POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

Gabriela, a non-government organization for women, has described Miss Universe Catriona Gray a brave person for making a stand on national issues. "We commend her boldness for being brave in expressing her views, for example what we all don't want which is the criminalization of children and we welcome her views on the proposed measure to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old," said Joms Salvador, Secretary-General of Gabriela, during an exclusive interview at the Pandesal Forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on February 28. Just like Gray, Salvador said that Gabriela is opposed to the proposed measure to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old. "Rehabilitation not criminalization. We know that sometimes pageant winners are constrained by their handlers in the industry. But Catriona was brave enough to give opinion and show her stand on the issue," said Salvador. Earlier, Gray said:

Miss International 2017 3rd runner-up Amber Dew from Australia has arrived in the Philippines to join a local tourism campaign that will take her to the Gigantes Islands, also known as Islas de Gigantes or the islands of giants, in northeastern Iloilo and other parts of the country. During the launch held at the Diana Stalder Cafe at Basement 2 of Gateway in Quezon City recently, Dew said that she is excited to be part of the tourism campaign for the Philippines. "I am so excited to be part of this tourism campaign. You may not know it but I have so many Filipino friends and they have been telling me so much about the popular attractions here in your country," Dew said. Dew's Philippine tour is made possible by Gigantes Island Tour and Services, Wazzup Pilipinas, a lifestyle website; and the Department of Tourism. According to exploreiloilo.com, the Gigantes Islands are blessed with pristine white sand beaches, bountiful fresh seafood, and jagged rock formatio

Meet a new face in pageant world. She's none other Resham Ramirez Saeed, a morena beauty with Filipino and Pakistani decent. This 25-year-old young will represent Maguindanao when she joins the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 beauty pageant in June. Born in the Philippines, Saeed has fierce features that balance well with her witty and bubbly personality. The future beauty queen was raised in six different countries until she decided to return to the Philippines to reconnect with her roots. Saeed visits the Philippines every other year but she realizes that her core strength lies in being a Filipina. Determination and passionate in being a beauty queen, Saeed hopes that everyone will get the chance to know her more when he joins the pageant world. - ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sen. Cynthia Villar has expressed concern over the apparent decreasing fish stocks through the years in the face of various challenges, including wide-scale illegal fishing and ocean pollution from the indiscriminate dumping of plastics. Villar, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, noted that from 70 percent wild catch and 30 percent aquaculture, fish stocks are now sourced 50 percent from the wild and 50 percent from aquaculture and by 2022 it will 70 percent aquaculture, 30 percent wild catch and by 2050 it will 100 percent aquaculture. To address this, Villar said she will continue to promote inland aquaculture, which is increasingly being taught in farm schools nowadays. “The prediction by UN FAO is by 2050, baka maging zero na ang ocean produce at puro aquaculture nalang. Kaya inaalagaan natin ang ating karagatan against pollution, especially plastic pollution, at illegal fishing, at saka pino-promote din natin ang aquaculture para hindi naman mangyari ang pre

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) finally put an end to speculations that the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) franchise has been awarded to the group of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson. In an official statement, the MUO said that it will continue working with the Araneta Group on Binibining Pilipinas. The full statement: “The Miss Universe Organization has had a very successful, decades long relationship with Stella and Jorge Araneta and Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. Stella is an icon in the pageant community and under her guidance, many young women have proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage, in addition to four amazing Filipinas who have gone on to bring home the Miss Universe crown; ''Through the country’s pageant system and its leadership, young women who have participated in Binibining Pilipinas have been afforded the opportunity to be the best they can be and lead “confidently beautiful” lives. ''In recent years, T

Miss Universe Catriona Gray confirmed on February 23 that she and her boyfriend Clint Bondad are no longer in a relationship. "Hindi na po (not anymore)," said Gray when Abunda asked Gray if she and Bondad were still in a relationship, during a guest appearance in "Tonight With Boy Abunda" on ABS CBN. Gray said: "Kasi we were having problems even before the pageant. We weren't on speaking terms so much." Despite the fallout, Gray said that Bondad still watched the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2018. "He did. But it was really hard going to the competition with that happening all at the same time. But I had to keep reminding myself this is a once in a lifetime opportunity I need t give my best of why am I here. I wanna represent the Philippines well. So it was a struggle you know but  I see him doing so well now," Gray said. "I don't want to talk about it that much because I'm private and

Broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas announced on Instagram on February 22 the arrival of her baby boy and baby girl to the family. The boy, weighing 5.4 lbs., was named Pepe, and the girl, born one hour after Pepe, weighed 4.10 lbs. and was named Pilar, according to an exclusive online interview of Philippine Star Entertainment Editor Ricky Lo. Days before she broke the big reveal, Korina wrote on Instagram: "I think if you believe hard enough, the miracle you most want can come true. Announcing the arrival of our little boy and little girl. We're thinking of names. Any suggestions? Jack and Jill? Sonny and Cher? MariKor and KoriMar? Daniel and Kathryn? Did you ever think it could still happen for me? I never stopped believing." Few days ago, netizens speculated that Korina and her husband Senator Mar Roxas were having a baby when they went to the US few days ago. In another post, Korina said: "Hey guys! Wow, thanks so so much for the overwhelming response t

A 10-year-old girl from Meycauayan, Bulacan who has already won 27 trophies in various pageant and modelling competitions will represent the Philippines in the pre-teen category of the inaugural World's Star Model Search 2019 which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand. Denise Irish Repulleza, 4th grade student of Genesis Integrated Science Academy, said that she has been joining pageant and modelling search since she was 7 years old with the full support of her parents Jayla and stepfather Juan Benjamin Griffith who is based in New York. Wearing her 4-inch high-heeled gladiator shoes, Denise met select members of the pageant press at Gateway Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City and shared her dreams and preparations for her first international beauty contest which will be held on April 22-29. "I enjoy modelling and beauty pageants. Aside from beauty contests, someday I would also like to become a lawyer or veterinarian," said Denise who has adopted several cats and

A successful businesswoman engaged in agriculture and advocates dress for success will represent the Philippines in the inaugural Mrs. Global Universe 2019 pageant which will be held in Singapore on February 24. "The mission of my advocacy 'Dress for Success' is to empower women to achieve economic independence and encourage them to strive and work harder in life. It's similar to John Robert Powers modelling school," said Irene Montemayor during a press send-off held in Taguig City last Feb. 16. Irene earned the right to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Gobal Universe pageant after she won in the Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific 2019 contest organized  by Mitzie Go Gil. A former fashion stylist, Irene is married to businessman Carlos Montemayor for 15 years now. They have four children. She stands 5'6, loves scuba diving, travel, fitness and goes to the gym regularly. Irene is a graduate of Legal Management at the University of Santo Tomas and

Sen. Cynthia Villar has pledged support for the silk industry in La Union Province. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed the need to support the industry given the shortage in the supply of native fabric in the country. The Nacionalista Party Senator also noted that there are wide areas cultivating mulberry leaf in La Union, which is the exclusive food for silkworms. These silkworms produce cocoons that yield fine silk for producing fabric of very good quality. If re-elected to another term in the Senate, Villar said she intends to boost the silk industry in the province. “Alam nyo nakakalungkot po na ang ating mga native fabric ay kulang na kulang, kaya makakaasa ang ating mga taga-La Union na susuportahan natin ang kanilang silk fabric industry, kasi luma na yata ang kanilang mga makina, pero nabigyan na natin yan ng pondo, recently, para mag improve pa,” Villar said. Silkworm production, aside from being a potent income-generating acti

Ahead of the 13th Mister International pageant, 38 contestants from around the world participated in the National Costume held at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last February 17. During the show, the contestants showcased their outfits inspired by their nation's unique culture. Each walk was also accompanied by explanations of what their costumes were meant to represent. At the end of the show, the top 10 contenders for Best In National Costume award of the 13th Mister International pageant were announced. Richard Montoya, Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation (PEPPS) director for legal affairs, announced that the 10 finalists for Best in National Costume are: Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Korea, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Peru, Nicaragua, and Philippines. Montoya said that the winner of the special award will be announced during the finals of the 13th Mister International competition at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia Compound in Pasay City on

The winners of World's Best Models Philippines 2019 were proclaimed during a catwalk showdown of 26 young aspirants held at a hotel in Makati City recently.          Wilson Yalung and Yumi Fernandez were proclaimed top winners of World’s Best Models Philippines 2019 while Mark Valencia and Jana Riva were named World’s Best Models Travel Ambassadors 2019.                First runner-up honors went to Majed Saleh and Sandra Liwanag while Vic Alvaran III and Shine Solis were 2nd runner-up.         Winners of the contest will compete in international modeling competitions. Produced by Prowess Supremacy Production, Incorporated (PSPI) and Budget Journey Travel, Inc., this unique modelling competition with the noble advocacy of giving importance to the indigenous people, the tillers and the weavers who produce the main crops used in textile materials, the very reason why there is a fashion industry.        The contest also focuses on the farm to fashion concept, meaning h

If re-elected, Sen. Cynthia Villar vowed to prioritize again the enactment of a law that will finally allow 3.5 million coconut farmers and their beneficiaries to directly benefit from the P100 billion coconut levy fund. In a recent visit to Laguna, a coconut-producing province, Villar said she is saddened that President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed Senate Bill 1233 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Act, but said she trusts the president’s action and expressed willingness to work with him to improve the bill. “Huwag po kayong malungkot.  Makakaasa ang mga coconut farmers na as soon as I go back to Congress in July, we will refile the bill,” Villar said. “Sisiguraduhin na natin na papasa ito at pipirmahan ng president. Made-delay lang ng one year but we will do it,” she added. Villar also enumerated the merits of the bill which will create the coconut levy trust fund and will provide P5 billion a year for the next 25 years for programs that will directly benefit the coconut farm

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. led by its chair Stella Marquez Araneta feted newly crowned Miss Intercontinental Karen Gallman after she won the international crown which has been elusive for the Philippines for 47 years. Gallman's victory now joins the league of Filipino beauty queens for the longest gap of winning an international pageant crown. Aside from the Miss Intercontinental title, it took 42 year for the Philippines to capture the Miss Universe title the third time after Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won in 2015. Megan Lynne Young won the Miss World crown for Philippines after 61 years in 2013. "To my Binibining Pilipinas family, thank you everyone for the love and support that you poured out for me. And to my supporters , I love you guys and I really appreciate all that you have done for me. I love you all," said Gallman during an exclusive interview at Thanksgiving Dinner at Bahay Na Puti (White House) mansion in Cubao, Quezon City recently. THAN

A psychologist from Hong Kong was crowned Miss Global 2018 during a pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City which started Monday night (February 17) and ended early Tuesday morning (February 18). Sophia Ng bested more than 40 candidates in the international pageant that caters to single mothers and single women. She was crowned by Barbara Vitorelli from Brazil who relinquished her title. Ng is the former winner of Miss Asian America 2018 beauty pageant. She has a passion to help children with depression. The beauty queen from Hong Kong also said that it was a last-minute decision for her run in the Miss Global contest.  She added that she will not pursue other pageants such as Miss Chinatown or Miss America because there's so much preparation for these prestigious beauty contests. Other winners were: Miss Canada Amber Bernachi, 1st runner-up;  Miss Uzbekistan Tamila Khodjaeva, 2nd runner-up;  Miss Haiti Seydina Allen,

Sen. Cynthia Villar's bid for reelection was endorsed by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte during the campaign kickoff of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino- Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Villar was endorsed as a guest candidate of PDP-LABAN along with fellow Nacionalista Party members Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, and former senator now Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano. "I am both humbled and honored to have the endorsement of a very popular president," Villar said. Duterte cited Villar's long years in public service and her character as a dedicated public servant. "I look forward to continue working with him in instituting reforms, especially in making the agriculture sector profitable and competitive for our farmers and fisherfolks," Villar said. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, is seeking her second term as senator on a platform of providin

Are you ready to get busy with animation? Summer is just around the corner and it simply means vacation for many students. And what a better way to spend those hot and exciting days than to indulge in worthwhile activities and learn something new in sports, entertainment, music or animation. Yes! You read it right! Animation! If you are into Japanese and Western style animation and beyond, then Takeone Animation Studio is the animation studio for you! Located at Unit 6C Monzon Street, Vista Verde Executive Village, Phase 9A in Cainta, Rizal, Takeone Animation Studio has been in the industry for 18 years now and continues to provide services to animation production companies, advertising agencies, and other clients for animated films, animated TV series, TV commercials, corporate and other audio-visual presentations.    Eric Tansingco (2nd from right), proprietor/manager of Takeone Animation Studio. “We have been a sub-contractor of Japanese animation company in the Phili

Saying more Filipinos should be able to afford healthy and safe organic products, Sen. Cynthia Villar urged her colleagues in the Senate to pass the bill that will provide for a more affordable system of organic certification. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, sponsored Senate Bill No. 2203 under Committee Report No. 625, which amends Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. The Organic Agriculture Act requires the certification of organic farms of small farmers by a third-party certifier to facilitate labeling and marketing of products to markets. However, farmers find the cost of third party certification with the tag price ranging from P42,000 to 150,000 per crop, valid for only one year, to be exorbitant.  “The high cost of certification creates a very big barrier for small farmers to overcome preventing them to participate, which ultimately hurts the growth and development of the organic movement,” Villar said. 1 7TH FI

There's big money in real estate! Take it from PR Diamonds Realty Philippines President Dante Salamat who encourages pageant titleholders and models to venture into real estate after their reign for bigger opportunities. “Aside from being famous in modelling, I would like to give them the opportunity to earn in real estate as real estate practitioners being young and also millennials,” said Salamat, also a popular motivational speaker, during an interview recently. Salamat said: “It is also a lifetime career for this generation aside from modelling. Time comes our looks change. Our beauty fades and we are replaced by younger generations.” “But a long-time career given to them, I will train them and offer an opportunity how to earn a big income in real estate.” said Salamat, as he partners with Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS) under Carlo Morris Galang, which organizes the annual Misters of Filipinas contest. Salamat also said that he

All is set for the staging of 13th Mister International pageant in the Philippines from Feb. 18-24, organizers announced last February 5. The prestigious male competition was supposed to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in the US. But due to time constraints, it will be held again in the Philippines second time around. Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation (PEPPS) President Carlo Morris Galang said that more than 40 candidates will arrive in Manila starting February 14. Then they will travel around Metro Manila and Northern Philippines to explore the most exciting places in the country. PRESS SEND-OFF - Reigning Mister International Philippines Mark Kevin Baloaloa (left) poses with Carlo Morris Galang, President of Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation (PEPPS), during a press send-off  for the 13th Mister International competition, held at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle in Manila. "PEPPS Foundation is honored in bringing back Mister International in