Peaches Oblena takes the helm at Mr. Universe Tourism 2018
Socialite and philanthropist Peaches M. Oblena-Nasser has been appointed chairperson of the Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 contest as she promised to come up with the best production in this year's male pageant.
Nasser is the president of the Legacy Group of Companies and Inner Wheel Club Philippines International.
"Our theme for the Mr. Universe pageant will be fiesta since the Philippines is known for festivals. I told Gerald (Ortiz) that it's going to be full of banderitas outside the venue. There will be full force of fiesta theme," said Nasser during an interview at Kowloon House in Quezon City.
She added: "Kung maganda 'yung production last year, this year is going to be the best production."
Coinciding with Nasser's appointment was the crowning of Mr, Universe Tourism 2018 Ambassador Landjeet Karam.
Nasser narrated how she became connected with the Mr. Universe Tourism contest.
"Kasi napaka-simple kong tao, busy ako sa mga negosyo. Under the Legacy Group of Companies, there are nine in the Philippines and we have three abroad;
"Ewan ko kung bakit napapayag n'ya (Gerald) ako. Actually, sinabi n'ya nun Ate Peaches baka gusto mong magsponsor ng tourist bus for the candidates of Mr. Tourism Universe for five days;
"So sabi ko sure sige. And then hanggang dumami ng dumami na yung sponsorship ko. Parang sobrang gaan yung loob namin sa isa't isa. Sabi nga nya, parang biological sister na nya ako. So ganun din yung turing ko sa kanya;
"Nagtatalo kami, nag-iiyakan kami. So yun, kung saan saan na nya ako pinapasok. Hanggang sa napunta na ako rito sa Mr. Universe Tourism," Nasser said.
The businesswoman said that her first stint with the pageant happened when she was chosen to join the judges' table.
"Meron lang akong kwento. Sabi nya magja-judge ka sa question-and-answer and national costume. Hanggang kinabukasan swimwear na! So I was the only lady sa judges' table. Nakakatingin lang ako mula sa waist up lang;
"Hindi ko maibaba yung mata ko kasi hindi ako sanay sa mga ganun. I mean babaeng bakla ako. Really, to be honest. Wala akong masyadong friends na girls Gusto ko laging kasama mga bading kasi masaya. Parang nakakawala ng stress," Nasser said.
Nasser also remembered how she ended up giving US$200 dollars to all the candidates in the inaugural male pageant.
"Actually it started when I invited the candidates to visit my salon and spa. So we prepared lunch for them at the Captain's Legacy Bar and Restaurant;
"Everybody was doing their thing in the spa. May nagpapa foot spa, everything. Nagusap kami, 'Brother, anung premyo ng winners?';
"Parang hindi ako na-satisfied kasi parang nakakahiya. Dumayo-dayo pa sila ng Pilipinas wala naman pala;
"Ganun pala sa pageant, pag umuwi ka ng luhaan, as in nothing! Sabi ko 'brother parang gusto sko ilang bigyan nag tig P10,000. Ayaw n'ya pumayag;
"No! No! No! Keep it! sabi n'ya (Gerard). Sabi ko hindi, magbibigay ako! E wala pala akong peso, dollars meron ako;
"It was an instant decision. Naghanap ako sa cabinet. Sabi ko sa kasama ko nasaan yung mga red envelopes? Binili ko pa yun sa Hong Kong. Ang ganda ng envelopes! Ayun! Biglaan lang po. Ngayon siguro wala na!" said Nasser.
Lotty Nayo, owner, CIC Travel Services Inc.; Joselito "Deo" Pamolan, President, JFP Metro Pacific Realty; Rizalito Ong, bank executive, Metrobank; Tom Molina, TV and events director; Dr. Jumel V. Bornilla, medical director, Immunoboosters – The Medical Clinic; Manuel L. Genabe III; businesswoman Anuel L. Genabe III, managing director, Immunoboosters – The Medical Clinic; and Jane Molina, President, Bellanue Skin Care Clinic. - ROBERT REQUINTINA
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