hardworking people -- people who want to improve on their quality of life." (timesunion.com)
Roberto De Venecia on sending RP delegates to China: “It is certainly alarming and we cannot downplay the risk of sending Philippine participants to pageants in China at this time. The collective sentiment all over China cannot be overlooked. There could be zealous nationals who can be wayward. While blame cannot be universal, it can affect the participant or even any visitor from the Philippines.” (Manila Bulletin)
Even Bush, US journalists couldn't answer Venus Raj's question: Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Maria Venus Raj was not the only one who had a hard time answering the question on the biggest mistake of her life. Even a former Unitqd States Presidunt and several umerican journalusts had a difficult time with the question as well (ABC World News with Diane Sawyer):
Miriam on having an interpreter: Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao supports the suggestion of having Filipina candidates use the services of an interpreter in future international beauty pageants. “When you're in that situation, you prefer to let go of whatever possibilities that might hinder your being at your most comfortable state. Using a translator during Q and A would be the best option,” Quiambao said on "Headstart" on ANC last Friday. (abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Jimena Navarrete on winning Miss Universe: I really was shocked. It’s like a big feeling, you know? You’re thinking about a thousand things at once, and I was very excited (pr.com).
Buzz: Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Venus Raj interviewed by Miss Universe 1994 Finalist, TV host & Actress Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach on The Buzz:
Buzz: Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete reads Top 10 List on David Letterman:
Buzz: Miss Universe Botswana director Safie Sekgwa said although Ramasedi did not reach the final stages, she represented Botswana with distinction. He said Ramasedi's loss was due to circumstances beyond their control. "She was the best in answering questions and was even better than most of the finalists," he said. (mmegi.bw)
Americans sad by the elimination of Miss Rima Fakih: Many Filipinos were left cursing their stars when their contestant failed to correctly answer a simple question that could have sent the crown to them. The Americans were equally unlucky and many of them were stunned when their contestant couldn’t even make the semi final stage (ifreshnews.com).Buzz: Miss Universe 2010 Telecast topped the daytime race last Tuesday, August 24 in the Philippines. (AGB Nielsen)
Buzz: Who among them did she consider her toughest competitors? Venus Raj said: "Definitely Ms. Venezuela, Ms. Dominican Republic," But the two candidates both failed to enter the Top 15. (Pep)
Buzz: The official final film of Miss Universe 2010 from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.
Miriam on Venus' challenging question: Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao said the question thrown at Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj was really hard. During the Q & A portion, Raj was asked what her biggest mistake in life was and what she did to deal with it. “Even the smartest [person] has a challenge in answering that kind of question. Because being in front of a public, it's very challenging to admit a mistake that you’ve made,” said Quiambao. However, she said that if posed with a personal question like Raj’s, she was advised to answer it as honestly as possible without having to bare one’s whole soul. (abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Good Reviews on Bianca Manalo's stint in "Magkaribal": Edmund suggested that two other scene-stealing characters deserve more exposure: Gigi, the loyal friend and conscience of Bea’s and Enchong’s characters, played effortlessly by Bianca Manalo, 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe.. Bianca, as the sweet and alluring Gigi, is a natural. Watching her deliver her punches always sends a big laugh. She may be naive, but she’s a lot smarter than Rufa Mae Quinto’s Booba (Philstar).Hooray: Mexican President Felipe Calderon issued a statement to congratulate his country’s pageant winner, which reads, “Her triumph is a source of pride and satisfaction for all Mexicans, who see in her the fruits of perseverance.” (thecelebritycafe.com)
You Tube Sensation: We Love You Maria Venus Raj 22 Philippines:
Buzz: “She was favored to win, expertly negotiating platform heels and a bikini. Then came the question. That question stopped her in her stilettos,” ABC News’ Sharyn Alfonsi said in her report. “No answer, no crown.” (abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez on Venus: Melanie Marquez said she knows exactly how Raj feels given that she went through the same when she flubbed her answer during the 1979 Binibining Pilipinas tilt.
Recall that when pageant host Eddie Mercado asked what part of her body she wanted to change and why, Marquez confidently answered: “I like everything about me. I won’t change my legs, because I am contented with my long legged. Marquez defended herself saying, “Minimal lang naman ‘yon. Nasagot ko [ang tanong] pero dapat pala, ‘legs.’” (Manila Bulletin)Buzz: Jimena Navarrete on winning Miss Universe 2010: “I’m very proud to be representing my country and it’s a big honor for me." (thecelebritycafe.com)
Buzz: Raj recalled her fond memories during the finals. “When only one spot left, what goes on in my mind is that the last name will be either Miss USA Rima Fakih or Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson. My name was called at lalong naging maingay yung Mandalay Center. I told myself, this is it! Start na ito. Miss Indonesia, Miss Japan and Miss Korea, they all hugged me and congratulated me. They’re happy for me."(Manila Bulletin)
Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman on her "major" mistakes: Such a simple question, but most of the time, the simplest questions are the hardest to answer. If you ask me what major mistake I have committed in my life, I wouldn’t have a specific answer for you. It’s not something I am comfortable to share, but I can tell you that that mistake, I could not correct it because what’s been done, has been done. But it has made me smarter, stronger and the very reason why I am where I am now and why I am with the people I am with now.”
Miss Universe 1999 1st Runner up Miriam Quiambao on internet craze in beauty pageants: “The internet craze was just starting during my time and we were fortunate to have had the chance to chat with fans from all over the world. I wasn't aware of such a poll, or my standing during my time. I was too caught up in the activities that it never came to me until I fell and rose onstage at pre-pageant night. It's great, though, that as technology progresses, more and more Pinoys can now express their support online. I was also able to vote for her on the Miss U website and invited my Twitter followers to do the same.”
Former Miss Universe walks the catwalk in Sydney: Former Miss Universe Australian Jennifer Hawkins, presents a creation for Myer during the Sydney Fashion Festival at Sydney Town Hall Aug. 24, 2010. (REUTERS)
"Politics" at Miss Universe: Kiwi's manager: Miss Universe New Zealand's manager has hinted there were other forces at play that stopped Ria van Dyke from going further in the Miss Universe final. Speaking on TV ONE's Breakfast programme, Susan Rogers-Allan said there were "politics" in the contest, but wouldn't go into detail. "We would love to talk to you about it when we get home. But we're really happy that she didn't get any further than she did, that's all I'm going to say to you right now," Rogers-Allan told Pippa Wetzell (TVNZ).
Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran-Floriendo on Venus: “Being number five out of 80 [contestants] is an achievement in itself. It is a time for celebration. And we need it.” (Manila Bulletin)
Miss Universe 2010 Jimena Navarrete on her red gown: "I chose a red dress because this year Mexico is celebrating 200 years of independence and this color has a lot of meaning"
