Stunning new decade: Miss Universe 2010

SEE PART 1

After the gruesome and nerve-wracking announcement, this is crucial for all candidates as they realized mixed emotions: some were defeated and the others tasted a sneak of winning; but the contest was just starting. The girls then went backstage and started to prepare for another exciting part of the evening: the swimsuit competition.

Reigning Miss Universe. Stefania Fernandez won as Miss Universe 2009 staged in the exotic islands of the Bahamas. All her achievements within her reign underscored the AIDS awareness cause of Miss Universe along with her numerous travels all over the world.

The judges. Before the competition started that evening, hosts Natalie Morales and Brett Michaels introduced the judges one by one:

They are: Nikki Taylor (international supermodel), William Baldwin (actor-producer), Chynna Phillips (singer-songwriter), Evan Lysacek (Olympic champion), Tamron Hall (NBC anchor), Chazz Palminteri (Oscar nominee), Jane Seymour (Golden Globe and Emmy winner), Criss Angel (master illusionist), and Sheila E. (queen of percussion).

Swimsuit competition. The ever-stunning swimsuit competition was accompanied by the stars of "Viva Elvis" by Cirque du Soleil - a perfect soundtrack for this year's swimsuit parade. The candidates wore swimwear of Dar be Dar by Tala Raasi and footwear by Nina. They look great in lavender bikinis ornamented with silver designs. The average combined scores were shown to home viewers.

Puerto Rico sported a wave-curly hair. Her catty look and flirty moves created sexy ambiance on stage. This excellent move scored 8.443 and not bad for a start.

A pretty face combined with a nice body, that is Ukraine. Although she failed to create a little play with her silver robe, she managed to mesmerize the audience. Those tiny efforts scored 8.333.

Even if she looked small onstage, Mexico exuded her sweetness all throughout the swimsuit parade. Her shoulders played a big part for a successful catwalk. The 9.265 score is really sweet for her.

Quite pale performance for Belgium. The strokes of her hips seem slow and less energetic. The judges might came boring with her to score 7.571 in average.

Stunning, that is the word for Ireland. She knew what she had to do onstage while wearing a swimsuit plus high heels while carrying a silver cloth. A great projection deserve a high score, more than 8.784.

Not that whistle-blowing and a little stunner, South Africa's posture probably saved her in the competition. She looked good in a swimsuit yet not of her best. Well, she deserve the judges' 8.229 for an average score.

Just too fast for France. A short runway might be not suited for her. Great hair, pretty face but speedy walk. Running the runway ended with 7.586 for the judges.

Ending the first half of the swimsuit parade is Australia. Young, fresh-looking... a little chubs yet with an innocent face, that would smash a powerful aura. Scoring 8.543 was a proof of a youthful catwalk.

Jamaica knew how to drop off with the music. Great catwalk synchronizing with a smooth turn was her big plus in this swimsuit competition. With an excellent performance, a score of 9.426 is well-deserved.

Less energetic Russia came down the stage. Still, her curves managed to do it. But somehow, her overall performance was less impressive finishing a score of 7.843.

The performance of Albania is not of an extraordinary but her flowing hair plus curvaceous hips is barely noticeable. Moreover, a pouting 8.229 score help a lot in exuding stage attitude, a tie with South Africa.

Rehearsed-style of swimsuit catwalk might seem not work that night for Colombia. A great body of less presentation was not that much effective with a score of 7.643 - stating there are lesser impressed judges.

Much to everybody's surprise, Guatemala showed maximum improvements in the entire pageant. She was much beautiful during the finals compared to preliminaries and 8.071 score was surely a consolation.

The fighting spirit might be off for Czech Republic. Her face somehow was in the fighting form. Her nervousness sprung her luck to a score of 7.429 and locking her to a big time low.

When you speak of fighting form, here was the Philippines. A very confident lady boomed the runway and wowed the audience with her exotic beauty. Ever wonder if an 8.957 score suited her performance.

Viva Las Vegas! The music suits the swimsuit parade very well. After the eye-popping swimsuit was the announcement of the top 10 ladies who made it for the next cut. A much more intense competition came right after.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Glamorous new decade: Miss Universe 2010

It was one night on the 23rd of August 2010, more than 80 women gathered for one crown. All of these girls came from different parts of the world; competed in swimsuits, evening gowns, the crucial final question and on its conclusion, a new beauty queen from Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2010. A spectacular evening happened at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas; a night of overwhelming beauty, glamor, surprises and excitement. It has been a month after an another unforgettable coronation event of the most prestigious pageant of all time, so let us recall what happened that night as we review this year's most awaited pageant in the universe.

The coronation night was staged in a simple platform with a short runway at the center. This simple design was accented with a crescent-like adornment creating highlights at the steps of the two staircases. Lights installed all throughout the stage makes it alive and remarkable, plus the venue has a big audience area.

Opening number. All 83 delegates introduced themselves with a recorded presentation of their national costumes after a short prelude voice-over of Mr. Donald Trump, Miss Universe Organization co-owner.

 

This year's opening number made the audience tip-top and mesmerized by an incredible choreography. Much more, the music of David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland entitled Commander made this number spectacular. The girls look absolutely stunning with their silver and black dresses. Hosts Brett Michaels and Natalie Morales officially opened the much-awaited event.

Top 15. The crowd showed excitement as the hosts randomly announced the name of the countries represented by the ladies who made it to the top 15. All contestants were judged by a separate panel in the preliminary competition; and together with the Miss Universe Organization, the semi-finalists were obtained.

There were no surprise to Puerto Rico in being included for the semi-finalist. Yet she never hide the excitement to be called on first. The crowd went wild as her supporters wave flags and shout tremendously.

A very poised and surprised Ukraine zoomed in the camera. Her pretty face saved her to advance for that night's competition. She is classy and elegant as she move center stage.

The audience seem to agree that Mexico deserves a spot in the top 15. Screams made her put on a big smile as she pose at the center with a little wink. She was somehow fetching readiness for the battle that night.

Everybody was surprised with the inclusion of Belgium. She seem relaxed as she walk at the center and have the first-pose for the top15. Well, the recovery seem fast enough for this lady or maybe thinking that it's not a rehearsal anymore.

A front-runner Ireland went down the staircases and finally addressed her fans with a sexy and elusive look. She was definitely expected to made it in the list. Her beauty is extraordinary.

South Africa is the savior for the African continent. Nevertheless, her country does not fail in choosing the best girls for Miss Universe through the years. This is not quite a surprise for her to be included for the semis.

An angelic face France was called on stage. Many were shocked but fully recovered upon seeing her innocent smile to the camera. Flashing lights added a flavor in this magic moment.

A bubbly Australia raised her both arms as she was called that night. Very young and fresh, she was indeed a sure choice for the finals for having a jolly and pleasing personality.

A little bit over for a reaction with Jamaica.but no one will surely argue that she deserved the spot. Maybe she was really surprised, yet a well-prepared girl would be expected to penetrate in this pageant and that would be definitely her.

Creating much buzz for the inclusion that is Russia. The facial beauty saved her for this competition and the audience seem agreed. A much exemplary performance in the preliminaries garnered her a spot.

Albania zoomed in to camera wearing much of a pleasant surprise in her face. A little pouting of her lips finished a great pose at the center stage.

Colombia flaunted her hips as she move at the center. A big smile proved her excitement for the competition. Her curves were highlighted as she pose for a second.

Really seems lucky enough for Guatemala. Quite unexpected to be in the list, she still presented some elements of surprise. Indeed, this pageant follows a different flavor in choosing girls.

Another pleasant shock with Czech Republic. Barely unnoticeable at the duration of the contest's early stages and before preliminaries, she still managed to step up and set her best for the competition.

After a long breath-taking announcement, there goes the Philippines. A strong candidate right from the start, equally twinned with lots of controversies. Consider the loud holler from the audience showing a signal for victory.

After the gruesome and nerve-wracking announcement, this is crucial for all candidates as they realized mixed emotions: some were defeated and the others tasted a sneak of winning; but the contest was just starting. The girls then went backstage and started to prepare for another exciting part of the evening: the swimsuit competition.

TO BE CONTINUED...

SEE PART 2

What made them fail in the pageant

The Miss Universe 2010 is over yet the results show never fails to be on headlines. The pageant is still talked about in several websites and forums especially the crown that slipped away from Miss Philippines' hands. Actually, the controversial final question-and-answer portion is forever mentioned every time the newly-crowned Miss Universe Ximena Navarette is interviewed in America.

Well, everybody knows that I rooted to our very own Venus Raj of the Philippines and continued supporting her all throughout the pageant so I came by to notice that the results may sound unfair to some of the candidates that for me may seem more deserving to be at least on the semi-final round. Never get me wrong, but at first I am happy that most of them failed to the first cut because that gave Venus a big chance to shine in the finals. But somehow, it was disappointing not seeing them after their performance all throughout the pageant.

Rima Fakih, USA. As soon as she was crowned Miss USA, Rima adorned newspaper headlines and several websites about her controversial winning of the pageant. Aside from being an Arab descent, she was scrutinized and accused of degrading the Muslim culture.

Like Venus Raj, Rima also defended herself with these issues and proved that she deserves to be Miss USA, although not as close of losing the crown like Miss Philippines. She then represented USA in the pageant. But, as the contest transpires, Rima started to get away of her own spark. It started when she, along with some other contestants, posed half-nude in the official glamor shot. Rima made noise but not as loud as before. Also, her get-to-know video is not that impressive as she prompted her close-to-whisper voice and have to sing a lion sound. A little not impressive again.

During the preliminaries, she was energetic in the presentation portion and stunning in swimsuit. Her red evening gown failed to save her, I think. At the semi-final announcement, I was still confident that USA will be called in the top 15 just like every other Miss USA did in the previous years.

"And the final spot, are you ready, in the top 15 is for the Philippines," the host exclaimed.

Miss USA, just a few steps away from Venus, seems disappointed. Rima never clapped right away after the announcement. But I know she carried on well, she is beautiful with that long straight hair as she performed with the girls before the swimsuit parade. She is the fourth Miss USA who failed to be in the finals (1976, 1999 and 2002).

Marelisa Gibson, Venezuela. After winning the crown as Miss Venezuela, the pressure is then on for Marelisa. Nevertheless, two consecutive wins for her country is not an easy task to bare with. Yet, no one underestimates the capability of Venezuela to have a three time win with her. The world knows how serious they are in producing the best beauty queens in the universe.

With a beautiful face, who can never adore Marelisa. But, photos of her before joining the local pageant eventually became viral in social networking sites. A lot of enhancements, they say, had been made to sculpt that beautiful face. Well, with her get-to-know video, I can say this girl is real inside. She answered very well and very spontaneous, jolly and fun to watch. Just set aside those physical attribute issues and she is definitely it.

I do not love Marelisa but I do not hate her either. Well, thanks for the Venezuela sash, I constantly notice her in every pre-pageant activities' updates on the net. She did very well in the preliminaries. Personally, I was mesmerized by her beautiful smile that made me decide, she will be on the top 15. Well, all balls have turned for Venezuela, I guess having two wins back-to-back shall gave them a break for 2010. Miss Gibson is now added to the list of Venezuelans who broke their pedestal in the pageant, same in 2004 and 2006.

"And the final spot, are you ready, in the top 15 is for the Philippines," the host exclaimed.

Miss Venezuela, at the centerstage, also can't hide her disappointment inspite of her smile. Marelisa was still composed and smiling onstage but her smile reflects how she was defeated. Could it be her sash Venezuela saying that her country needs a rest after winning back-to-back?

The Philippines made it! (yes, after 11 years)

This is one good thing to celebrate. The Philippines made it to Miss Universe after a decade of non-placement to the semi-final round of the most prestigious pageant. I actually set aside my blogging responsibilities just to follow updates about her on Twitter, Facebook fan pages, and pageant site forums. Indeed, the time I spent over it did not put into waste. After all, it is only now that our country had a very strong candidate for Miss Universe.

Pageant fans were all rejoicing as Venus Raj was last called during the top 15 announcement. I myself got nerve-wracked when all 14 girls were called plus USA, Venezuela, and some strong Latin countries were not still there. I was watching alone simultaneously checking updates on the web and on the delayed television broadcast. Somehow, if I also video-taped myself I may look like these guys jumping all over as Philippines made it to the semis.



During the swimsuit, Venus did her best. I love her walk here compared to the preliminaries. She boosts a lot of confidence. The pony-tailed hairstyle really helped a lot emphasizing her face and great figure. Her evening gown design is not quite impressive for me but with the way she carry it have her a ticket for the top 5.

Photo courtesy of missosology.org

After announcing the finalists, every Filipino is now expecting her to win. She has it all. Until there is the final question which is the game-changer, as the host said in the pageant. The Philippines finished fourth runner-up, the highest achievement after Miriam Quiambao, first runner-up 1999.

"What is one big mistake that you did in your life and what did you do to make it right?" This question blocked the chance of the Philippines to have its third Miss Universe. According to some reviews, this question seems easy but even persons of higher positions had a hard time answering this. To mention, even former US President George Bush is glued when given this question.

Her answer became an instant hit and a trending topic on Twitter for hours. She goes, "In my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major, major... problem that I did in my life because I am confident with my family and the love that they are giving to me." There is no wrong in her answer but I guess everyone expects more from her answer.



Congratulations Venus Raj!

Venus Raj's Get-to-Know Video in Miss Universe

I just watched Miss Philippines' official video in the Miss Universe website and I just transcribed it, for me to have something to do. LOLZ!!! I think she did great though her weakness is obviously repeating her points over and over again, but she managed it gracefully. Here is the full interview. Enjoy!

Q1: Being a woman, what piece of advice would you give to a man?

V: Wow, it's wonderful! You know there is a lot of things that men can also learn from women, but I think one major advice that I can give to men is that just be with themselves. I mean, just be themselves, like you don’t need to pretend, if you’re hurt you can cry. If you feel bad you can express yourself in a way that you want. No need to pretend that you’re strong or you’re this big, no need. If you want to do everything just do it. You’re a man… I know every man is strong but if you’re hurt you can cry out loud if you want to.

Q2: What is the best gift you have ever received?

V: Wow! I think the best gift I’ve ever received is the love of my parents, specially my mom because I grew up without my biological father but the love that my mother is giving me is wonderful. It cannot be compared to any other love or any other gift that you receive from other people… and that is perfect! Everything goes so smooth and she is like an angel from heaven.

Q3: What is the worst date you have ever been on?

V: Date… whoah! I’m not really that fond of dating with guys (grins).. No, I actually had two boyfriends before but it was not that long and… well, I don’t know. I just don’t experience date really, I mean not that very serious. I go out with friends. I go out with guy friends but not that very serious with like boyfriend or a suitor. You know, I’m too young, I’m just 22. (laughs)

Q4: Please make the following sound effects: lion, car starting, rocket launching, sheep, cow, robot

V: *lion* I think it’s rawwwwr, is it? No?
*engine starting* vroooom… vroom droom… droom… woa, that’s good.
*rocket launching* tssszhhhhhhhh!
*sheep* meeeeeeh! (laughs)
*cow* moooooaaaaah!
*robot* erk erk erk erk (laughs)

Campaign for Venus Raj, 22, Philippines

Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj is currently leading in the online ratings provided by the official website of Miss Universe. (See related article.)

Although these ratings have no bearing at all in Raj's possible inclusion to the semi-finals, at least we can somehow prove the Miss Universe Organization and the world that we are in full support of a deserving winner for the title. Later on, NBC will also provide online polls for Miss Photogenic Universe 2010. We shall all watch out for that and support Venus Raj all the way.

We hope to maintain Philippines at the top!

Dealing with floods

All right! So our city is such a beautiful city, so maybe that is why floods visit us regularly. What I mean by regular is when rainy season comes specifically the months of August until November, expect water to rise up to knee-deep or even higher than that.

Last year, we actually planned to reconstruct our home because the actual ten years of dealing with floods is such a pain in the ass. It was a terrible experience that every time we wake up for school; having to dip our feet to the coldness of flood waters just to go to the bathroom. After that we will also cross over floods on our way outside to reach the pave ways. Boots will never work out so we have to walk barefooted holding our bags, socks and shoes. Sometimes, we became late for school and worst thing about it was when the teachers did not believe that we have to struggle long flood ways just to be in school. Our place, I think, is the only place left low-leveled after the constructions of many subdivisions and villages within the city.

Now that rainy season is in again, I know we have to suffer for floods again. Our family managed to construct high level flooring for us not to get wet again. But our roads still will be filled in with water. Hoping someday that we will be able to stop dealing with floods ever.

The depression syndrome

Welcome back to me! lolz.. oh well it has been a long time since my last entry because you know what, I have lots of ideas on my mind but I don't know how to break it all down into pieces to have it into writing. Somehow, writing needs some inspiration for it to be fruitful.

But as much as I wanted to make posts as light as possible, there are times that down moments suddenly come across making you pause for a second, a second that went to minutes and even hours, I know, that is not pause anymore. To correct things up let's us say that I stopped for a couple of days just imagining things, contemplating with so many stuff and filling my thoughts with different images and piled my tummy with lots of food and liquids, and so much more.

So, I end this post to think again and maybe post something later. Take care!!! ..out..

We can now dream again -PNoy

I was waiting this afternoon for the "shocking revelations" that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the Philippine President will reveal as news were saying. Well, perhaps the so-called "shocking revelations" were not so shocking at all, at least for some.

President Noynoy Aquino's SONA was spiced up with accusations of misused funds and wasteful spending; accompanied by figures and names of some agencies under the previous administration. He exposed anomalies of the release of calamity funds to Pampanga, former President now Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo's town; the controversies of the National Food Authority regarding withered rice due to poor distribution; the extravagant bonuses of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems staff and trustees; among others.

Aquino also discussed peace efforts for the country; particularly ceasefire between rebels and the government; and also of conflicts in some areas in Mindanao. He also called on for peace talks and a forum for suggestions, not just rallying for protests.

I personally believe that the Filipino people are already aware of the anomalies, corrupt activities and other illegal negotiations of different government agencies. I know that Filipinos are knowledgeable of some strategic movements of how greedy many officials and politicians are. And somehow, the speech reflects the situation of the country, and also echoes a little "laglagan" mentality that is innate in our culture.

This is like a never-ending nightmare in a democracy that haunts down every single citizens of the country. But, with someone saying "puwede na muling mangarap," what assurance will it be that this dream will no longer be a nightmare in the succeeding years to come? High hopes, still, but it failed to envision me, what's next?

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The chores vs 'hapontukin'

It has been a busy week. After the long work days, weekend follows with lots of household chores. Of course, the only choice for the chores is to accomplish it with ease. All the cooking, cleaning, tending, and washing.

It is one Sunday morning, and I realized I have nothing to wear for next week. So, I needed to do the laundry. First, prepare things for the laundry. Well, perhaps you need water, detergent, brush, some stain remover, and the 'main ingredient' dirty clothes! Yay! All seems complete so the operation labadami is set on.

Thinking of the laundry, admittedly, is very much tiring. So most of the time you will need the steady help of Mr. Washing Machine. A few spins, flips and turn! Whoah!

Somehow, waiting Mr. Washing Machine finish his business gets me sleepy. Hearing the buzzing sound of it makes my mind go lullaby, lullaby.. then eyes get close.. for a second then open.. then close again. That is a perfect example of hapontukin.

It’s a condition where you don’t have enough energy to last you through the day.

Oh, so that's it. But we can cope with it. You know what, when hapontukin sets in, I make myself busy with other things. One reason we slightly fell asleep in certain things we do is we actually let the others do the things that we must do on our own. Like this laundry chores, you will never get sleepy if you will be the one doing it. Just like me:

And also, you will not be able to do things perfectly if you don't have the energy for it. I mean steady energy that multivitamins can give you.

Just like Enervon (tadan!)...which has combination of vitamins called Steadi-Energy Complex that brings long-lasting energy throughout the day. So no more hapontukin. With so many things I have to do during the day, this keeps me with steady energy that bring me more smiles at the end of the day.