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For the first time in 26 years, former Miss Venezuela Minorka Mercado posted photos of her homecoming after her 2nd runner-up finish at the 1994 Miss Universe beauty pageant held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on May 21. Mercado, now a mom, radio host and health coach, shared the photos on Instagram July 31. Her caption read: "My beautiful people, I don't think you have seen these photos and today I wanted to share them with all of you; "These pictures were taken during the reception that Venevision hosted for me on Sabado Sensacional (show viewed internationally throughout Latin America and USA) when I returned from the Miss Universe of 1994 in the Philippines; "I am next to Mr. Gilberto Correa (beloved and respected host of the program), and I was wearing my beautiful, elegant and super comfortable Liki Liki National Costume that I wore at the MU; "It was a very nice tribute, full of many happy memories and unforgettable momen...

Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is one of female celebrities who accepted the challenge of posting a black-and-white photo of oneself. She accepted, hoping she could help empower and support all innocent beautiful women. "Challenge accepted. Be the woman who fixes others crown without telling the world it was crooked," said Wurtzbach on Instagram. Wurtzbach shared to her fans about the little research she did about the latest trend on social media. "I’ve been told that the real meaning behind this movement is more somber than it may seem; "This challenge originated in Turkey in order to raise awareness about the high rates of femicide in the country; "Turkish people wake up every day to see a b&w photo of a woman who has been murdered on their IG feed, on their newspapers, on their TV; "Then this b&w photo challenge started as a way for women to raise their voice. To stand in solidarity with the women we have lost. To show that one day, it could...

In defending former Miss Universe Catriona Gray from false accusations, actor-singer Sam Milby vowed to do everything in his power to protect the beauty queen. Milby made the promise to Gray on Instagram July 19, just one day after the camp of Gray sought the help of authorities to arrest the suspects behind those who spread online the fake topless photo. "I will always be here for her and will do everything in my power to protect her," said Milby. On July 18, Milby and Gray launched a music video of "We're In This Together" which aims to raise funds for Young Focus, an organization helping the poor children of Tondo, Manila.  This is the first time that the sweethearts performed together in a music video. As of July 19, the music video is currently at No. 4 on trending videos worldwide. Milby's full post on IG:

A lawyer for former Miss Universe Catriona Gray said on Saturday that she is coordinating with authorities for the arrest of people who spread online an alleged topless photo of the beauty queen. "We are actively coordinating with authorities to hold accountable whoever is behind this scheme and face penal sanctions accordingly. We will likewise take legal action against those involved in the manufacture and publication of said photo," said lawyer Joji Alonso, legal counsel for Gray, in a statement issued to the media on Saturday, July 18. Alonso said that it has come to her attention than alleged topless photo of Gray has been spreading online and a certain tabloid will be releasing it. "We want to inform the public that the photo is fake and digitally altered," she said. "We strongly denounce this vicious attempt to tarnish the good name of Ms. Gray." The fake photo circulated at the time when Gray premiered a music video "We're In This Together...

Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray premiered on Saturday, July 18, a new version of her song "We're In This Together" via a music video which aims to raise funds for the education of young people of Tondo, Manila. Joining Gray in the video is her boyfriend actor Sam Milby who played the guitar in the "stripped version" of the song which was released under Cornerstone Music. "All streams and digital download proceeds go towards the Young Focus Philippines' (@youngfocusph) 'Quality Education for All' campaign which aims to raise Php1Million to kickstart an online education program for the students of Young Focus amidst the challenges of the CoVid19 pandemic," said Gray on Instagram. Gray invited her fans to visit http://www.youngfocus.org/education and donate directly to Young Focus Org, visit http://www.youngfocus.org/get-involved/ 💙. On its website, Young Focus said it needs books and computers for the children. "Young Focus is prepar...

Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach has said she is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community who will stand for their rights and their advocacies. "This #PrideMonth, we stand for the rights and advocacies of the LGBTQIA+ community. Being an ally is someone who gives a sense of a safe and affirming space for our loving community... Let's provide higher platforms for community members to openly discuss issues and concerns that affect us," said Wurtzbach on Instagram June 26. Wurtzbach also encouraged everyone to accept one another and understand each other's points of view. "Mas masaya pag tanggap natin ng buo ang isa't isa. ❤ Learning is always a two-way process.. we listen as we understand each other's points of view," she said. "Here we can discuss our differences and remind ourselves that we are together on this journey, and achieve our shared goals for equality.". "I know we may differ in opinions today.. but our constant discourse will mak...

Ms. Stella Marquez Araneta, chair of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), has announced that Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will conduct e-training sessions for the candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2020. Gray will be joined by Binibining Pilipinas - Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves to teach the 2020 candidates how to stand out and win in a beauty pageant. “We are delighted that Catriona and Nicole will provide online training and pageant prep classes to help this year's batch of 40 candidates and give each of them a winning chance,” said Ms. Araneta. “Being in a beauty pageant competition requires a lot of preparation and hard work. You have to be confident about yourself, your poise, and personality regardless of the way others see you. Therefore, it is important to be fully prepared and fully trained”. Stage presence and the physical attributes of the contestants are very important. But the interview portion is equally important, that you demonstrate talent, in...

2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray smiles and even laughs during an interview in Manila. 'It's the first time I was asked those questions,' says the beaming Catriona.  For more of Catriona and other celebrities, visit Pop News Philippines at robertrequintina.blogspot.com.

Just one hour after actor Sam Milby posted a photo of him and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray on Instagram on May 23, the Filipino musician hinted about his relationship with the international beauty queen. Sam posted more photos of him and the beauty queen - this time on his Twitter account. "Yup, I'm the mystery guy," said Sam in his photo caption on Twitter. Earlier the same day, Sam initially posted a photo of him and the beauty queen in an intimate moment. The Kapamilya hunk is celebrating his 36th birth anniversary today, May 23. "Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet," read Sam's caption on IG. Catriona has yet to react on the images uploaded by Sam on social media. - Robert Requintina

It's possibly love between former Miss Universe Catriona Gray and Filipino-American actor Sam Milby in the time of COVID-19. If the Instagram photo would be the basis, then Sam and Catriona Gray could be playing sweet music together. Sam's latest Instagram photo on May 23 showed him and the beauty queen sharing an intimate moment. "Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet," said Sam's IG caption. In one hour, the IG post has already received more than 109,000 likes. Sam turns 36 years old today, May 23. Musician Paolo Valenciano commented: “I don't think that you even realize the joy you make me feel when I'm inside your universe” - RB" Actress KC Concepcion said: "Finally." Another well-wisher simply congratulated Sam and Catriona. It would be recalled that the first sighting of Sam and Catriona together happened in December 2018 when the actor visited the beauty queen during her almost secret holiday vacation somewhere in ...

2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray is taking advantage of the month-long "vacation" by writing her first book. "Using this time to write my #ConqueringYourUniverseBook! 🌌 So excited for you all to gain a deeper insight to my journey thus far!" said Gray on Instagram. Inspiring Queen Cat to finish her debut book is her dog Theo. "Bring your dog to work day...or wait. Is it bring your work to your dog? I have officially added hooman bed for doggo to my job title." In December 2019, Gray announced on IG that she would be writing a book titled "Conquering Your Universe." "Its about conquering yourself, conquering others and conquering for a purpose to conquer your dreams. Kiliiiiiig. I'm gonna be an author," the beauty queen said. - Robert Requintina

2015 Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is keeping herself fit by working out at home with the aid of a mobile app. "There are so many ways to get a good workout in while staying at home. Shoutout to my trainer @gymbassy who trains me through an app. And I've been doing this for years now," said Wurtzbach on Instagram. The beauty queen said that she could not go out these days due to the threats of coronavirus so she, works out at home. "Hope you’re all staying home and making the most out of your time. 💙 I try to squeeze in a workout everyday (if time permits) and I love a good sweat! Working out can help you think clearer, gets you in a better mood, and helps build your immune system," she said. Wurtzbach has just arrived from Indonesia and Brazil where she shot her latest magazine cover. She also paid tribute to all the volunteers during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon as a result of the COVID-19 breakout. On Instagram, Wurtz...

Never in her wildest dreams that former Miss Universe 2013 third runner Ara Arida would someday appear in the movies. "Hindi ko akalain na magkakaroon talaga ako ng movie. Lately lahat ng mga nangyayari sa career ko unexpected," said Ara during the press conference for the film "Coming Home" held at Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City recently. Ara, 31, thanked former Senator Jinggoy Estrada for inviting her to join the film which is expected to be shown in July. "Thank U Senator Jinggoy dahil nakapasa ako sa taste mo, hahahaha! I will really do my best," the beauty queen said. Asked if there were kissing scenes, Ara joked and said: "Love scenes nga eh. Kung ano iyung sabihin ni Direk, gagawin natin." In the movie, Ara plays a mistress to Jinggoy whose original wife in the film is portrayed by award-winning actress Sylvia Sanchez. Ara said that she could never relate to the role of a mistress (because she was never a mistress ...

SINGAPORE - Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has her image immortalized in Madame Tussauds Singapore. Catriona's wax figure will wear a replica of the iconic lava gown, inspired by Albay's Mayon Volcano, specially designed by Mak Tumang, which she wore when she won the 2018 Miss Universe tile. "I am so excited to see the final figure and be a part of this special event! To unveil the figure in my home country with my fans watching is another dream come true," said Catriona on her Instagram. "The Philippines market continues to be one of our strongest markets and has been very important to our attractions in Asia and we had seen an increase of travellers to Madame Tussauds in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. We believe that by having Catriona's wax figure, it will definitely be a huge draw and create the platform for her fans to get up-close with her in 2020. Her figure will be in Madame Tussauds Singapore for a limited period of time. Thereafter, h...

The new Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) organization and Smart Communications, Inc. have donated more than P1.6 million to two charitable institutions that would help children with untreated clefts in developing countries, and help poor kids fund their education. MUP National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee led the handing over of checks to Smile Train and Hope for Change organizations during the finals of Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 competition held at Okada Manila in Paranaque City last Dec. 13. The MUP, also in collaboration with Frontrow Philippines, donated US$16,500, roughly more than P800,000 each to the two charitable institutions. Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. “Millions of children in developing countries with untreated clefts live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing and speaking,” the group said. The Hope for Change helps u...

Will Catriona Gray sign up for WME/IMG talent agency after her stint in Miss Universe on December 8? "I still don't know eh," said Gray, during an exciting meet-and-greet event at the new Jollibee Level Up Joy Stores in Katipunan, Quezon City. The MWE/IMG talent agency is the owner of the Miss Universe pageant. It also owns Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contests. In 2016, Pia Wurtzbach also of the Philippines, signed up for the talent agency after she relinquished her crown. Now that she's ready to pass on her crown, what will she miss most about New York? Here's 5 for Catriona: 1) What will you miss most about being Miss Universe? - "Living in New York. Calling New York my home is what I will definitely miss." 2) How do you fight boredom in New York? - "There's so many thing to do in New York you won't get bored." 3) Tell us the first time you tasted Jollibee products - "I think I was 5 years old. I remember my fa...

One month before she passes her crown, reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray made another stop to Manila as she bared her plans and goals after her stint in the most prestigious beauty pageant. "You'll gonna see me more here. But of course, I wanna pursue international opportunities and international cause work. Music is also my passion," said Gray during an exclusive interview when she visited the first Jollibee Level Up Joy Stores in Katipunan, Quezon City last Nov. 8. Gray described the new popular food-chain branch as "super cool." She said: "It's beautiful, it's colorful. It represents everything that's fun and iconic about Jollibee." And her favorite Jollibee brand? It's Jolly Spaghetti. "I remember eating Jolly Spaghetti when I was a child. It's so sweet and delicious." During her Jollibee visit, Gray ate one-piece chicken meal with rice and cookies 'n cream sundae. She also partied with some of the c...

Reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray got mixed emotions during her final photoshoot for the Miss Universe Organization last Monday, November 4. "Feeling a mix of emotions shooting my final photoshoot for @missuniverse today! So excited for you all to see it!!" said Gray on Instagram. Gray will crown her successor at the event of the 2019 Miss Universe beauty pageant which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on Dec. 8 (Dec. 9 Manila time). Filipino personalities and netizens thanked the Filipino-Australian beauty queen for a job well done as the 67th Miss Universe. "You raised our flag high Queen Cat! You did us proud! The next MU will have huge shoes to fill. Mabuhay ka!" said Mrs. Eco International 2019 Sheila DeForest in the comments section of Gray's IG. "Too fast!" posted television personality Tim Yap. "Nooo, you cant go yet. You're the best MU ever," shared kmdsalazar. Ninety-two contestants from around the wo...

Former beauty queen-turned-businesswoman Shamcey Supsup-Lee has said that she misses showbiz life although she has accepted the fact that acting is not really for her. "I still do a lot of hosting which is my form of relaxation, and anything about pageants. And then I do inspirational and personality development talks. Hindi ko talaga ma-imagine ang sarili  ko na mag focus sa acting," said Shamcey, during the launch of "Biyaheng Busog" delivery service app in Mandaluyong City October 3. It also coincided with the birthday celebration and Child's Dedication of her son Nathan. Shamcey and her husband Lloyd Lee have ventured into food and restaurant business. Married for six years now, the couple have two children. "It's my first time to venture into food and restaurant business. Mahirap na masaya. Mahirap dahil it takes so much of your time. Pero masaya because of the fulfillment of getting something out of nothing," the 33-year-old beauty ...