Filipino Michael Christian Martinez Makes History in Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Skating Finals

Performing to Ernesto Lacuona's Malaguena, Filipino Michael Christian Martinez skated his heart out during the finals (free skating) of the men's figure skating event of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. Michael made history as the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to ever enter the medal rounds of the winter games.

Garnering a combined score of 184.25 from the short and free skating programs of the figure skating event, the 17-year-old Martinez ranked 19th (same rank in the short program) among the 24 finalists. He may not have won a medal but his determination and spirit are more than enough for him to be hailed as one of the country's pride today.

According to reports, Michael Martinez is tagged as 'darling of the press' in Russia with international media craving to interview him, curious of how he started and how he trained despite being in a tropical country. 

In the men's figure skating event, Michael's idols Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Patrick Chan of Canada (who became close to the Pinoy during their training) bagged gold and silver, respectively. Both maintained their ranks from the short program. The bronze medal was snatched by Kazakhstan's Denis Ten, who only ranked 9th during the short program.

Michael Martinez revealed that he will continue to skate and will again try to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

With Michael's experience in his Olympic debut, he will surely get even better come the next winter games. Congratulations Michael! Makes us proud once more.

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Pinoy Michael Christian Martinez Enters Winter Olympics Figure Skating Finals (Video)

The lone Philippine representative to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Michael Christian Martinez, qualified for the finals (medal round) of the men's figure skating event to be held Friday (February 14) at the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi, Russia.

Proud Pinoy. Proud Olympian. Michael Christian Martinez [Photo: Reuters]

Michael Christian Martinez entered the final round after emerging as one of the top 24 athletes during the short program of the said event held Thursday. The Filipino showed his charismatic moves and flexibility in his performance accompanied by Romeo and Juliet by Arthur Fiedler. He got a score of 64.81 from the judges, enough to make him as one of the finalists.

The 17-year-old Martinez is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to ever grace the figure skating event of the Winter Olympics and his appearance in the Winter games was history in the making. Watch his performance during the short program of the Winter Olympic games (figure skating event):

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Rose Fostanes Named Winner; Performs My Way on X Factor Israel Finale (Video)

It was another proud moment for Filipinos, most specially to all OFWs out there as Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes was named winner of the first season of The X Factor Israel (read story here).

Rose Fostanes, who was an early favorite in the competition, performed Frank Sinatra's My Way, beating three other finalists—Eden Ben Zaken (Girls category), Uri Shakiv (Boys category) and Fusion (Groups category).

Check out Rose Fostanes finale performance of My Way in The X Factor Israel.

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Rose Fostanes Wins The X Factor Israel; Filipina Caregiver Bags Grand Prize

Filipina caregiver Rose Fostanes won The X Factor Israel. The 47-year-old Pinay from Tel Aviv was announced winner in the singing contest's finals night held January 14 (Wednesday morning in Manila) at the Nokia Arena Tel Aviv, Israel.

Rose Fostanes, fondly called Osang, performed the famed Frank Sinatra's song My Way [watch the video of her performance here] and was given standing ovation by the judges and the audience. Rose Fostanes beat three other contestants of The X Factor Israel in the finals night. 

"Thank you so much for those Israeli who like my voice...thank you for giving me the chance to be in the X Factor Israel," Osang said after she won. She also thanked the thousands of Filipinos who supported her.

Rose was mentored by Israeli pop singer Shiri Maimon under the Over 25's category. She bested Eden Ben Zaken from the Girls category, her close competition in the final two. Uri Shakiv from the Boys category and groups Fusion came in third and fourth, respectively.

Video: Rose Fostanes Sings My Way in X Factor Israel Finale

Rose Fostanes was an early favorite and emerged as a phenomenon in Israeli television. Her strong, soulful voice was a hit among fans and her background made her more interesting to watch.

"It’s a big change in my life because before nobody recognized me, nobody knew me. But now everybody, I think everybody in Israel knows my name. And it is very funny,” she said in one interview.

Rose Fostanes, who has been an OFW for 20 years, started working in Israel four years ago to work as a caregiver. 

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Pinoys in Pageants: 13 Major Sucesses in 2013—Philippines Hailed Country of the Year

The year 2013 has been a very successful one for the Philippines in the field of beauty pageants and now considered the best year the country has ever had in terms of pageantry. Without any doubt, the Philippines is country of the year when it comes to beauty competitions.

This year, our representatives to both male and female pageants did very well, bringing home five crowns, six runner-up trophies, and two semifinals honors in major pageants as well as in a handful of other pageants overseas. A history was also made this year as the Philippines became the first and only country in the world to have won all six major titles—Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Supranational and Miss Tourism Queen International.

Update: Angeli Dione Gomez Crowned Miss Tourism International 2013/2014

Here's a run-down of the beauty kings and queens that made the Philippines proud in 2013:

				1. Megan Young, winner, 63rd Miss World Megan made history as the very first Filipina to win the Miss World crown which has been elusive to a Filipina for the past six decades. Megan, who is the favorite to win the title, bested over 120 delegates all over the world at the 63rd edition of the pageant held on September 28 in Bali, Indonesia.
				2. Bea Rose Santiago, winner, 53rd Miss International Bea Rose is the fifth Filipina to win the title of Miss International. The Pinay beauty from Masbate beat 66 others in the finals held on December 17 in Tokyo, Japan. Bea’s success in Miss International finally sealed the Philippines’ status as country of the year 2013 in world pageantry.
				3. Mutya Datul, winner, 5th Miss Supranational Mutya started the country’s winning streak in international pageants this year with her victory in the Miss Supranational pageant held on September 6 in Minsk, Belarus. The Filipina is the first Asian to win the 5-year-old grand slam pageant. The beauty from Santa Maria, Isabela also won the Miss Personality award
				4. Amber Delos Reyes, winner, Miss Teen Expoworld Universe The 14-year-old Amber was crowned Miss Teen Expoworld Universe 2013 at a pageant held in Guatemala last November 21. The pageant is part of Guatemala’s Festival de Belleza ExpoWorld 2013, which also includes six other beauty contests. She also won Miss Photogenic.
				5. Maria Isabelle Mendoza, winner, Miss Campus World Marisse, a 19-year-old management senior from San Beda College, beat other student-delegates across Asia at the Miss Campus World 2013-14 which promotes student empowerment. The pageant was held on December 5 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
				6. Roland William De Dios, first runner up, Mister Campus World William is close in duplicating Marisse’s win in the 1st Campus World pageant held in Malaysia with his first runner up placement. The education sophomore from Cabanatuan City, who also bagged the Best in National Costume award, lost to Ian Chua of Singapore.
				7. Alvin De Joya, second runner up, ATV Mr. Asia Former Mr. Philippines World 2010, Alvin De Joya, secured a 2nd runner up placement at the Asia Television Limited Mr. Asia Contest 2013 held last November 15 in Hong Kong. Zhong Hao of China emerged as the winner.
				8. Ariella Arida, third runner up, 62nd Miss Universe Ara may not have won the most-coveted Miss Universe crown but her exemplary performance in 62nd edition of the pageant earned her another top 5 placement for the Philippines, duplicating Shamcey Supsup’s 3rd runner up finish in 2011. Gabriela Isler of Venezuela took home the crown.
				9. Annalie Forbes, third runner up, 1st Miss Grand International Bb. Pilipinas 2012 2nd runner up Ali Forbes was able to clinch a third runner up placement the at the inaugural Miss Grand International pageant held November 19 in Bangkok, Thailand. Miss Puerto Rico, Janelee Chaparro won the crown.
				10. Koreen Medina, third runner up, 42nd Miss Intercontinental After winning Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International, Koreen Medina earned her ticket to the 2013 Miss Intercontinental pageant held December 14 in Magdeburg, Germany. The Star Magic talent won 3rd runner up and was hailed Queen of Asia and Oceania.
				11. Gil Wagas, fourth runner up, 8th Mister International This Cebuano model has once again proven that Filipinos are also a force to reckon with when it comes to male pageants. Gil’s 4th runner up finish in Mister International 2013 held in Jakarta, Indonesia is the Philippines best placement in the pageant’s history while eventual winner, Jose Anmer Paredes of Venezuela also made history as his country’s first winner.
				12. Angelee Delos Reyes, Top 8, 13th Miss Earth Angelee is one of the early favorites to win the Miss Earth 2013 crown but did not snatch even an elemental crown, just like her predecessors. This pageant veteran, however, managed to slip into the Top 8 of the pageant held December 7 in Manila, Philippines. Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich bagged the second Miss Earth title for her country.
				13. Cindy Miranda, Top 10, 8th Miss Tourism Queen International Cindy fortunately had the chance to represent the Philippines abroad in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 after the pageant was cancelled the year before. She entered the top 10 of the said pageant while Latvia’s Alisa Miskovska was hailed winner.

Also welcome additions to the list is the recent first runner up finish of Christine Paula Love Bernasor in the Miss Scuba International 2013 held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia last December 21 and the Top 15 placement of Czarina Rosales in Miss Asia Pacific World held in South Korea last October.

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Pinoy Pride XXI (21) Fight Results: AJ Banal, Merlito Sabillo and Arthur Villanueva Win Respective Bouts

Boxing fights Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide happened on July 13, 2013 at the Solaire Resort and Casino, Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City. Pinoy Pride XXI features Pinoy boxers Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo, "King" Arthur Villanueva and AJ "Bazooka" Banal.

Filipinos emerged triumphant not only in the main and supporting events but also in the undercard bouts of Pinoy Pride 21. Leading the all-Pinoy victory is Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo who successfully defended his WBO Minimum weight Championship belt against Jorle "Cachama" Estrada of Colombia via 9th round KO, his first title defense in front of his countrymen.

"King" Arthur Villanueva also continued his clean record after beating Mexican Arturo "Fuerte" Badillo for the WBO Asia Pacific superflyweight belt. The undefeated OPBF Superflyweight Champion scored a technical knockout over the Mexican in the 4th round.

Meanwhile, AJ "Bazooka" Banal returned to the ring against Mexican Abraham "Cholo" Gomez in a 10-rounder at the 124-pound class. AJ Banal, who is on a comeback trail after losing to Pungluang Sor Singyu in Pinoy Pride XVII last October 2012, has redeemed himself via a TKO when his opponent quit after the 2nd round.

Below are the results of the undercard bouts of Pinoy Pride XXI:

• "Prince" Albert Pagara (Philippines) stopped Khunkhiri Woor Wisaruth (Thailand) via a 2nd round knockout
• Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo (Philippines) scored a 1st round KO vs Jamjam Ungon
• Vic "Vicious" Saludar won vs compatriot Juanito Hundante via a 1st round knockout
• Diover Mangaya-ay won over Elmo Traya via split decision

Pinoy Pride XXI: When Worlds Collide (Sabillo vs Estrada) will be aired on ABS-CBN Channel 2 this Sunday (July 14) at 10:25 am.

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Filipino Joseph Apostol Shines on The Voice UK Blind Auditions, Enters the Battle Rounds

Filipino Joseph Apostol has made it to the battle rounds of The Voice UK after wowing the judges during the blind auditions. The 21-year-old from Kent, England sang Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow in his auditions and caught the attention of judges Jessie J and Sir Tom Jones.

Both Jessie J and Sir Tom Jones, who pressed their 'I Want You' buttons for Joseph wanted the Filipino to be in their respective teams but in the end, Joseph chose to join Sir Tom Jones' team. Joseph's mother, who is backstage supporting her son, also wanted Joseph to choose Tom Jones.

Judge Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, though did not turn his chair for Joseph, got excited upon learning that Joseph is a Filipino. Will then talked about his Fil-Am bestfriend Apl.de.Ap (who is also a judge in our local version of The Voice) and other Pinoy stuffs such as chicken adobo and pancit. The other judge of The Voice UK is Danny O'Donoghue of Irish band The Script, who has been linked recently with Janine Tugonon. 

Joseph Apostol moved to the UK when he was 10 years old when his mother was hired as a nurse. Watch below the full audition video of Joseph Apostol in The Voice UK.

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On The Job Starring Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson to Premiere at Cannes Film Festival

On The Job (OTJ) starring Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson will have  its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May as part of the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs or the Directors' Fortnight section held independently by the French Directors Guild.

Directed by Erik Matti, On The Job is an action-drama film produced by Star Cinema and Reality Entertainment. In OTJ, Piolo portrays an NBI agent running after a hitman played by Gerald. Shaina Magdayao plays the role of Piolo's wife.

Also starring Joel Torre, Joey Marquez and Angel Aquino, On The Job is the only Filipino movie (and one of the three Asian films) in the said section that will be screened alongside 30 other films from around the world.

However, two other Filipino films will participate in this year's Cannes Film Festival. Competing at another section (Un Certain Regard) in Cannes are Death March directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. starring Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo, Jason Abalos, Luis Alandy and Felix Roco, and Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan by acclaimed filmmaker Lav Diaz.

Watch the teaser trailer of On The Job (OTJ) movie below:

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Donaire vs Rigondeaux Results: Donaire Loses to Rigondeaux Via Unanimous Decision

The highly-anticipated super bantamweight title unification showdown of Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux was held on April 13 (April 14 in Manila) at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Rigondeaux beat the Filipino Flash after 12 rounds of boxing. All three score cards (114-113; 115-112; 116-111) went against Donaire, losing the WBO junior featherweight belt to the WBA champion from Cuba. Donaire's new record is now 31-2, 20 KOs while that of Rigondeaux improved to 12-0, 8 KOs.

Rigondeaux was the more engaging boxer during the first two rounds but Donaire never let his guards own and landed jabs on the Cuban. The 3rd and 4th rounds were dominated by Donaire as he did great works in the body and landed his straight punches.

Rounds 5 and 6 saw Rigondeaux playing a bit dirty by grabbing Donaire's head. "El Chacal" scored a huge left in the head during the sixth round. Rigondeaux kept on running away from Donaire on the 7th and 8th rounds and the crowd started to become frustrated. Donaire was still the aggressor on the next round against the counter puncher rival.

In the 10th round, Donaire landed a left hook which made the Cuban slipped into the canvas. He then knocked Rigondeaux down with a straight right, arousing the crowd once more.

An exchange of big punches and jabs followed in the last two rounds. Rigondeaux poked Donaire in the eye  resulted into a cut during the beginning of the 12th round. Even with Donaire's swelling eyes, Rigondeaux did not impressed more in the last round. However, Rigondeaux came on to be the best at 122 pounds.

Dubbed as "Domination," the Donaire-Rigondeaux battle saw 5 out of 8 knockouts in the undercard bouts. The result of the main event was regarded as controversial since scores were wide despite Donaire scoring a knock down in the 10th round.

Last year, Nonito Donaire did an impressive undefeated (4-0) run beating the likes of Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce since moving up to 122 pounds. The battle with Rigondeaux was his fourth title defense in an attempt to unify the WBO and WBA super bantamweight world titles. 

Rigondeaux may seem less experienced than Donaire based on pro record but the Cuban amatuer legend is similarly dangerous. In fact, Rigondeaux has had one of the most impressive amateur records in history scoring more than 400 victories. This two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000 and 2004) was the star of the powerhouse Cuban national team for years.

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Watch Donaire vs Rigondeaux Fight Via Satellite this April 14 on ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN will air this Sunday (April 14) the highly-anticipated match between Nonito Donaire Jr. and Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Update: Donaire vs Rigondeaux - Donaire Loses to Rigondeaux Via Unanimous Decision

Watch World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Featherweight champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire goes face-to-face with World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo “El Chacol” Rigondeaux in the highly-anticipated super bantamweight title unification showdown in “Domination” airing via satellite from Radio City Music Hall in New York this Sunday (April 14), 10:15 AM on ABS-CBN. 

Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs), who is the 3rd Asian to hold four division world titles, makes his fourth title defense against Cuban boxer Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) in an attempt to unify the WBO and WBA super bantamweight world titles. 

It’s definitely a make or break match for the two as both boxers are on a winning streak in their respective professional boxing careers. Donaire has not lost a single fight for more than 11 years while Rigondeaux remains undefeated ever since he went pro back in 2009. 

Who will dominate the ring? Will Donaire unite the WBO and WBA world titled and end Rigondeaux undefeated record? 

Don’t miss the action this Sunday (Apr 14) as ABS-CBN Sports brings you the via satellite airing of the Donaire-Rigondeaux card in “Domination,” 10:15 AM, on ABS-CBN with same day replay at 4 PM on Studio 23.

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Jane Oineza Bags Best Actress Nomination at the 2013 New York Festivals

Kapamilya teen actress Jane Oineza was nominated as Best Actress  in the 2013 New York Festivals awards, the only Philippine acting nomination from the prestigious award-giving body for her performance in the MMK Manika episode.

Click here for the complete list of nominees from the Philippines

The prestigious 2013 New York Festivals (NYF) World’s Best Television and Film named Kapamilya teen actress Jane Oineza as one of the nominees in its 'Best Performance By An Actress' category. Jane was the lead actress in the controversial “Manika” episode last year that shared the tale of a young girl named Nene who was raped by her stepdad in front of her mother.

“It was ‘MMK’ that gave me a big break. It was my first lead role and I really gave my best when I did the episode,” said Jane. “It’s really a huge honor to be part of ‘MMK.’ We all know that each of its episode has a heart and has a lesson to be learned. Each of its tale is really well-crafted.”

Congratulations Jane! Your Kapamilyas were very proud of you.

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Jed Madela on WCOPA Hall of Fame, Announces US Recording Deal

Kapamilya singer Jed Madela will soon be inducted to the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Hall of Fame, the first Filipino receive such honor.

According to WCOPA, Jed is also the 2013 Achievement Award Honoree and will be presented with his Achievement Award and inducted into the "Performing Arts Hall of Fame" during the live international webcast of the  17th annual WCOPA finals on July 19.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Jed said that he was surprised when he first learned the news. His happiness elevated when he learned that he will be the very first Filipino, and the first WCOPA contestant to receive the prestigious WCOPA Achievement Award and be inducted to its Hall of Fame. Jed Madela won as WCOPA Grand Champion Performer of the World in 2005, besting 3,000 international contestants.

"Nagulat nga ako when I got the news from World Championships a few weeks ago na ihahanay na nila ako sa Hall of Fame nila as one of the artsits nila na ina-award nila. Nalaman ko na I'm the first Filipino and first na contestant ng World Championships na ii-induct nila sa Hall of Fame, at nung nalaman ko 'yung line up ng na-induct na nila doon, mas lalo akong sumaya bigla," he said.

According to Jed, previous WCOPA Hall of Fame inductees and recipients of the organization's Achievement Award include renowned actress-singer Liza Minnelli, Daniel Marmarre (President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil), and American singer Dionne Warwick.

Jed will be flying to Hollywood this July to perform at the WCOPA finals and personally receive his award. Aside from the accolade, Jed also announced that he closed a recording deal in the United States.

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ABS-CBN Dramas, In-Demand in other Asian Countries

When it comes to Philippine drama series that cross borders, ABS-CBN Corporation has proven that it is the premier provider in Asia.  Out of the 30,000 hours of various content it has sold worldwide since 2000, ABS-CBN International Distribution has sold approximately 40% of these to eleven Asian countries, enabling non-Filipino, Asian viewers to enjoy top-calibre Filipino programs on their own television screens.

Among these, Malaysia is the top buyer of ABS-CBN dramas with more than 3,000 hours of content sold to Malaysian TV networks Astro Bella and TV3 since 2000.

“Magkaribal,” “Prinsesa ng Banyera,””Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” “Impostor,” “Imortal,” “Budoy,”and “Iisa Pa Lamang” were some of the titles sold to Astro Bella, Malaysia’s first in-house pay TV channel for telenovelas. These account for the 850 hours of content bought from ABS-CBN by this TV channel owned by the Malaysian satellite provider Astro. “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” is Astro Bella’s highest-rating Filipino drama, registering an amazing 67% audience share.

TV3, Malaysia’s first commercial television station, meanwhile, has bought 95 hours of content from ABS-CBN through Malaysia’s leading integrated media investment group, Media Prima.

One of the shows it has acquired is “Mara Clara,” which proved to be a big hit during its run in TV3 after it successfully gained an average of 1.5 million viewers. The Malaysian network is set to air “My Girl” in January 2013 and this early on, is expressing a strong interest to acquire “My Binondo Girl” and “Be Careful with My Heart.”

Cambodians are likewise shaping up to be avid viewers of ABS-CBN dramas. ABS-CBN has sold 28 canned shows to Cambodian TV channels capped by the recent landmark deal made with Cambodian Television Network (CTN) to localize the hit primetime series “Pangako Sa ’Yo” by 2013.

Aside from Malaysia and Cambodia, other Asian territories where ABS-CBN titles have been sold for a non-Filipino audience are Brunei, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea and Taiwan.

A business unit of ABS-CBN, International Distribution has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider and has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world.

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Philippines' Rizzini Alexis Gomez Wins Miss Tourism International 2012

The Miss Tourism International 2012 Pageant was held on New Year's Eve, December 31, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Miss Philippines Rizzini Alexis Gomez was crowned Miss Tourism International. 

Rizzini Alexis Gomez, a 22-year-old registered nurse from Cebu bested 54 other lovely candidates from all over the world to capture the title of Miss Tourism International 2012. Rizzini's win put an exclamation point to the Philippines' winning streak this year, perhaps one of the best in the history of pageantry in the country.

Read: Pinoys in Pageants: 10 Major Sucesses in 2012; Philippines Hailed Country of the Year

Rizzini is the second Filipina to be crowned Miss Tourism International, a Malaysian-based pageant which aims to promote tourism and cultural exchange. The first Filipina to win the said crown is Maria Esperanza Manzano way back in 2000.

Here are the  winners of the Miss Tourism International 2012:

• Miss Tourism International: Miss Philippines 
• Miss Tourism Metropolitan International: Miss Australia
• Miss Tourism Global: Miss Venezuela
• Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International: Miss Paraguay
• Dreamgirl of the Year: Miss Malaysia

Photos courtesy of Mutya ng Pilipinas

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Pinoys in Pageants: 10 Major Sucesses in 2012; Philippines Hailed Country of the Year

The year 2012 has been a very successful one for the Philippines in the field of beauty pageants with Filipinos gaining recognition from several international pageants. With victories here and there, popular pageant website Missosology hailed the Philippines as the country of the year.

This year, our representatives to both male and female pageants did well, bringing home two crowns, six runner-up trophies, and two semifinals honors in major pageants and a handful in other pageants overseas.

Update: Rizzini Alexis Gomez won Miss Tourism International 2012 in New Years Eve, bringing the third crown for the Philippines in 2012.

Here's a run-down of the beauty kings and queens that made the Philippines proud in 2012:

				1. June Macasaet, winner, 16th Manhunt International June is the first Filipino to win the Manhunt International title. This Batangueño commercial and ramp model bested 52 gorgeous men, including heavy favorite Mr. Sweden, Peter Bo Johnsson at the 16th edition of the male beauty pageant held on November 9 in Bangkok, Thailand.
				2. Kevin Balot, winner, 8th Miss International Queen Just like June Macasaet, Kevin Balot is the first Filipino to win the title of Miss International Queen. The Pinay transgender beauty beat 22 other transsexuals from different countries, including four other Filipinos at the pageant night held on November 2 in Pattaya, Thailand.
				3. Janine Tugonon, first runner-up, 61st Miss Universe The second Filipina to be standing next to the eventual winner at a Miss Universe coronation night, Janine Tugonon has proven all her detractors wrong and made all Pinoys proud after her exemplary performance in the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas, USA which crowned the home girl, Olivia Culpo.
				4. Stephany Stefanowitz, first runner-up, 12th Miss Earth Armed with wit, beauty and concern for the environment, Stephany Stefanowitz was named Miss Earth Air (first runner-up) in the Miss Earth pageant held on November 24 at Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This Jinkee Pacquiao deadringer lost the crown to Czech Republic’s Tereza Fajksová.
				5. Andrew Wolff, first runner-up, 6th Mister World Cory Quirino, the Miss and Mister World franchise holder in the country made the right choice when she sent Andrew James Wolff in the Mister World pageant in Kent, England. The Philippine Volcanoes member has what the male pageant demanded and has to lose only to Francisco Javier Escobar Parra of Colombia come the November 25 coronation night.
				6. Clarisse Marie Obia, first runner-up, 1st Miss Teen Universe This 19-year-old student from Lyceum of the Philippines emerged as first runner-up in the inaugural Miss Teen Universe pageant held in Managua, Nicaragua last April 30. The crown went to Panama's Sasha Nikyta Kam. The 5-foot-6 beauty from Biñan, Laguna was chosen by the Bb. Unibersidad organization to represent the country.
				7. Ayelee Marie Dasalla, second runner-up, 2nd Miss Humanity International Ayelee Marie Dasalla followed the footsteps of Czarina Gatbonton who also emerged as 2nd runner-up in the very first Miss Humanity International. Ayelee Marie beat Bb. Pilipinas batchmate Marie Molo Peter (who represented Norway) in the pageant's coronation night held in Barbados last October 20. The crown went to Lesa Gayle Wee Tom of Jamaica.
				8. Elaine Kay Moll, third runner-up, 4th Miss Supranational Elaine Kay Moll may not be given a title in Bb. Pilipinas 2012 but the local pageant’s first runner-up was sent by BPCI to represent the country in the Miss Supranational pageant held in Warsaw, Poland on September 15. The Philippines’ debut in the said pageant was met with Elaine’s third runner-up finish, with Ekaterina Buraya of Belarus winning the crown.
				9. Queenierich Rehman, Top 15, 62nd Miss World Queenie Rehman made world headlines not by winning the Miss World pageant but by showcasing a talent not usual for beauty queens–beatboxing. Unfortunately, she was not hailed Best in Talent but the winner, Yu Wenxia of China who was crowned at her home turf in a coronation night held August 18 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China.
				10. Nicole Schmitz, Top 15, 52nd Miss International Just when Miss China was crowned in China, the Miss International 2012 winner, Miss Japan Ikumi Yoshimatsu, was also crowned in Japan at the October 21 pageant night in Okinawa. The country’s delegate, Nicole Schmitz finished in the Top 15. A seasoned pageant competitor, Nicole is the third Filipina with German blood to represent the country in the said pageant.

Aside from these ten, other notable pageant victories of the Philippines this year include Top Model awards won by Joy Marie Gangan (Best Asian Model) at the Best Model of the World held last December 8 in Istanbul, Turkey and Joy Castillo-Pasidis at the Mrs. Universe pageant held August 12 in Rostov, Russia. Other Philippine representatives to gain semifinals slots: Janicel Lubina (Top 5 – Miss Scuba International held in Bali, Indonesia on November 30); Angelee Claudette Delos Reyes (Top 10 – Supermodel International held in Bangkok, Thailand on September 5); Bea Rose Santiago (Top 10 – Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International held in Nanjing China on December 3); Grendel Alvarado (Top 15 – Miss Asia Pacific World held in Seoul, South Korea last June 16).

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