Team Russia or Team USA?

July 7, 2013, 9:00 pm

≪ Previous: Maria Rosario Silayan would’ve turned 54 today

Elmira or Erin? (Photo credit: Chrome)

The host delegate or Donald Trump’s bet?

Elmira Abdrazakova and Erin Brady are sure to become two of the most photographed candidates in Miss Universe 2013 – Miss Russia and Miss USA. Heck, I wouldn’t fall off my seat even if they end up being roommates in Moscow for the pageant’s entirety (that would be taking it a tad too far, though).

But seriously, who will you cheer if both ladies are the last two women standing? Or better yet, will you even bother knowing that the bets of the host country and the country of the reigning titleholder find themselves on top of the highest tier? ;-)

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You are what you eat

July 8, 2013, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Norman’s Blog turns 4!

≪ Previous: Team Russia or Team USA?

A sample of what our Ara eats (Photo credit: Ara Arida via Instagram)

Nowadays, eating healthy is not just a seasonal thing. It should actually be a lifestyle. Hard as it may seem for us mere mortals who love feasting on cholesterol-filled viands and junk foods, we really should start becoming more conscious of our daily meals.

Take for example the photo uploaded by Miss Universe Philippines Ara Arida in her Instagram account. Steamed fish and veggies, moderately sprinkled with pepper and just a wee bit of salt to taste, are usually what fills her plate. On other days, it could be chicken breast, but the greens stay intact. I’m no nutritionist, but if the healthiness level of such fares is good, then I’m in at least for either lunch or dinner every other day. I don’t want to jump into a disciplined diet with clockwork precision right away.

By the way, I just had smoked fish and ginisang sayote for dinner. ;-)

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Norman’s Blog turns 4!

July 8, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Norman’s 1st Picks for Miss Universe 2013

≪ Previous: You are what you eat

4 may be an unlucky number for the Chinese. Not for this blog’s anniversary, though.

July 9 is and will always be memorable for me. This is the date back in 2009 when I started my alternate life as a blogger. While my wealth of pageant knowledge is enough reason to be one, what triggered me wasn’t any earth-shaking reason or occurence. I simply wanted to post my online thoughts about Miss Universe 2009 held in the Bahamas. That was enough to start the ball rolling, so to speak. What was initially intended as just a short-lived online site turned 1, 2, and 3 in number of years. Forgive my dramatics, but I can’t believe that I have already reached my 4th blogoversary. If that’s not enough, my statistics are fast approaching an all-time high of 4 million hits – averaging nearly 1 million per year for a one-man effort. Not bad, considering that I kept on questioning my viewership reach at the onset.
Nowadays, life won’t be complete without the trusty Note 8.0 and Google Nexus tab by my side. They make blogging so much easier, such that I can come up with new posts in a jiffy – wherever, whenever and however. Gone are the start-up years when all I had to rely on was a laptop that has been succeeded by so many updates and upgrades. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I come up with at least 1-2 new scheduled posts even before taking a cold shower. It has become a routine alright. But something repetitive that has become neither cumbersome nor mentally demanding.

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported Norman’s Blog by way of daily visits, steady following, regular replies/comments, active participation in discussions and what-have-yous. I won’t go into naming names of supporters anymore because you know who you are (and I don’t want to miss a single soul). The road has not always been a smooth one – what with bumps, humps and lumps along the way. But it’s something I will not exchange the past four years of my blogging life for anything less fulfilling and exhilarating. Maraming Salamat po!

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Norman’s 1st Picks for Miss Universe 2013

July 9, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Loud buzz on MWP2013

≪ Previous: Norman’s Blog turns 4!

On this, the 4th Anniversary of Norman’s Blog, I am posting my 1st Picks for Miss Universe 2013. This will be followed in a day by a 1st Picks Poll for Miss Universe 2013 where you, my dear readers, will be able to vote on your early choices for the pageant.

Just like in the movies, I divided my 1st Picks into three (3) groups: the Pageant Tentpoles, the Blockbusters-in-the-Making and the Potential Sleepers.

The Pageant Tentpoles

These five beauties will stamp their class in the competition either by way of news-worthiness or being Trump’s personal picks. Or it could also be due to sheer thoroughbred qualities.

The Blockbusters-in-the-Making

This quintet is sustaining the buzz as early as now. One of them is riding on a country’s three-year placement streak, another one is creating ripples as her nation’s most well-blended exotic thus far and the rest are perennial good performers in the annual pageant.

The Potential Sleepers

The third tier is made up of ladies who are likely to assume sleeping-giants-waiting-for-the-alarm-to-ring status if fate so allows or continue resting in deep slumber if they don’t take advantage of their individual aces to shine amidst the tough field of contenders.

Watch out for the corresponding poll tomorrow!

Credit for the banner above goes to Chrome.

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Loud buzz on MWP2013

July 9, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Norman’s 1st Top Picks Poll for Miss Universe 2013

≪ Previous: Norman’s 1st Picks for Miss Universe 2013

Could the loud whispers be true?

Is she looking at MWP?

Could it be true?
Could the reason behind her regular appearances on TV5 and some of its evening shows (like Misibis Bay) be an indirect hint that she is traipsing oh-so-lightly on Miss World Philippines territory?

Could she be ready to give up on her dreams of becoming a Binibini? After all, her sexy magazine pictorial in the past is more than enough justification for the Madame to effectively shut down her chances of even going past the screenings.

Could it be the right time for her to change the impression of non-believers (who used to be on her side) that she is all bark, no bite when it comes to joining a beauty pageant?

Could it be verified? That is, the rumors that she might just take part in a casting call and be eventually appointed as Miss World Philippines 2013, or alternately, take part in a hastily-produced finals come August with a discretely guaranteed win?

Whatever the answers are, then only Megan Lynne Young can clarify with authority…unless we see some positive signs of life from the organizers.

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Norman’s 1st Top Picks Poll for Miss Universe 2013

July 10, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Mutya Datul will conquer Miss Supranational soon!

≪ Previous: Loud buzz on MWP2013

Banner credit: Chrome

I am now formally presenting our 1st Top Picks Poll for Miss Universe 2013. The main objective is to find out who among the elected candidates of this year’s edition are preferred by my blog readers and visitors. Initially, I included 25 of the more talked-about contenders so far (presented in random order everytime you access the poll or load the page). I will add choices as I see them fit (like Miss Australia for example) or you may also add your own selection on the “other” blank in the poll.

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Mutya Datul will conquer Miss Supranational soon!

July 11, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013: 31 more dreamers for the crown

≪ Previous: Norman’s 1st Top Picks Poll for Miss Universe 2013

Beautiful Mutya is getting ready for Minsk!

In a little over a month from now, Miss Supranational Philippines 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul will be leaving for Minsk, Belarus. She effectively becomes the first among the Bb. Pilipinas Gold beauties to go on an overseas mission to try and win honors for the country in the international pageant stage. What fate awaits her in Miss Supranational 2013? Will she be able to surpass the placement of her predecessor Elaine Kay Moll who placed 3rd Runner-Up in Poland in 2012? Will she become the country’s very first winner of the said title and trigger a string of other glorious achievements in the coming months?

courtesy of RemixersChannel

Methinks Mutya will be an absolute stand-out in Eastern Europe. She could even be the Darling of this year’s batch with her bundle of beautiful face, joyous presence and lovely disposition. Now, to translate such advantages to victory would not be an easy task. But I trust our bet to pull out all the stops en route to making us all proud in the competition. ;-)

P.S. Just to refresh your memory, below is the crowning moment video of Miss Supranational 2012 where Elaine Kay Moll placed 4th.

courtesy of tttpageant

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Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013: 31 more dreamers for the crown

July 11, 2013, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Olivia Wells, Miss Universe Australia 2013

≪ Previous: Mutya Datul will conquer Miss Supranational soon!

The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013 Official Candidates at Hotel H2O (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/OPMB Worldwide)

The standouts so far...notice the presence of two familiar faces?

Don’t count Mutya ng Pilipinas out. Just when you thought the lesser known of the country’s oldest pageant institutions is slipping into oblivion, the organizers always find a way to shine.

Maureen Montagne – Arizona’s bet

In yesterday’s Press Presentation of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013, thirty-one (31) lovely candidates were presented at the aquatic Hotel H2O. And while a good third of the ladies come raw and relatively unpolished for national participation, there is also a handful who could surprise. Topping the list are Bb. Pilipinas Gold alumni Zandra Flores and Angeli Dione Gomez (both from Kagandahang Flores) who are showing their edge in terms of poise and presence. The inclusion of mixed-race beauties adds up to the wow factor as well. With delegates representing the Filipino communities of California, Maryland, Arizona, Germany, Scandinavia, Iceland and Canada, the field is made more fresh and appealing. And they even have a certified six-footer by way of Fil-Persian Nazita Reyhanian (who reminds me of Gwen Ruais in a way) from Sweden. The remaining ladies have budding potentials at best.

The 31 ladies lounging at Hotel H2O (Photo credit: rappler.com)

The 31 Official Candidates are:
1. Allison Almario – Canada
2. Shella May Las Piñas – Dumaguete City
3. Sumaya Abu Alhalawa – Lipa City, Batangas
4. Alyanna Mikaela Cagandahan – Sta Cruz, Laguna
5. Ma. Elena Jose – Angeles City
6. Angeli Dione Gomez – Cebu City
7. Princess Diana Mindermann – Bacolod City
8. Jenny Vhet Zabate – Lapu-Lapu City
9. Zandra Flores – Pangasinan
10. Marjorie Acuna – Gerona, Tarlac
11. Marichat Evaristo – Bacolor, Pampanga
12. Jessarie Dumaguing – Province of Palawan
13. Maureen Ann Montagne – Arizona
14. Tishiana Mann – California
15. Asdis Liza Karsdottir – Iceland
16. Joselle Mariano – Cavite City
17. Crizel Jayn Quidlat – Iligan City
18. Jan Krisnah Catague – Province of Iloilo
19. Greta Lovisa Buco – Cainta, Rizal
20. Catherine Denise Trivino – Sta Rosa, Laguna
21. Koreen Medina – Quezon City
22. Kristian Aubrey Nolasco – Caloocan City
23. Ednorance Agustin – Davao City
24. Madison Elliot – Maryland
25. Hazel Corral Cabuyao – Laguna
26. Ivy Camille Villanueva – Central Luzon
27. Victoria Humblet – Germany
28. Precious Joy Masiclat – Mabalacat City
29. Vina Openiano – Province of Laguna
30. Nelda Ibe – Province of Tarlac
31. Nazita Reyhanian – Scandinavia

Asdis Liza Karsdottir all the way from Iceland

Two ladies will be crowned on July 27 with the finals to be held at the NBC Tent in Taguig. One will be Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental for Miss Intercontinental 2013 and the other Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International where the titleholder is reigning Miss Tourism International Rizzini Alexis Gomez. A special title of Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities will also be conferred to one of the imported candidates.

Who will be the creme de la creme of this year’s Mutya? We’ll find out soon enough! ;-)

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Olivia Wells, Miss Universe Australia 2013

July 12, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Would you consider Zuhair Murad’s style for our Binibinis?

≪ Previous: Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013: 31 more dreamers for the crown

A slightly different beauty cut (and hair color) from the recent past, but still an all-Aussie winner with a special mission in life.

Olivia Wells, 19 and representing Melbourne, was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2013. The student of Medicine defeated 29 other gorgeous national finalists from all over the continent, but none moreso glaring than a disappointed 1st Runner-Up (and strong favorite) Tegan Martin who also ended up in the same spot two years ago to Scherri-Lee Biggs.

The tall brunette from Black Rock will now represent her country in Moscow’s Miss Universe 2013. For now, she is setting aside her university studies, but will still return to her plans of becoming a full-pledged Pediatric Surgeon in the future to serve medical missions around the world as well as her motherland.

2nd Runner-Up honors went to Marsi Fernandez, with Kristy Coulcher and Mary Vitinaros (who placed 2nd to Renae Ayris in last year’s edition) coming in as 3rd and 4th Runners-Up respectively.

Good luck, Olivia! :-)

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Would you consider Zuhair Murad’s style for our Binibinis?

July 12, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: How do you want Ara to arrive in Moscow?

≪ Previous: Olivia Wells, Miss Universe Australia 2013

Zuhair Murad (photo left) is a Lebanese fashion designer who has gained much success globally with his haute couture and ready-to-wear (even eyewear) lines. With shops both in his native country and in Milan, Italy, the guy’s creations have been worn by celebrities (and royalties) like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Ivana Trump and Princess Al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia . Pageant-wise, he lent his creative genius to the long gown worn by Miss France 2009 Chloé Mortaud who went on to place 6th during the Miss Universe finals held at Atlantis in the Bahamas. Watch his latest collection in the video below:

courtesy of Zuhair Murad

How I would love to see our Ara wear a divine Zuhair Murad piece like the one above!

Meanwhile, the style above should look well on Bea Santiago for Miss International, no?

Mutya will float like a goddess in Belarus with this!

And Cindy Miranda? She should be able to bring this number with a lot of oomph!

What do you say about this one for Pia Wurtzbach if she gets fielded abroad?

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How do you want Ara to arrive in Moscow?

July 13, 2013, 12:00 am

≫ Next: What kind of swimwear will work best for Ara?

≪ Previous: Would you consider Zuhair Murad’s style for our Binibinis?

#4 is particularly eye-catching

I would consider the black numbers, but in lighter colors

First impressions last. So true, but so tricky as well if consistency is not sustained.

When it comes to Miss Universe, a candidate’s arrival in the host city is just as important as how she presents herself during official functions and sponsor events. The moment she steps out of the plane or the baggage carousel amidst the clicks and flashes of the press, kibitzers and onlookers, her outfit can already be an indication of her personal style.

What do you want our bet to wear as she lands in Moscow?

My bet would be something like this weather-ready ensemble (Credit: Stylish Eve)

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What kind of swimwear will work best for Ara?

July 13, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Amor Y Muerte for Cinemalaya 2013

≪ Previous: How do you want Ara to arrive in Moscow?

Take your pick

The choices are limitless

Or since Kooey might be the swimsuit sponsor again this year, will one of these work for Ara?

While MUO will have their own swimsuit sponsor for Miss Universe 2013, I’m pretty sure there will still be at least one instance or photo op where our candidate can choose to wear a swimsuit straight out of her luggage. And that is the time when she can slip into something that is both figure-friendly and designed without distracting the attention from the wearer.

The way you size up Ara’s figure (and how it stands to improve in two months’ time based on the original proportions), what style would you recommend?

I’m liking this Sonia Vera bandeau alternative for Ara.

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Amor Y Muerte for Cinemalaya 2013

July 13, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Will Priscila Cidreira become Brazil’s bet for 2013?

≪ Previous: What kind of swimwear will work best for Ara?

Watch out for this one in Cinemalaya 2013!

courtesy of musicalsonline

I just have to separately blog about this Cinemalaya 2013 movie which has a dear friend from way back – Ces Evangelista (who was part of the now-defunct ‘Mabuhay Beauties’ group) – at the helm. “Amor Y Muerte” (Love and Death) is about “…a bastard Spanish Soldier who falls in love with a mujerindigena –a native tagala. Set in the 16th Century at the Pueblo de Polo, the film examines the sexual and religious subjugation of women during the advent of colonization.” Sure, it is being tagged as an erotic drama (a surefire box-office come-on), but the film is more than just the daring scenes of intimacy among lead stars Althea Vega, Markki Stroem and Adrian Sebastian. You need to see it for yourself.

By the way, the gala premiere of “Amor Y Muerte” is scheduled for July 31, Wednesday, 6 pm at the CCP Main Theater. But if you’d rather catch it in one of the multiplexes, there will be conveniently-set screenings at Alabang Town Center (July 28, August 2 & 3), Trinoma (July 27-29, August 1) and Greenbelt 3 (July 28, August 2-3).

Aside from the three mentioned performers above, it also stars (the late) Amable Quiambao, Kuya Manzano, Mico Palanca and RS Francisco. Cesar Evangelita directs from a script by Jerry Gracio.

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Will Priscila Cidreira become Brazil’s bet for 2013?

July 14, 2013, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Team Venezuela: who will make it on top?

≪ Previous: Amor Y Muerte for Cinemalaya 2013

Priscila Cidreira, Miss Bahia 2013

Miss Bahia 2013 is black, beautiful and bewilderingly bubbly.

Priscila Cidreira Santiago, 22, will be representing Bahia in Miss Universe Brazil 2013 and there’s a good chance she will give Israel’s Yityish Titi Aynaw a run for the money should she claim victory in the national finals. She may not be as news-worthy as the latter, but she has this far more likeable and sunshiny aura that is so reminiscent of the energy of the ladies in the annual carnivale.

What’s your take on Priscila? ;-)

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Team Venezuela: who will make it on top?

July 14, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: I love six-footers like Nazita Reyhanian

≪ Previous: Will Priscila Cidreira become Brazil’s bet for 2013?

L-R: Elian Herrera (International), Maria Gabriela Isler (Universe) and Alyz Heinrich (Earth)

When it comes to training and preparation, these three Miss Venezuela winners are some of the most well-transformed for international competitions. They were given the luxury of time in their hands, and have come a long way since their crowning last 4th quarter of 2012.

Just consider Elian Herrera alone. This glamazonic stunner, who stands at an enviable 6″1′, is all set to take the Miss International stage by storm. Gone are the days when she would still be conscious about her vertical advantage. With her luscious skin tone and dusky appeal, she can literally look down at all her fellow candidates (possibly in Japan still) and show that she has what it takes to wrest her country’s Mikomoto-encrusted crown for the nth time.

And how about Miss Earth-bound Alyz Heinrich? She was one of my top picks during the national finals last year, and I’m just too happy she nailed one of the titles. Her height (barely 5’7″) may pale in comparison to the two others, but her gorgeous face is more than enough to make heads turn and stay transfixed in her vibrant aura. If the contest stays put in Manila, I bet she will be a constant favorite for the top spot, even possibly bettering her compatriot Osmariel Villalobos’s Miss Water placement.

And who doesn’t know Maria Gabriela Isler? Osmel Sousa must have stayed on her case longer than the rest. After all, her upcoming stint in Moscow is one event every Venezuelan will watch with unbridled excitement. Never mind that the host city is expected to be more keen on one of their continental own to take it all the way, she will still raise the bar, step up to the plate and hurdle all obstacles along the way to insure her spot in the November 9 big event.

So who is your bet to take a grand slam (I still include ME regardless of what happened) win among the three? ;-)

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I love six-footers like Nazita Reyhanian

July 14, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: This is it finally for MWP2013!

≪ Previous: Team Venezuela: who will make it on top?

Photo credits: Mutya ng Pilipinas and OPMB Worldwide/Melvin Sia

Who doesn’t love a super tall lady?

Whenever a six-footer of a national pageant candidate comes gliding in our midst, eyes start to watch in awe as she towers over her competitors in an effortless fashion. And that’s exactly what Mutya ng Pilipinas Candidate #31 Nazita Reyhanian strikes me as.

The Filipino-Persian beauty from Sweden – who plays popular basketball as well – is actually Mutya ng Scandinavia. Looks-wise, she has strains of the famous Ruais sisters although her body built is far more athletic and bordering on the stocky even. Regardless, the girl is doing her best to make the more prominent feminine qualities shine. After all, her tall frame will always be a stand-out whenever and wherever the ladies converge for personal appearances and the like.

Here’s a video of Naz courtesy of Grace Vasquez

How about you, dear readers? What’s your take on Naz? ;-)

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This is it finally for MWP2013!

July 15, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Wei Wei Yu for Miss World 2013: way or no way?

≪ Previous: I love six-footers like Nazita Reyhanian

Not that the pageant is looking more and more like a late train to Indonesia, but at least something is starting to happen with Miss World Philippines 2013 a little over a month before the winner departs for Miss World 2013. The details in the announcement are crystal clear. Interested ladies should get ready for the July 21 general screening date – that’s already this coming Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia. The lucky ones should make it to the final screening two days later at the Solaire Resorts and Casino, en route to becoming Official Candidates for the August 18 finals (to be telecast by GMA-7).

Prize-wise, the 1 Million Pesos remain inside the pot. The SMDC condo key has long been removed, though. Oh well…

Finally. Queenie Rehman is itching to crown her successor. And Megan Young won’t get an Andrew Wolff-like appointment. The latter should go through the whole process just like any other wannabe, i.e., if she is still interested to join without getting much by way of special favors. ;-)

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Wei Wei Yu for Miss World 2013: way or no way?

July 15, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: This is the sarong for Miss World 2013

≪ Previous: This is it finally for MWP2013!

Miss World China 2013 Wei Wei Yu: will she be perched atop the Miss World finals in Indonesia?

Wei Wei Yu (L) in, Wenxia Yu out

Wei Wei Yu as Beach Beauty of Miss World China 2013. She will be ‘sarong-ed’ in Bali, though.

With the reigning Miss World Wenxia Yu coming from China, where will the country’s national successor – Wei Wei Yu – get her confidence from in the upcoming edition in Indonesia? Julia Morley, perhaps?

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This is the sarong for Miss World 2013

July 16, 2013, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Bb. Pilipinas for MGC: the poses that refresh

≪ Previous: Wei Wei Yu for Miss World 2013: way or no way?

Astradeco will make the official sarongs for Miss World 2013

And the sarong will soon be an iconic Miss World beach wear, although more like a one-hit wonder that will never reach the top of the charts.

Astradeco Bali will be the official provider of sarongs for the Beach Beauty segment of Miss World 2013. The design, while hiding the hourglass figures of the candidates, should be able to squeeze out the creativity of each delegate on how to ‘maximize’ minimal cleavage and thigh exposure in deference to the muslim culture of the host country.

I reckon that the reps who have diligently worked out to shape their bodies (especially their abs) won’t be too happy with the fact that they will be prevented from displaying what they worked hard for. On the other hand, those who have not stayed long in the gym will be glad that they can still shield their imperfections from the peering eyes of the pageant-loving public.

However which way you look at it, the Beach Beauty segment of Miss World 2013 will be one of the most unique in the competition’s long history. It will go down memory lane as the edition which literally covered the ladies the most. But that is not saying a lot because the excitement level will have already died down even before they hit the sands of Bali. ;-)

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Bb. Pilipinas for MGC: the poses that refresh

July 16, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: The best bodies of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013

≪ Previous: This is the sarong for Miss World 2013

Ara, Mutya, Pia, Bea, Cindy, Shamcey and Venus for Manhattan Gardens City (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

When Manhattan Gardens City – the prime real estate development of the Aranetas – held its Grand Opening last weekend, the event was made more special with the presence of all Bb. Pilipinas Gold winners (Ara, Bea, Cindy, Mutya and Pia) plus Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj. And when the ladies were asked to line up and pose by the poolside, you can’t help but be amused by their individual poses.

People say that body language speaks a lot about the personality of an individual. If you had to use adjectives to describe the poses of the seven ladies above, what would the words be? ;-)

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