Me with Beauty Expert Felix Manuel

I finally got to meet one of my favorite missosologists – Beauty Expert Felix Manuel. He is in town from New York to cover the Miss Earth pageant. We originally met on Facebook and for the past few months have kept a casual friendship online. Now we have shared stories over ice-cream at Dairy Queen Thank God for FACEBOOK ha?!!

Well, I picked up the story below from him – about Daisy Reyes representing the Philippines in the Ms World competition in Vietnam. I had the opportunity to meet her at the La Bulaqueña 2009 beauty pageant in Bulacan (like where else would it be held?) a couple of months ago. I was mesmerized not just by her beauty but by her grace and poise. Daisy Reyes is also very eloquent and knows how to speak to a crowd of people – something I witnessed when she was interviewed on stage by the host of La Bulaquena.

Visit Daisy Reyes’ website here to find out more about her beauty titles, her singing and acting careers and her business.

And now, the article…

note: Daisy Reyes made it into the TOP 12 of the MRS World 2009. Click here to read story…

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Daisy Reyes Is Philippine Bet In Mrs World 2009

Former Bb Pilipinas-World 1996, Daisy Garcia Reyes -Iqbal( awarded Ms Personality during the 1996 Ms World Pageant held in India) is now in Ba Rua Vung Tao, Vietnam competing for the 2009 Mrs World title to be held on November 22. She will be wearing Jontie Martinez creations throughout the duration of the world’s most prestigious pageant for married women.

The Concept for “Mrs. World” has its roots in one of the oldest and most respected of all competitions- “Mrs. America.” That extravaganza was reorganized by David Marmel featuring a more contemporary and glamorous approach. While beauty is the key element, contestants are also urged to voice their opinions about marriage and current events.

All married women – young wives, mothers and even grandmothers – are eligible to participate. By providing this unique forum, in which delegates from around the world can coem together and share a common purpose. “Mrs.World” successfully fosters greater communication, friendship and mutual understanding among all people.

Over the years, “MRS.WORLD” has been produced in many fascinating locations around the world including: Queensland; Australia; Jerusalem; israel; San Jose; Costa RIca; Honolulu; Hawaii(4 years); Las Vegas, Nevada (3 years); 2005, Amby Valley, India near Bombay;2006 in St.Petersburg, 2007 in Sochi Russia and 2008 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Best of luck dearest Daisy!!!

Photos courtesy of Felix Manuel and OPMB Worldwide. Please visit OPMB for the latest in Pageant News!!!

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes

NOTE: DAISY REYES MAKES IT INTO THE TOP 12 OF THE MRS WORLD 2009. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE…

Still thrilled over Daisy Reyes who is wearing the Philippine Sash PROUDLY in the MRS World 2009 being held in Vietnam !!!  Her BFF and agent, John dela Vega is in touch with her – they regularly talk on the phone and here’s the update I received from him:

Hello! Here are Daisy’s pics in Vietnam. Will update you time to time as Daisy and I regularly talk on the phone. Btw she’s singing a Shakira medley while belly dancing for the talent competition. She brought with her an authentic black, fully-beaded belly dancing costume. She is wearing an all-white Swarovski-studded Grecian gown for the finals. The layered-chiffon gown is a Jontie Martinez’s creation.  She wore that during the gala night. Though I only had three days to prepare her as the notice for her to compete came so late, i believe she is prepared for the competition.Will update you Ms. Joyce!

Oh, my THREE DAYS???  That reminds me of the time when I won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 1985. I had to fly to Miami for the Miss Universe contest THREE DAYS after I won!!!

Well, I agree with John that Daisy Reyes is prepared. She is, after all, a cross between a girl scout and a beauty queen: always prepared for kikay events like this! No matter the pressures of her business and life in general, Daisy always makes sure to maintain her GORGEOUSNESS!!!

Btw, if I may be catty for just this one time: nakita ko na yung mga photos ng mga kalaban. HELLLO silang lahat kay Daisy!!!

Here are the photos from John dela Vega!!!

Mrs Philippines World 2009 Daisy Reyes with her room mate Mrs South Korea

Mrs Philippines World Daisy Reyes... walang kupas ang kagandahan!!!

Mrs Philippines World Daisy Reyes Makes an Elegant LEG!

Daisy Reyes at the Mrs. World 2009 in Vietnam!

Adventures of a Beauty Queen congratulates the lovely Daisy Reyes for making it into the Top 12 of the MRS World 2009 Pageant in Vietnam. She competed against 75 other contestants from all over the world!

Daisy, you did us proud with your beauty and your talent

Aside from making it into the semi-finals, Daisy Reyes was also one of the 5 contestants who won Best In Ao Dai (a Vietnamese costume) in a fashion show competition. She also was one of 8 contestants chosen to sing a famous Vietnamese song. Daisy Reyes went on to win 2nd Runner-Up in the Traditional Costume competition.

Daisy won a crown, a cash prize, and a free 3-night stay at the Imperial Hotel. Click here to find out more about Daisy Reyes, her other beauty titles and achievements as a singer, actress and businesswoman.

Last year's winner Ukrainian Natalya Shmarenkova crowns the new MRS World 2009 , Viktoria Radochinskaya of Russia. Photo from SGGP

Photo found here.

This year’s Mrs. World winner was 31-year-old Miss Russia, Viktoria Radochinskaya. She lives in Rostov-on-Don, has been married for 8 years and has a son named Bogdan. Her crown of white gold is decorated with 63 rubies and is valued at $100,000. Her runners-up were Mrs USA Andrea Robertson (2nd place) and Mrs Vietnam Hoang Thi Yen (3rd place).

One odd thing about this pageant: there were 2 Vietnamese contestants. When I asked Mr. Ovette, the National Director of Mrs. World, about this he explained that one lady was Mrs Vietnam while the other represented Vung Tau, the city where Mrs. World 2009 was held.

Once again, congratulations to Daisy Reyes for doing a GREAT JOB representing the Philippines!!!

Read more about the pageant and the winners HERE!

Click here to read about the embarrassing mistake at Mrs World 2009- they crowned the WRONG WINNER!

L-R MRS Vietnam 3rd place, MRS Russia Winner of Mrs World 2009 and MRS USA 2nd place.

Photo from this site.

Check out my two other articles on Daisy Reyes at the Mrs World 2009 here and here.

Camilla Kim Galvez, Mrs. Philippines 2009

It is NEVER too late to become a beauty queen!

My friend Camilla Kim Galvez had never ever thought she would become a beauty queen BUT IT HAPPENED when she joined the Mrs. Philippines beauty pageant in 2009 and WON the Mrs. Philippines Universe title!

THEN…  in the Mrs. Universe beauty pageant held in Latvia that year, she grabbed the 2nd Runner-up title!!!

Camilla Kim Galvez now happens to be the Philippine directress for Mrs. Philippines Universe and she is inviting YOU to try out!!!

Here is her letter…

Hello beautiful friends!

We are in the process of looking for the next Philippine representative to the Mrs. Universe 2010 Beauty Pageant in Lithuania, Northern Europe which will be held August 12-22, 2010.

As the appointed Philippine National Director to the Mrs. Universe pageant, I have the responsibility of choosing the next Philippine representative. Since there will be no Mrs. Philippines pageant this year, the Mrs. Universe 2010 delegate will have to sponsor her own airfare and process her own Schengen visa to Europe.

But when the delegate gets to Lithuania, the Mrs. Universe organizers will sponsor her hotel accommodation, meals and transportation within Lithuania. The organizers will take care of the accommodations and meals of the delegate only. So if the delegate plans to bring her husband or chaperone, the husband/chaperone will have to pay for his own. This is a choice of course – a chaperone is not necessary since the delegate is of legal age and will be surrounded by new friends and the organizers.

Mr and Mrs Raul Galvez

My husband and I had a great time last year at the Mrs. Universe 2009 pageant in Latvia. It was like a holiday for us and we got to make so many lasting friendships. Til now, I’m still in contact with most of the girls via Facebook. The organizers toured us around their country for free. The lucky lady will definitely have many wonderful moments to look back on. Don’t worry about the swimsuit portion, since it’s a beauty pageant for married ladies, the delegate can wear a sarong over her one piece swimsuit.

Interested ladies may email their bio data and photos at mrsuniverse2009@gmail.com. Since the pageant is already this August and it takes about a month to process the Schengen visa, we suggest you email your biodata as soon a possible.

Main information: Place of contest: Lithuania (centre of Europe)

Dates: arrival – 12 of August, 2010, Vilnius (capital of Lithuania)

Final event – 21 of August, 2010

Departure – 22 of August, 2010, Vilnius

For delegates we will ensure:

• transportation from/to airport or bus/train station when arriving to Vilnius (we will not cover flight or other travel expenses to/from Lithuania);

• 10 nights in hotel (2 delegates in one room), additional expenses (mini bar, ironing, calls, excess luggage and other personal expenses) must be paid for delegate;

• Meals, 3 times a day (12 – 22 of August, 2010);

• Transportation and program in Lithuania

• There is no fee for participants Requirements for delegates:

• Delegate must be married;

• Delegate must be at least 1.7mts or 5’5” tall;

• Good looking, good character;

• Citizen of State represented Selected delegates must have: National costume, Evening gown, at least 2 cocktail dresses, suit for formal meetings, black and white high heels, swimsuit, comfortable shoes for walking, casual clothes, gift for charity auction (will be specified later).

Mrs Universe 2009 Court of Beauties - Mrs Finland, Mrs USA, Mrs Lithuania (main winner), Mrs Philippines Camilla Kim Galvez and Mrs Belgium

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1988, Maria Muriel Moral

Adventures of a Beauty Queen received this latest update from Camilla Kim Galvez, Director of the Mrs Philippines Universe:

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral has been chosen to represent the Philippines in the 2010 MRS. UNIVERSE BEAUTY PAGEANT to be held on August 12-22, 2010 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

If you recall, Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral is the 1988 BB. PILIPINAS-MAJA INTERNATIONAL winner and title holder who brought and gave honors to our country with her two international awards: the BEST IN NATIONAL COSTUME and the MISS MAJA SIMPATICA Awards that she won at the 1988 MISS MAJA INTERNATONAL PAGEANT in Puerto Rico.

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral is 46 years old and currently lives in Bicol. She runs a business with her husband Joeffrey Pandi who is a Provincial Board Member of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte. Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral is proud of her two sons JAY and JARRED.

Adventures of a Beauty Queen will hopefully interview Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral and get updated photos of her soon so keep visiting!

Photo taken during the 1988 inauguration and opening of the New Farmers Plaza Mall in Araneta Center. From left, Bb. Pilipinas-Maja International Maria Muriel "Lala" Moral, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Maritoni Daya, Philippine President Corazon Aquino, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Perfida Limpin, Bb. Pilipinas-International Maria Anthea Robles

Photos found on this thread in Pinoy Exchange dot com. You’ll see more photos of Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral if you click on the link.

Here’s more info on Maria Muriel “Lala”Moral:

EDUCATION

1985 : University of Nueva Caceres (UNC)
Naga City, Philippines
Graduated : College
Major : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE)

1981 : Colegio Del Santisimo Rosario
Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Graduated : High School
Honors : Valedictorian

1976 : Colegio Del Santisimo Rosario
Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Graduated : Elementary
Honors : Valedictorian

BEAUTY CONTEST / PAGEANT EXPERIENCES

1983 Miss UNC Friendship Beauty Pageant
(UNC is University of Nueva Caceres)
Venue: UNC Sports Palace, Naga City, Philippines
Title Won: Miss UNC Friendship 1983 (Crown and Title Winner)

1985 Miss UNC Coed Beauty Pageant
Venue: UNC Sports Palace, Naga City, Philippines
Title Won: Miss UNC Coed 1985 1st Runner-Up

1987 Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant
Venue: UNC Sports Palace, Naga City, Philippines
Title Won: Miss Bicolandia 1987 1st Runner-Up
Award Won: Miss Sarong Bangui 1987 Award

1987 Miss Philippine Eagles Beauty Pageant
Venue: Crown Hotel, Naga City, Philippines
Title Won: Miss Philippine Eagles 1987 1st Runner-Up
Award Won: Miss Onapal 1987 Award

1988 Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant
Venue: Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines
Title Won: Binibining Pilipinas-Maja International 1988 (Major Crown and Title Winner)

1988 Miss Maja International Beauty Pageant
Venue: Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Title or Award Won : Best in National Costume Award and Miss Maja
Simpatica 1988 Award

Congratulations to all my Bicolano friends and readers (and my hubby too)!  Three lovely lasses from your noble province will have the honor of representing our beautiful country, The Philippines in three international beauty pageants.

Mrs Philippines Universe 2010, Maria Muriel Lala Moral

Yvette Marie Santiago, World Miss University Philippines 2010

Maria Venus Raj, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010

Yvette Marie Santiago (top right), 17 years old, will wear the Philippine sash at the World Miss University in Soeul, Korea. She competes against more than 50 beauty contestants from all over the world. Coronation night: August 8, 2010.

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral Pandi (left), 46 years old, will try to bring home the MRS Universe 2010 crown when she flies to Vilnius, Lithuania. Coronation night: August 22, 2010.

AND… Maria Venus Raj (bottom right), 22 years old, our representative to this year’s Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. She faces over 80 competitors on coronation night: August 23, 2010.

Here are just a few of the interesting similarities and differences between Yvette, Lala and Venus:

1) They are all Bicolanas: They grew up and studied in the province.

2) They all have Marie or Maria in their names: their nicknames Yvette, Lala and Venus all have two syllables.

3) They are competing in international beauty pageants with the word Universe/University in the title: The two older beauty queens, Venus and Lala are going to UNIVERSE pageants while Yvette is going to a UNIVERSity pageant.

4) The ladies are in pageants representing 3 different generations: Yvette Santiago will compete in a pageant for University students, Venus Raj is in a pageant for single young adults and Lala Moral is in a beauty contest for marrieds.

5) They will be competing in three major regions of the world:

Yvette will be in Asia (Seoul, Korea), Lala in Europe (Vilnius, Lithuania) and Venus in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (North America)

6) All three women hold several beauty titles:

Yvette Marie Santiago was Miss Bicol University, Bb. Pamantasan 2^nd runner-up and 2009 Mutya ng Magayon 1^st Princess.

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral was Bb. Pilipinas Maja International 1988 and won Best in National Costume and Miss Maja Simpatica at the 1988 Miss Maja International Pageant

Maria Venus Raj was Miss Philippines Earth Eco-Tourism 2008 and Miss Bicoladia 2007.

WOW! If you know of any other interesting factoids that tie in the three ladies, please drop a comment below!

Can you imagine how amazing it would be if all 3 ladies won their respective international pagents? That would be a grandslam for the Philippines so let’s keep praying for Yvette Santiago, Venus Raj and Lala Moral!!!

PHOTO CREDITS:

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral – Campita’s Multimedia Solutions

Maria Muriel "Lala" Moral, wins MRS Intelligence award at the MRS Universe 2010!

I received the following news from Don Moral, brother of Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral, our representative to the MRS Universe 2010 beauty pageant: Lala did the Philippines proud by winning the MRS Intelligence award last night, August 21, 2010 in Vilnius, Lithuania!

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral,  46 years old, is a licensed Civil Engineer and businesswoman. Lala shares two lovely sons with her hubby and they live in Labo, Camarines Sur. She represented the Philippines in the Miss Maja International 1988 where she won the Best in National Costume and Miss Maja Simpatica awards.

Click here to read my interview with Lala Moral.

Click here to see Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral in a swimsuit..

Mrs Universe 2010 winner Jennika Hannusaari's body shot

Finland won the MRS Universe 2010 title in the person of  Jennika Hannusaari who is 24 years old and a student of Business Administration. She speaks Finnish, Swedish, English and a little bit of German. Jennika has one child, 3 year old Storm. Interesting fact: her sister is married to her hubby’s brother!!! Thought that only happened in the movies!

Jennika Hannusaari also competed against another Filipina, Daisy Reyes in the MRS World 2009. While Finland was unplaced, our Daisy made it into the Top 15.

Don Moral will be sending me more information on the complete list of winners and will post it as soon as I find out!

Mrs Philippines 2010 Maria Muriel (Lala) Moral displays a drawing in the Charity event where they auctioned off the artwork of talented but orphaned children. All proceeds go to the child's needs and education.

While the Philippines was abuzz over the Major Major 4th Runner-up victory of Venus Raj in Miss Universe 2010 in Las Vegas, another Bicolana beauty contestant was also winning recognition half way around the world in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral, our representative to the MRS Universe 2010 had managed to snag the MRS Intelegence award after competing against 21 contestants mostly from Europe. She won the award after judges deemed her comprehensive report on Human Trafficking to be the best one among all the other candidates’ reports.

Unlike the standard beauty contest where a candidates brains are picked by judges, the MRS Universe contestants had to discuss the issue of Human Trafficking in a long round table conference with Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Lala Moral turned out to be the most prepared candidate, citing statistics and studies on the Trafficking of Filipina Women and Children. Her comprehensive report amazed all those at the table. Iba talaga ang Pinay!!!

You might be wondering, though, about the spelling of MRS Intelegence – one ABQ commenter who saw Lala Moral being interviewed on TV was curious about the spelling on her sash and joked that maybe spelling wasn’t included in the award.

As for me, I thought that maybe the Lithuanians misspelled the word but Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral clarified that THAT is how the word is spelled in Lithuanian. I learned a big lesson – to not just make assumptions about other cultures!!!

Maria Muriel (Lala) Moral with children in a foster home

Another big highlight in the MRS Universe 2010 beauty pageant for Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral was a party called “Let’s Be Friends with Embassies” where all the contestants were required to either cook a dish or create a drink featuring ingredients from their nation. In that event, Lala discovered that mixing drinks for a huge party is not easy; thank God

the Hon. Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, our Ambassador to Stockholm in Sweden (the nearest embassy to Lithuania)  brought along some of her staffers (who were Bicolano too) to help Lala Moral create glasses and glasses of “Mango Mojito”, a rum-based tropical drink. Lala says her Mango Mojito booth was the most popular because they had the longest line.

Of course, it had the longest line. And I don’t think it was because of the mangoes. LOLOL!

MRS Philippines Universe 2010 Maria Muriel (Lala) Moral (left) enjoying a meal with other contestants

The winner of the beauty contest turned out to be MRS Finland, a 24-year old contestant.

Hmmm… I asked Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral who is 46, what she thought about competing against contestants half her age. She said that it’s not really a problem for her but said that some of the other older contestants  were very upset and wanted to file a protest.

But last year’s winner, Vaida Ragenaite is 36 years old and competed against several in their 20s. It might be harder for an older woman to win but not impossible. Speaking of Vaida, last year’s MRS Universe offered to play tour-guide for a few days to Lala Moral, MRS Cyprus and MRS Dominican Republic. The 3 beauty queens couldn’t fly home right after the pageant so Vaida took them around the old town of Vilnius and gave them a ton of history lessons!

Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral says it the experience of joining Mrs Universe 2010 was worth it and broke the monotony of her life in Bicol. She says joining a MRS pageant is no joke – you have to be prepared and you need a lot of experience because the contestants are VERY competitive. Don’t ever underestimate married women!!!

Mrs Armenia Alla Grigoryan , Mrs Philippines Maria Muriel (Lala) Moral, Mrs Dominican Republic Nilenny Dippton and Mrs Cyprus Maria Zouvana

Lala Moral thanks designers Arles Obnamia for her evening gown and Ato Samarista for her National Costume.

Here is the list of winners in the MRS Universe 2010:

MRS Universe 2010 Winner – Jennika Hannussari ( Finland),
1st runner-up – Nileny Dippton (Dominican Republic),
2nd runner -up – Diana Pothitou (Greece),
3rd runner-up – Yesenia Rodriquez (Venezuela),
4th runner-up – Alla Grigoryan (Armenia),

Special title of Mrs European Union 2010 – Elena Karakoleva (Bulgaria)

Mrs EU Elena Karakoleva (special award), 4th RU Alya Grigoryan, 2nd RU Diana Pothitou, MRS Universe 2010 Jennika Hannusaari, 1st RU Nilenny Dippton, 3rd RU Yesenia Rodriguez

The awards ceremony was held in the courtyard of Vilnius University. There was no swimsuit competition.

Other winners:

Best in Evening Gown – Renata Voitechovskaja of The Baltic Coast, Lithuania

MRS Friendship – Elvira Figaroa of The Netherlands

MRS Body Beautiful – Natalia Stepanec of Russia

MRS Intelligence – Maria Muriel “Moral” of the Philippines

Joy Castillo Pasidis, Mrs. Universe 2012 Top Model Award winner!

ABQ was thrilled to receive the news from Mrs Philippines Universe Chairperson Hemilyn Escudero that our gorgeous representative to the Mrs Universe 2012, Josephine ‘Joy’ Castillo Pasidis from Sasmuan, Pampanga won one of the beauty pageant’s biggest honors – the Top Model Award!

Wow, just look at how fit Joy Castillo Pasidis looks in her bikini, below! I wonder how she manages to keep that edge? Gotta interview her and find out when she returns to the Philippines from Rostov, Russia where she just finished competing against other married beauties from all over the world! Coronation night was on August 12, 2012.

Joy Castillo Pasidis with other contestants in the Mrs Universe 2012 beauty pageant!

Joy Castillo Pasidis is 34 years old, a freelance model and the very first second Filipina after Camilla Kim to win the Mrs. Philippines Universe title in a competitive pageant. All other winners were handpicked appointed.

Click here to see photos of her coronation as MRS Philippines Universe 2012.

Congratulations once again to Joy Castillo Pasidis for making the Philippines proud! Mabuhay ang PINOY!

Photos courtesy of Ms Hemilyn Escudero

Joyce Pascual Agsaway cried like a baby when she won Mrs. Globe Philippines 2012!

It is NEVER too late for you to join a beauty pageant, thanks to the emergence of Mrs Pageants where married women and moms can fulfill their dreams of competing for a crown and scepter! ABQ got to meet and greet Joyce Agsaway, Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 who thought all her beauty queen dreams were put to rest when she settled down to have a family.  Here’s her story:

To join or not to join

When Joyce heard from a friend about the search for Mrs. Philippines Globe last year (2012), her heart skipped a few beats. Was this her chance to become a beauty queen? She had given up on the beauty queen dream in her youth because she was a UP Scholar and had no time for anything outside of her studies. After graduating, she got caught up in work and then eventually got married.

Hearing about the pageant revived her dreams of wearing a crown so Joyce mentioned it to her hubby Armand. He ended up getting more excited than her an told her to go for it. But she had one big obstacle – she still carried some ‘pregnancy weight’ after having their first child Clarence. She was about 165 lbs at the time and felt that she was too heavy. But she gathered up the guts (pun intended) to contact the pageant’s organizers who welcomed her just as she was. In fact, she was one of the last contestants to be screened.

Winning Mrs. Philippines  Globe 2012

“It was totally unexpected.” Joyce Agsaway gushes. “Happy na ako when I entered the Top 8. So when I was announced the winner, I couldn’t believe it! I cried like a baby so lahat ng coronation photos ko, umiiyak ako.” It was a tough competition for Joyce – she was up against former Bb. Pilipinas finalists and PMAP models while she had very little modeling experience.

But she knew what her assets were: her height of 5’10″ and great communication skills – two things she highlighted during the Q&A portion. “My question was: What do you think your edge is in this competition? Sabi ko – ‘Aside from being the tallest contestant, I embody the true essence of  woman. I am a good wife to my husband, a good Mom to my son. I have a great career and most of all, I have an amazing God!’”

Joyce Agsaway with her beautiful family! Armand, her hubby and Clarence, their son.

The Top 5 Reasons Why ABQ LOVES Joyce Agsaway:

1) Her skin is worthy of 10 billboards on Edsa! Joyce Pascual Agsaway has that perfect porcelain skin, blemish-free at glowing pa.

2) Maganda siya mag-bihis: Corporate but dressed-down for our interview. (Jacket top with jeans and flats. Pearls for accessories).

3) She quite the Amazon at 5’10″ and has that beauty queen dating.

4) Simple lang ang beauty niya pero captivating – mala Leah Salonga or Bernadette Allyson.

5) Joyce looks much younger than her age of 28 years.

Preparing for Mrs Globe 2012

Joyce Agsaway only had one month to get ready for the international pageant which was to be held in Rancho Mirage, a resort city in California. From 165lbs, she was able to whittle herself down to 140lbs by giving priority to breakfast and eating the right amount of food: a meal would consist of a palm-full of veggies, a fist of meat and 1/4 cup rice. Her choice of exercise was running and occasionally lifting weights.

Aside from the physical preparation, Joyce went through training under image consultant and beauty queen Patty Betita and Miss World Philippines Evangeline Pascual who happens to be her aunt. “Tita Evangeline did not know that I joined Mrs. Globe Philippines until a few days before coronation night. She was so happy kasi matagal na niyang dream na maging beauty queen ako!“

Joyce adds that the support she got from the Mrs. Philippines Globe organizers was more than she expected. “They got three designers (Pablo Cabuhay Pablo Cabahug, Ronald Enrice and Edwin Uy) to make my entire wardrobe so everyday I had different outfits na planado.” She addeds that they even provided for her own make-up artist, Sonny Deleva, who flew with her to LA. She laughed adding, “Sonny and I would be up first thing in the morning just to do air-brush make-up!”

Joyce x 2 !!! ABQ Blog Author Joyce Burton Titular (left) with Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway

Competing at Rancho Mirage

There were about 40 countries competing at the Mrs. Globe 2012, Joyce says. She was pleasantly surprised because several of them were on the heavy side. Although glad that she was able to lose weight for the pageant, it was reassuring to know that Mrs. Globe was not just about having a small, sexy body. Joyce says, “dun ko na-realize that the pageant was really looking for women of stature AND substance. A woman with a great lifestory. It’s not just about the glamor and the glitz.”

Charity work is also an important value for the Mrs. Globe group. According to Joyce, Mrs. Globe’s charity is a project called WIN (Women in Need) and all the funds they raise go to that group. “As a hotelier,” she says, “I am active in CSR (corporate social responsiblity) projects. I am also a volunteer teacher for special children in a school in Paco, Manila.”

Winning the Face of the Year special award

It is not surprising that Joyce Agsaway won The Face of the Year award at the Mrs. Globe 2012. It happened to be the last special award announced highlighting it’s importance. “That award was judged based on photos and how we looked during rehearsals,” she said. “I also was in the Top 5 of the Peoples’ Choice Award. Nakakagulat because its $10 per vote and I entered the Top 5 with most of my votes coming from the US. ‘Di ko talaga ine-expect!”

Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway (right) with Carla Cabrera Quimpo who won Director of the Year in the Mrs. Globe 2012 pageant held in California! Proud to be PINOY!

Joyce’s Beauty Secrets

When it comes to beauty secrets here is what Joyce Agsaway has to say:  “A good day starts with a good night sleep. Appreciating what you have and being contented gives you a positive aura. Also, if I’m stressed up especially at work, I pause and isolate myself from the stressor and deal with it afterwards. For regimen, I remove make-up right away. Wash my face thoroughly and put Olay moisturizer at night. I don’t use heavy make-up everyday, just tinted moisturizer or BB Cream”

Passing on the crown

This year (2013) the Mrs. Philippines Globe organization will be choosing Joyce Pascual Agsaway’s successor sometime in May. Joyce is encouraging married women and single moms aged 26-45 to join saying, “don’t be afraid of joining kasi there is depth in a pageant like this. It’s really more about the camaraderie and sharing our stories. I made so many friends and I had a lot of fun!” She adds, “When I joined Mrs. Philippines Globe, I did it so that I could say that at least I tried to reach my dream. Even if I lost, at least masasabi ko na I tried.”

Well, she tried it and then won it!  But even if she didn’t win, Joyce has this to say: “It truly was a great experience that was both nerve-wracking and yet greatly satisfying. In fact, I became a better person and gained so many friends. I really hope Filipinas out there will give Mrs. Globe Philippines a chance. This is one beautiful life experience that you will never forget!”

The main cash prize for this year’s Mrs. Philippines Globe is P50,000 and the winner will be sent (all expenses paid) to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Globe 2013 which will be held in Shenzhen, China.

If like Joyce Agsaway, you missed out on your dream to become a beauty queen, this might be your chance to give it a shot! Visit the website and fill out the registration form – www.mrsphilippinesglobe.com

Yes! Our Mrs pageants are getting glitzier!

The Mrs Philippines Globe organization invited me to the Sofitel Hotel in Manila to meet and greet the 18 contestants they have in this year’s beauty pageant.

One of these women of beauty and substance will be taking over the crown and scepter from last year’s queen, Joyce Agsaway, a wife, Mom and hotelier. Joyce made the Philippines proud when she won the top special award – Face of the Year – at the Mrs Globe pageant last year in California, USA. Click here to see my ‘chika’ date with Joyce Agsaway!

The one thing I love about Mrs Pageants is that the competition is extremely friendly. It seems like becoming wives and moms gives women a deeper sense of value – they value themselves and the things they do more than when they were younger. Many of the contestants in this batch said that they were just happy to be standing in front of the Press folk and being part of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 is already a dream come true.

The other thing I love is that these women all have great achievements in their lives as career-women and mothers!

Well, I guess it’s time to meet the 18 moms and wives who comprise Mrs. Philippines Globe Batch 2013! Here they are:

1) Soraya Borbe (Greater Manila Area) – 31 yo – Gym Owner

2) Nanette Ballono (Cebu) – 32 yo – 2nd RU of Miss Herway 2001. Works as a Store Consignor Supervisor

3) Michelle Garcia (Greater Manila Area) 31 yo – 2012 Mabuhay Awards Nominee, 5-Star Hotel Marketing Communications Director, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and supporter of Little Sisters of the Poor.

4) Jane Lorraine Dimaunahan (Greater Manila Area) – 32 yo – Former child actress on Ang TV. Now works as a Patient Care Officer

5) Lubesly Tellidua (Cebu) 33 yo – Fashionwear Businesswoman and licensed Special Education Teacher.

6) Charlotte Fresco (Cavite) – 36 yo – Senior Science Research Specialist. Writes scripts and screenplays.

7) Arah Margarita Ty – (Greater Manila Area) 34 yo – Internist and Aesthtic Doctor. Health and wellness speaker.

8) Jessica Eribal (Cebu) – 35 yo – My Pretty Mama 2012 Winner (Cebu), HR Consultant, Model and Breast Cancer awareness advocate.

9) Charina Clarin (Rizal) 35 yo – Miss Taytay 1997, ESL Teacher, Registered Nurse and House Rental Proprietor.

10) Ruby Jane Lehman (Greater Manila Area) – 39 yo – Supermodel of the World Philippines Finalist 1989. Works as a Matire D’.

11) Jennylyn Isherwood (Greater Manila Area) 37 yo – Mrs. Asia International 2012 1st RU. Story-writing contest winner (published) and article writer.

12) Marilou Villanueva (Laguna) 36 yo – Commercial Model and Entrepreneur.

13) Mildred Bauzon (Greater Manila Area) 43 yo – Master’s Degree holder in Public Administration, Chief Administrative Office.

14) Jessie Lou Lucero (Greater Manila Area) 33 yo – Former researcher for The Filipino Channel, now a homemaker and pastry business owner.

15) Maria Rizza Padilla (Greater Manila Area) 35 yo – Bb. Pilipinas 1998 candidate, Commercial Model, Registered Nurse (Top in Board Exams).

16) Ruby Salazar Papio (Pangasinan) 28 yo – One of Top 10 Women of Confidence chosen by a direct-selling company, Home-based online entrepreneur.

17) Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob (Greater Manila Area) 28 yo – Professional dance artist and 2-time world Hiphop Champ (The Philippine All Stars). Businesswoman.

18) Rachel Ann Felix (Greater Manila Area) 26 yo – Commercial Model, Stay-at-home-mom and homeschooling parent.

Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 contestants!

The 18 beauties at the prepageant of Mrs Globe Philippines 2013!

I’m having a lot of fun covering the Mrs. Globe Philippines 2013!

After getting to see all the contestants in their swimsuits during the Press Presentation, click here to see photos, the Mrs. Globe Philippines organization asked me to be one of the judges, not just for the coronation, but also for the pre-pageant event where we got to pick the brains of the 18 contestants vying for the crown. It was quite enjoyable because all of them spoke well and many knew the issues of the day.

We talked about children, husbands, 22-inch waist-lines, eye gel, stem cells, TV ads, husbands, regrets (nobody had any), careers, China vs the Philippines, rap music, cupcakes and ovens, winning pageants, losing pageants, make-up kits, food and exercise, issues surrounding Filipino nurses and the safety of eating tilapia vs galunggung! (Galunggong won out over Tilapia!)

These ladies could talk about anything under the sun! LOVE IT!

Coronation night takes place this Saturday evening, May 25, 2013 at the Sofitel Hotel. Thank you to Mrs Globe Philippines and MGP head Carla Cabrera Quimpo for inviting ABQ to help choose the next winner of Mrs Globe Philippines. The winner will compete in September in the Mrs Globe 2013 international pageant in China.

Judges – L-R Dr. Leslaw Rudy of Galderma, pageant directress Carla Cabrera Quimpo, me, Mei Afable from Make-up Factory and Sharon Hughes who was Bb. Pilipinas Young International 1982

ABQ Blog Author Joyce Burton Titular with Bb. Pilipinas International 1986 Alice Dixson…

I had an unplanned but most pleasant get-together with some of my FAVORITE beauty queens on the TV show “Bida ng Pagbabago” on 700 Club Asia last night (May 23, 2013)! We manned the phones to receive calls, accept pledged donations, pray for troubled hearts and give them counsel.

I’ve been doing this for several years now, so it was SO exciting to see actress Alice Dixson, our Bb. Pilipinas International in 1986, volunteering for the first time! Daisy Reyes, Bb. Pilipinas World 1996 was there too and my pageant seatmate Alma Concepcion. Another beauty queen was with us too – Camilla Kim Galvez who happens to be one of the hosts at 700 Club Philippines. Camilla is 2nd Runner-up Mrs. Universe 2009!

What have our queens been up to lately? Here’s the round-up:

Alice Dixson – FABULOUSA! The last time I saw Alice was at the Parade of Queens of Bb. Pilipinas Gold. It was a wonderful surprise to see her again at the 700 Club airing and we got to spend a few minutes bonding before the show began. Currently, Alice is in between shows having turned down a role from  TV5 to give herself a break. She badly needed some ‘me-time’. After a difficult time in her life last year, she admits being on a spiritual journey which has partly led her to get involved in charity work. But Alice Dixson fans don’t have to worry, they’ll be seeing her again on TV5 in June 2013.

Beauty Queens as volunteer counselors at The 700 Club Asia! Alice Dixson (seated – Bb. Pilipinas International 1986), Standing L-R Joyce Burton (blog author), Kata Inocencio (Broadcasting Beauty), Camilla Kim Galvez (Mrs. Universe 2009 2nd Runner-up) and Daisy Reyes (Bb. Pilipinas World 1996)…

Daisy Reyes – CHARMING COUNSELOR! Daisy walked into the studio looking as fresh as… well.. a Daisy! She looked fantastically slim and gorgeous. I asked her if she was continuing her political career. Last time we spoke, she was a Counselor in Pateros. I was so happy to hear that in the recent May 2013 elections, Daisy Reyes was voted in again so she’s serving her second term. I wonder if she’s going to move up to higher levels… she wouldn’t say

Loooove Alma Concepcion (in Blue)! She our Bb. Pilipinas International 1994…

Alma Concepcion – MIRACLE QUEEN! During the show, Alma Concepcion talked about her miracle healing: she was delivered from epilepsy, something she suffered from since her childhood. But last year, she was able to get off her daily medication and has been seizure-free. I’ve seen the ups and downs of Alma’s career and I’m just so elated to see that she is experiencing victory in her life! Another piece of good news from Alma: she’s almost done with her studies in Interior Design and will be graduating soon!

Camilla Kim Galvez – WEDDING ORGANIZER! What’s keeping this queen busy? Well, aside from her regular hosting stint at the 700 Club, Camilla Kim Galvez is quite occupied with the business that she shares with her darling hubby Raul Galvez. They own a wedding venue on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Its called Blue Gardens and she says it’s doing really well. For those of you who want a classy, worry-free yet affordable wedding, can contact Blue Gardens through the blog. Just click here!

Bb. Pilipinas winning beauty queens with Peter Kairuz, host of The 700 Club Asia. This was supposed to be a ‘wacky’ shot but two queens weren’t listening, LOLZ!

Steph Malibiran (left) and Lubesly Tellidua will represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 on June 16 in Malaysia!

The Mrs Philippines Globe franchise is proud to announce that it is sending two of its former contestants to the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! The international pageant for married women is on its second year and is open to young wives, mothers and even grandmothers from Asian countries. Each country is allowed to send 5 contestants but we opted to send only two. Talk about confidence!

Last year, we sent one representative – Jennylyn Isherwood – who won 1st Runner-up in the Mrs. category. There also happens to be a Classic category for older ladies. Take note that the Mrs Asia International Pageant is different from other beauty contests – instead of just having one main winner, each category has 5 winners and two runners-up.

Click here to see all the winners from last year’s pageant. And here is the Facebook Page of Mrs. Asia International Pageant where you can see photos of this year’s contestants.

Coronation is on June 16, 2013 at the HGH Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

And now, lets meet our two representatives to the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013!

Stephanie Malibiran

Steph Malibiran

Steph Malibiran, a 30-year old Medical Technician is no stranger to the pageant world. She began her pageant career at age 16 when she won Miss Teen Manila in the Miss Manila beauty pageant. In college she was also adjudged winner of Miss FEU Medical Technology  2001.

In 2005, Steph Malibiran tried her luck as an official candidate of the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant but she left the stage unplaced. At Miss Philippines Earth 2006, success finally arrived; Steph boomeranged into the Top 10, an honor that launched her career as a ramp model under the wing of choreographer Ogee Atos. Other credits include two television commercials (for VO5 Shampoo and San Miguel Beer) plus, every Pinay model’s dream: to be on a Billboard (for Metrobank) on Edsa, the busiest avenue in Metro Manila.

Getting married and having a baby girl took her away from all that but only for a while. But she did have to resign from her medical job as a researcher for the Tropical Disease Foundation at the Makati Med because she and her surgeon husband felt that working in an environment where she dealt with diseases like Denggue, TB, Malaria, HIV etc. was not safe for her and her daughter, Georgine Marie.

Last year, the hands-on Mom returned to the pageant stage after she joined Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 winning the Most Beautiful Face title which is considered to be the pageant’s top special award giving her runner-up status. And now, Steph Malibiran will be flying off to Malaysia to compete at the Mrs. Asia International 2013. Her only misgiving is that she’ll miss her daughter’s first day at play school because of the pageant. But her hubby, Dr. Norberto Malibiran Jr., a general surgeon, is staying behind to mark the occasion.

When she gets back Steph hopes to move into a new career as a make-up artist. “I want to be like supermodel Lala Flores who is now a top make-up artist,” she says. “I just graduated from an intensive make-up course at the Cheryl Cabanos Make-up Academy in Quezon City so I know Basic, Advanced, High Fashion and even Prosthetic Make-up!” All that, combined with her experience as a model and beauty queen should be enough to spell SUCCESS!

Best wishes to Steph Malibiran as she vies for one of the crowns at Mrs. Asia International 2013!

**********

Lubesly Tellidua

Lubesly Tellidua

Lubesly Tellidua was most recently seen scorching the stage of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 where she entered the Top 10. This 33 year-old divine beauty from Cebu (she lives there) is a businesswoman and licensed SPED Teacher who conducts free lectures for children.  Lubesly Tellidua is a single mom with two lovely children: her daughter Kelly is 10 years old and her son Michael Jacobs is barely 3 years old. Her British fiance, who is based in Singapore, is totally supportive of her new-found career as a beauty queen.

After doing well in the Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 beauty pageant, Lubesly was supposed to join the Ginang Alaska contest in Cebu but ditched that plan when the Mrs. Philippines Globe franchise contacted her and told her she was selected to compete in Mrs Asia International 2013.

Lubesly told ABQ, “I did not know how to walk or pose and I suffered from stage fright so answering questions in front of an audience was nerve-wracking for me. But thanks to the training we got from the Mrs. Philippines Globe team, I’m learning fast!” She adds, “I’m so grateful for the chance to compete abroad. Even if I don’t have much experience in pageants and modelling, they have faith in me.”

Speaking of faith, did you know that Lubesly Tellidua almost became a nun? The 5’4″ beauty was a scholar for 4 years at the Sisters of Mary School but her parents were cold to the idea of her joining a nunnery so instead, she devoted herself to charity work. But what the convent has lost is a gain for us pageant fans!  Hopefully, Lubesly will bring home one of the crowns from Mrs. Asia International 2013!!!

Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 Poster

Stephanie Malibiran, Mrs. Asia Tourism International 2013

“I finally learned to relax and enjoy a pageant,” declares Stephanie Malibiran, who was recently crowned Mrs Asia Tourism International 2013 in a glitzy affair held in Malaysia. ”I’ve been competing in pageants since I was 16 and tend to be over-competitive but this time around I decided relax, have fun and make friends. And it worked!”

Click here to read my article on Steph Malibiran before she competed in Mrs. Asia International 2013.

The young mom admits that the worst pageant heartbreak she ever experienced was not winning in a local pageant last year. “Even if I was a runner-up in Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012, I felt like I lost. I had this super-confident attitude so when I didn’t get the crown I was so affected. And because of the ‘hiya‘ (shame) factor, I didn’t go out of my house for a month!”

What Stephanie Malibiran didn’t expect was a call, months after losing in that pageant, from Carla Cabrera Quimpo, the National Directress of Mrs Philippines Globe asking her to represent the Philippines in an international competition: Mrs. Asia International 2013.  ”When Ms Carla called me with the offer I was so thrilled! But because of my past loss I decided not to tell my friends that I was going to compete in Malaysia.”

Steph also decided to take a different ‘competitive approach’. “I changed my attitude and focused on winning Miss Friendship. It worked wonders! Although I didn’t win that award, the contests from India and Singapore were chanting my name before the Miss Friendship winner was announced!”

Steph Malibiran on the catwalk at Mrs. Asia International 2013! Thanks to Missosology for the photo!

More photos on Missosology HERE!

According to Stephanie, who is a professional make-up artist, she gained friendships by teaching several candidates how improve their make-up and style their hair. ”Feeling ko, impressed sila sa amin ni Lubesly Tellidua (Lubesly also represented the Philippines in the same pageant and placed 1st Runner up) kasi everyday, from breakfast to dinner, glamorosa kami. Complete with hair, make-up and outfit.”

She adds that the innate gracefulness of the Pinay made them stand out. “Many of my co-contestants did not have a lot experience in walking. They would ask me for help and I taught them the basics of the catwalk.” It seems that being generous to the competition didn’t lessen her chances of winning; in fact, Steph won one of the 5 titles in her division.

If you’re wondering about why so many crowns, Steph explains, “There are two divisions in the pageant – Mrs Asia International for younger married women and Classic Mrs Asia International which is for contests 46 years and older. Each division gives out 5 Titles and 2 Runners-up positions. The titles are All Nations, Global, Tourism, International and Cosmopolitan.” Aside from having 5 titles per division, Steph says each nation can send 5 representatives.

I asked Steph which of the 5 titles was awarded last. I figured that that would be the most important crown. Steph said, “The Global title was awarded last. It went to Sri Lanka. I was crowned right before her!”

Steph Malibiran is 2nd from the right. Note that all winners receive the same cash prize which lends credence to the pageant’s claim that all of its title-holders are equal winners. Thanks to Sash Factor for this one!

More photos on Sash Factor!

Up to now, Stephanie Malibiran still can’t believe she is a full-fledged beauty title winner; an International one at that. With a toothsome grin she said, “After winning in Malaysia I saw my pictures everywhere! I felt high, like I was on Cloud 9.”

So, what’s next step for Steph?

“Well, right after I won, someone asked me if I was going to join Mrs. World. I said that I didn’t have plans because I’m happy with this title already.” But she does have career goals. Steph intimated that she’ll be teaching Bridal and Beauty make-up at Cheryl Cabanos Make-up Academy on Timog; the same school where she recently graduated. She says, “I think having an international title is going to help push my career as a make-up artist and teacher. The offer came right after I won.”

Her advice to other moms and wives who dream of becoming beauty queens?

“Well, first, don’t compete too much! Just have fun, make friends, share what you know and don’t starve yourself. Feel and be beautiful all the time!”

Congratulations once again to Steph Malibiran for winning Mrs Asia Tourism International 2013 and making the Filipina shine abroad!

Its never too late for you to achieve that dream of becoming a beauty queen! Click here to find out more about the Mrs. Philippines Globe beauty pageant. 

ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular (left) with Mrs. Asia Tourism International 2013, Stephanie Malibiran

Last year’s court of winners… Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013

So very excited for tonight’s Mrs Philippines Globe beauty pageant at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura (yes, they have one here that’s just as classy as the one next to MOA.) I hear that its going to be hard to choose a winner among the lovely wives and moms competing but that won’t be my problem since I’m not a judge like I was last year but I do have the honor of hosting tonight’s gala pageant. I only have Mrs Philippines Globe’s National Director Ms Carla Cabera Quimpo to thank for this opportunity!!!

With Marlo Javier at his shoppe in Moonwalk, Paranaque

I’ll be wearing a gown in black and beige by designer Marlo Javier with make-up artist Sonny de Leva in charge of my styling.

With Sonny de Leva… do you like his styling on me?

What makes the pageant even more exciting is that THE founder and president of Mrs. Globe, Dr. Tracy Kemble, is in town to judge! I just know that she’ll help the panel choose the right woman to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Globe beauty pageant in Shenzhen, China later this November.

I cannot wait to meet Dr. Tracy Kemble!

The 23 Official Candidates of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014

With 23 gorgeous and accomplished contestants to choose from, Dr. Kemble will have a tough time. But she will have help from an impressive panel of judges:

Aileen Damiles, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1996
Maricarl Tolosa, Bb. Piipinas International 2001
Monica Kline Kazas, Vice President of Mrs. Globe
Carla Cabrera Quimpo, National Pageant Director, Mrs Philippines Globe
Joyce Agsaway, Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 and Mrs. Globe Face of the YEAR 2012
Pinky Siva, Woman of Substance Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 and Associate Pageant Director of Mrs. Philippines Globe
Albert Andrada, internationally acclaimed Filipino fashion designer
Valerie Mae Batenga, Promotions and Research Manager, Solane
Come back to my blog later tonight to see more photos plus the winners of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014!

Blogger Joyce Burton Titular with the newly crowned Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 Stephanie Sitoy

Congratulations to the Stephanie Sitoy for winning Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 over 22 other beauties at the SMX Aura in Taguig City on the evening of May 17, 2014!!!

This is a blog post in progress as I am exhausted and can’t really exhume any energy to say anything except that I had too much fun hosting the pageant and that it was a blast seeing Stephanie Sitoy and the other girls crowned as the newest members of the MPG family!

Sigh… I may have to write an obituary for my feet after walking around for hours in my beige 6-inch stilts! So beauty sleep comes first then in the morning I’ll label the photos more accurately and tell you more about all the fun we had at the glitziest beauty pageant for moms and married women… see you in the morning!

The Top 5 winners with Stephanie Sitoy, Miss Philippines Globe 2014 in the middle

Winners of the Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 with the judges

That’s me doin’ my hosting chores. Marlo Javier did my gown and Sonny de Leva, my make-up and hair..

Dr. Tracy Kemble gives the opening word. She is the founder of Mrs. Globe and was in town to judge!

Dr. Tracy Kemble is into selfies! She took one with Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014 winners Stephanie Sitoy. Beauty queen and judge Aileen Damiles (left) joins the fun!

Stephanie Malibiran, Mrs. Asia Tourism International 2013

“I finally learned to relax and enjoy a pageant,” declares Stephanie Malibiran, who was recently crowned Mrs Asia Tourism International 2013 in a glitzy affair held in Malaysia. “I’ve been competing in pageants since I was 16 and tend to be over-competitive but this time around I decided relax, have fun and make friends. And it worked!”

Click here to read my article on Steph Malibiran before she competed in Mrs. Asia International 2013.

The young mom admits that the worst pageant heartbreak she ever experienced was not winning in a local pageant last year. “Even if I was a runner-up in Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012, I felt like I lost. I had this super-confident attitude so when I didn’t get the crown I was so affected. And because of the ‘hiya‘ (shame) factor, I didn’t go out of my house for a month!”

What Stephanie Malibiran didn’t expect was a call, months after losing in that pageant, from Carla Cabrera Quimpo, the National Directress of Mrs Philippines Globe asking her to represent the Philippines in an international competition: Mrs. Asia International 2013.  “When Ms Carla called me with the offer I was so thrilled! But because of my past loss I decided not to tell my friends that I was going to compete in Malaysia.”

Steph also decided to take a different ‘competitive approach’. “I changed my attitude and focused on winning Miss Friendship. It worked wonders! Although I didn’t win that award, the contests from India and Singapore were chanting my name before the Miss Friendship winner was announced!”

Steph Malibiran on the catwalk at Mrs. Asia International 2013! Thanks to Missosology for the photo!

More photos on Missosology HERE!

According to Stephanie, who is a professional make-up artist, she gained friendships by teaching several candidates how improve their make-up and style their hair. “Feeling ko, impressed sila sa amin ni Lubesly Tellidua (Lubesly also represented the Philippines in the same pageant and placed 1st Runner up) kasi everyday, from breakfast to dinner, glamorosa kami. Complete with hair, make-up and outfit.”

She adds that the innate gracefulness of the Pinay made them stand out. “Many of my co-contestants did not have a lot experience in walking. They would ask me for help and I taught them the basics of the catwalk.” It seems that being generous to the competition didn’t lessen her chances of winning; in fact, Steph won one of the 5 titles in her division.

If you’re wondering about why so many crowns, Steph explains, “There are two divisions in the pageant – Mrs Asia International for younger married women and Classic Mrs Asia International which is for contests 46 years and older. Each division gives out 5 Titles and 2 Runners-up positions. The titles are All Nations, Global, Tourism, International and Cosmopolitan.” Aside from having 5 titles per division, Steph says each nation can send 5 representatives.

I asked Steph which of the 5 titles was awarded last. I figured that that would be the most important crown. Steph said, “The Global title was awarded last. It went to Sri Lanka. I was crowned right before her!”

Steph Malibiran is 2nd from the right. Note that all winners receive the same cash prize which lends credence to the pageant’s claim that all of its title-holders are equal winners. Thanks to Sash Factor for this one!

More photos on Sash Factor!

Up to now, Stephanie Malibiran still can’t believe she is a full-fledged beauty title winner; an International one at that. With a toothsome grin she said, “After winning in Malaysia I saw my pictures everywhere! I felt high, like I was on Cloud 9.”

So, what’s next step for Steph?

“Well, right after I won, someone asked me if I was going to join Mrs. World. I said that I didn’t have plans because I’m happy with this title already.” But she does have career goals. Steph intimated that she’ll be teaching Bridal and Beauty make-up at Cheryl Cabanos Make-up Academy on Timog; the same school where she recently graduated. She says, “I think having an international title is going to help push my career as a make-up artist and teacher. The offer came right after I won.”

Her advice to other moms and wives who dream of becoming beauty queens?

“Well, first, don’t compete too much! Just have fun, make friends, share what you know and don’t starve yourself. Feel and be beautiful all the time!”

Congratulations once again to Steph Malibiran for winning Mrs Asia Tourism International 2013 and making the Filipina shine abroad!

Its never too late for you to achieve that dream of becoming a beauty queen! Click here to find out more about the Mrs. Philippines Globe beauty pageant. 

ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular (left) with Mrs. Asia Tourism International 2013, Stephanie Malibiran