Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Candidates

Rich Asuncion of Starstruck is one of the candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2009.

The twenty-four (24) official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2009 have been announced to the press yesterday at the Gateway Cinema, Araneta Center in Quezon City.

The 24 lovely candidates will participate in various month-long activities and compete for three major titles at stake: Binibining Pilipinas-World 2009, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2009 and Binibining Pilipinas-International 2009.

The three winners of the major titles will each represent the Philippines in international beauty pageants such as Miss Universe sometime in July, Miss International in Macau on October and Miss World late this year.

Some of the 24 presented contestants for Binibining Pilipinas 2009 are familiar faces in the showbiz industry such as Starstruck's Rich Asuncion using her real name Richell Angalot, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus ex-housemate Priscilla Navidad and Paolo Bediones' girlfriend Abigail 'Abby' Cruz.

Boholana Rich, who just turned 20 last January 22, was First Princess in Starstruck Season 4: The Next Level and was last seen in the TV series LaLola which had its finale last night. She was also one of FHM's 100 Sexiest Women for 2008 (#94).

Priscilla Navidad, 18 from Davao, was Pinoy Big Brother's deaf-dreamer from Davao and an experienced beauty pageant contestant. She was Miss Teen Mindanao 2007 and Miss Teen Philippines International 2006 1st Runner Up.

Abby already joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2007 where she finished 2nd Runner Up and took home the Best in Swimsuit award. Abby and Paolo are "on" for almost two years already.

Aside from Abby, three other are comebacking candidates: Jaysel Arrozal, a Top 10 Semi-Finalist in Binibining Pilipinas 2008, Marie-Ann Umali (Binibining Pilipinas 2006 Top 10 Semi-Finalist and Keann Mallari (Binibining Pilipinas 2007 Top 13 Semi-Finalists).

One of the candidates made a crossover, from the rival Miss Philippines Earth pageant just like Carlene Aguilar in 2005 and Nadia Lee Shami in 2007.

April Love Antolo Jordan was a semi-finalist in Miss Philippines-Earth 2006, 2nd Runner Up in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2006 and represented the country in Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2006 in Malaysia where she received Miss Secret Charm title.

The coronation night for Binibining Pilipinas 2009 will be held on March 7, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Here's the official 24 candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2009:

Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
Mary Jane dela Cruz
Jaysel Arrozal
Regina Hahn
Richell Angalot a.k.a. Rich Asuncion
Mary Tifanny Jones
Vanessa Johnson
Melody Gersbach
Priscilla Navidad
Abigail Lesley Cruz a.k.a. Abby Cruz
Diana Arevalo
Barbara Salvador
Marie Ann Umali
Hazel Sutch
Cheryl Oliveros
Carishiela May Kaujpers
Keann Mallari
Marie Loraine de Guzman
April Love Jordan
Stephanie Sineres
Priscila Mae Honorio
Sandras Inez Seifert
Pamela Bianca Manalo
Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte

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'Sagwan' premiere a success

The indie film 'Sagwan' starring the Cappuccino Boys had a successful premiere at UP's Cine Adarna last Wednesday, February 4, 2009.

The movie's number of attendees reached to 1,088, the highest number of attendees ever in Cine Adarna history.

It was the uncut version of the said gay movie and as expected, over 90% of the spectators were gay men.

And for sure, those gay men were after the movie's much publicized frontal scenes of Ryan Dungo and Dennis Torres, two members of the Cappuccinos.

Unfortunately, the movie's regular showing is on hold for now as it was given a double X rating by the MTRCB.

'Sagwan' is directed by Monti Puno Parungao under Roca Productions and also stars Martina Wilson, Mark Portus, Erie Obsena, Anton Vincent Malco, Gino Cabrillas, Adrian Campos, Heherson Esmeralda, Alexander Castillo and Arnold Mendoza.

Here are some sexy photos of Dennis and Ryan, the "sagwan" boys of the movie:

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Showing of 'Walang Hanggang Paalam' cancelled due to 'X' rating

Walang Hanggang Paalam's scheduled premiere on February 08 has been cancelled due to the X rating given by the MTRCB.

Reasons cited for the X-rating were the film's theme, incestuous love and homosexuality.

It could be more painful to Lovi Poe, the movie's female lead, as February 8, the supposed to be premiere playdate, is also her birthday.

The film's directors, Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos of the acclaimed "Selda" and "Ilusyon" will appeal with the MTRCB, and possibly aiming for atleast R-18 rating.

For 2009, Walang Hanggang Paalam is the third movie to be given an X rating by the MTRCB after Aurora and Sagwan.

'Walang Hanggang Paalam' also stars Joem Bascon, Jake Roxas, Rico Barrera, Ricardo Cepeda, Jackie Woo and Tetchie Agbayani.

Let's just wait for further announcement.

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Judy Ann and Kristine, two of the 50 Most Beautiful Filipinas of All Time

Award-winning author Reynaldo Gamboa Alejandro has a coffee table book entitled "The Beautiful Filipina" featuring 50 of the most beautiful Filipina celebrities of all time.

It's an "all time" list because it includes mostly legendary actresses and a few stars representing the young generation including Judy Ann Santos and Kristine Hermosa. (Juday though is already in her 30s.)

"The Beautiful Filipina" is an offshoot of "Magandang Filipina: Beauty for Life" which was first produced and published in 2005.

Available in National Book Stores, the new volume focuses on the Filipina beauty across generations.

Here's the list of the most beautiful celebrities featured in the "Beautiful Filipina" coffee table book (sorted by first names):

Agot Isidro
Alona Alegre
Amalia Fuentes
Angel Aquino
Barbara Perez
Boots Anson Roa
Carmen Soriano
Charito Solis
Chat Silayan
Chin-Chin Gutierrez
Christine Jacob
Dawn Zulueta
Delia Razon
Dina Bonnevie
Eula Valdez
Gloria Diaz
Gretchen Barretto
Helen Gamboa
Hilda Koronel
Imelda Ilanan
Jackie Lou Blanco
Judy Ann Santos
Kristine Hermosa
Kuh Ledesma
Liberty Ilagan
Liezel Martinez
Lilia Dizon
Linda Estrella
Liza Lorena
Lolita Rodriguez
Loreta Marquez
Lorna Tolentino
Lourdes Medel
Lucy Torres
Luz Valdez
Marian dela Riva
Maricel Soriano
Marites Revilla
Marleen Dauden
Melanie Marquez
Nida Blanca
Nora Aunor
Paraluman
Pilar Pilapil
Rio Diaz
Rosa Rosal
Rosita Noble
Ruffa Gutierrez
Susan Roces
Tessie Quintana

Kristine, who is ony 25, is the youngest celebrity in the list.

Nora, Maricel and Lorna are recognized but Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta are not.

Judy Ann and Kristine made it but not Claudine Barretto, Bea Alonzo, Marian Rivera and Angel Locsin.

Also visibly missing is the very beautiful Ms. Gloria Romero.

Reynaldo Alejandro, the author, has already produced over 30 books and "Beautiful Filipina" is his 35th.

Some of his articles were published in The New York Times, Lifestyle Asia Magazine and many more.

"Beautiful Filipina" was photographed by well-renowned photographers in the country.

I'm not sure if there are still available copies, but last year, I've seen some at the National Book Stores.

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Angel and Piolo in Cosmo Mag

For the first time, Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines) will have a "couple" in the cover.

This February, 2009, Cosmopolitan Mag has loveteam partners Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual on its cover, who are fresh from the success of their movie 'Love Me Again (Land Down Under).

It's actually a double cover. Angel Locsin in the front cover and Angel plus Piolo at the back cover.

In the mag, Angel shares some scoops about all of his leading men such as Richard Gutierrez, Piolo Pascual and Dennis Trillo.

While Piolo will share about his search for his soul mate and get to know his mystery girl.

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David Beckham's new ads for Armani underwear

Here's David Beckham's new promo photos for Emporio Armani Underwear:

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Jake Roxas' X-rated scene in 'Walang Hanggang Paalam'

'Walang Hanggang Paalam' reportedly got an X-rating from the MTRCB during its first review.

There is no official statement yet about this matter, but probably the reason for the X rating by the MTRCB is the explicit scene between Jake Roxas and Rico Barrera, who are gay lovers in the movie.

The scene shows Jake giving head to Rico with a matching "discharge" in the end.

So far, it will be Jake's first ever gay scene in a movie, though he already made sexy scenes in the past, notably in the movie 'Xerex' with Aubrey Miles.

In 'Walang Hanggang Paalam', Jake plays a homosexual private detective who is hired to look for a runaway girl (played by Lovi Poe) but before finding her, he must find himself first. He has a lover (Rico Barrera) who is unfaithful to him.

Jake was offered to star in the award-winning indie film Selda, probably the role portrayed by Sid Lucero, but he turned it down.

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Miley Cyrus' racist 'Asian' photo

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus gets criticized once more for a racist photo, where she was shown along with her boyfriend Justin Gaston and some other friends slanting their eyes, a gesture that is offensive to the Asian Pacific American community.

According to a report from TMZ, the OCA, a group dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, is reportedly mad at what they believe to be as offensive, stereotypical gesture of Miley Cyrus and friends.

“The photography of Miley Cyrus and other individuals slanting their eyes currently circulating the Internet is offensive to the Asian Pacific American community and sets a terrible example for her many young fans. This image falls within a long and unfortunate history of people mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian decent.

Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted many of her Asian Pacific American fans,” says George Wu, the executive director of OCA, on the group's website.

In the said photo, Miley is sitting beside an Asian guy but according to Wu, the inclusion of an Asian Pacific American in the photo does not make it acceptable.

The OCA is hoping for an apology from Miley Cyrus.

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'Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang' pilot ratings, a major disappointment

When 'Luna Mystika' premiered last November, I made a post about dropping 'pilot' ratings of GMA 7.

'Luna Mystika', which stars Heart Evangelista and Mark Anthony Fernandez, registered then a pilot ratings of 38.9%, which I described as slightly higher and still considered to be impressive being one of the Top 5 Highest Pilot Ratings for a GMA 7 Primetime TV Series in the last three years.

But, those in the Top 4 all have 40+ pilot ratings.

And yesterday, another Kapuso TV series has premiered with a pilot ratings that is considered disappointing.

'Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang' starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera registered only 32.9% ratings in Mega Manila, a number which is considered one of GMA 7's lowest pilot ratings in the last three years.

It's even more disappointing because as compared to Dingdong and Marian's previous shows' ratings (such as Dyesebel and Marimar), it's also the lowest.

PILOT RATINGS OF GMA 7 PRIMETIME TV SERIES
for the past 3 years
Based on AGB Nielsen's Mega Manila ratings
(February 02,2006 to February 02, 2009)
An Exclusive Compilation

1. Dyesebel 44.9% April 28, 2008
2. Kamandag 42.7% November 19, 2007
3. Asian Treasures 41.8% January 15, 2007
4. Codename: Asero 40.1% July 14, 2008
5. Luna Mystika 38.9% November 17, 2008
6. Lupin 37.8% April 9, 2007
7. Captain Barbell 37.5% May 29, 2006
8.5 Joaquin Bordado 36.6 February 11, 2008
8.5 Marimar 36.6% August 13, 2007
9. Super Twins 35.9% February 12, 2007
10. La Lola 35.8% October 13, 2008
11. I Luv NY 35.4% May 15, 2006
12. Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan 34.6% September 24, 2007
13. Gagambino 34.5% October 20, 2008
14. Bakekang 34.4% September 11, 2006
15. Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas 34.1% February 20, 2006
16. Majika 34.0% March 20, 2006
17. Ako Si Kim Samsoon 33.8% June 30, 2008
18. Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang 32.9% February 02, 2009
19.5 La Vendetta 28.7 October 29, 2007
19.5 Mga Mata ni Anghelita 28.7% July 2, 2007
21. Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita 28.0% March 24, 2008
22. Impostora 27.5% June 4, 2007
23. Atlantika 25.5% October 3, 2006

***

On one hand, ABS-CBN also had a new soap that aired last Monday. 'May Bukas Pa' which stars new child actor Zaijan Jaranilla had 26.4% pilot rating. At this point, ABS-CBN has failed for sure to reach its 30+ target considering it was aired on an earlier timeslot where all members of the family could watch the show.

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'Booking' starring Marco Morales and Emilio Garcia

Seems like Marco Morales is 'on fire' this year.

After Butas had its successful run last month, Marco has another follow-up movie entitled Booking to be shown this March.

The title of the gay indie film is obviously referring to the gay slang term for a sexual activity as what the catchy phrase on the poster is all about: Lahat ay may presyong katapat, handa ka bang kumagat?

In Booking, Marco stars with award-winning actors such as Emilio Garcia, Snooky Serna and Ms. Anita Linda.

Also in the cast are Mercedes Cabral (Serbis), Bernie Guinto and Charles Delgado.

According to its publicist, 'Booking' is the gay version of the Lino Brocka film 'Bona' which starred Nora Aunor in the titular role and Philip Salvador as Gardo (Marco is Nora while Emilio is Phillip).

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1st Queeriosity International Film Festival (2009)

This February, the first ever Queeriosity International Film Festival (QIFF) will happen on February 11 to 17, 2009 at Robinsons Galleria Movie World with various LGBT-themed movies from different countries will be screened.

Before the main event, two movies will have its soft opening on February 4 at the UP Diliman Film Institute. These are The Longest One Night Stands and Sagwan (Paddle).

And on February 11, the first Queeriosity International Film Festival will officially start with the following movies:

From the Philippines
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros
Dose
Hikbi (Cry of Redemption)
Jay
Kurap
Love Birds
Masahista
Selda

Foreign Films
Feeding Boys, Ayaya (China)
A Very Natural Thing (USA)

The 1st Queeriosity International Film Festival is organized by Sinehan Digitales.

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February 2009 Cover Girls

Playboy - Abby Poblador
FHM - Katya Santos, Maui Taylor, Andrea del Rosario
Maxim - Niña Jose
MEGA - Anne Curtis
Preview - Kris Aquino
StarStudio - Kris Aquino
UNO - DJ Dylan of NU107
S - Karylle
Metro - Kristine Hermosa
Meg - Kim Chiu
Cosmopolitan - Angel Locsin
Marie Claire - Lucy Torres
Seventeen - Shaina Magdayao
Working Mom - Claudine Barretto
Good Housekeeping - Lani Mercado
Smart Parenting - Maricel Laxa
Candy - Nicole Uysiuseng

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