POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

Janjep Carlos will represent the Philippines in the Mr. Gay World 2019 pageant which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from April 28-May 5. Carlos, 41, businessman, earned the right to represent the country in the prestigious gay pageant abroad when he won the Mr. Fahrenheit 2019 contest held on E. Rodriguez, Quezon City at dawn March 31. First runners-up honors went to Kevin Garcia and Macky David Belen. This is not the first time that Carlos joined the national search. In 2017, Carlos competed but lost to John Raspado who later captured the Mr. Gay World title in Spain. "I joined the national search because I really wanted to represent the Philippines in the international contest," said Carlos. The hunk trader also said that he also wanted to carry his advocacy abroad. "I always work hard with the task that I am involved with. I always put my best foot forward. With the prestige of carrying the Filipino flag abroad, I also carry the hopes of p...

Self-acceptance will make you appear more attractive. This was the inspiring message of two international beauty queens from the Philippines to women who struggle with the way they look, self-esteem, and acceptance.  "At the end of the day, we know we are not perfect. Everyone looks differently, very different and unique. And you just need to be content and happy with the way you look," said reigning Miss Intercontinental Karen Gallman during an interview. Gallman added: "Yes, you can enhance but you should not look forward to changing your whole look. I think that it's just looking at everybody else. You stick with your own beauty and enhance it a little bit. There's nothing wrong with that. We are unique and you should be proud of who you are." Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco said women should understand their value and worth to acceptance the true meaning of self-confidence. "A lot of girls nowadays find their worth and their value with ho...

Two years after she quit as national director of another pageant, radio and television personality and wellness advocate Cory Quirino assumed the presidency of Mutya ng PIlipinas beauty pageant, one of the longest-running beauty contests in the country, during a press conference held at Ascott Hotel in Makati City last March 27. "Why I have returned to pageantry is for one reason alone. What I long intended to accomplish in 2011 was left unfinished - that of discovering the Hometown Girl," said Quirino, during a jampacked press conference. "With the full support of our dynamic Chairman Fred Yuson and the artistic expertise of Ogie Alcasid, I am confident that, together, we will take Mutya ng Pilipinas to the next level," she added. Quirino, also current president of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), was the former national director of the Miss World Philippines contest from 2011 to 2016. During the press conference, she finally revealed to ...

Miss Universe Catriona Gray raised helped raised some US$6,000 (roughly P300,000) for abused Filipino children during a short-noticed fund-raising event in Canada recently. Gray thanked all those who supported the charity event for Bantay Bata 163, an organization that provides a multitude of social services for the children of the Philippines, such as a help hotline, medical assistance, feeding programs and educational scholarships. "Maraming salamat po to everyone who supported the Bantay Bata organisation this past weekend in Toronto, Canada!" Gray said on Instagram. She added: "Big thank you to the members of @pidc.toronto who pulled together this event on such short notice! The total amount of $6000 raised from this intimate dinner will go towards serving and protecting our countries children." On its website, Bantay Bata 163 is said to be Asia’s model for child care services. Its toll free hotline 1-6-3, remains as the country’s online helpline dev...

Sen. Cynthia Villar said the law institutionalizing a national feeding program will not only address undernourishment among children, but will also create a market for local dairy and vegetable farmers. Villar, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, said during the plenary discussions on Republic Act 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, she pushed for provisions that will make sure local farmers will also benefit from the law. “With the provision in the law requiring the sourcing of fresh milk and fresh milk-based products from local dairy farmers and cooperatives, we are creating markets, which, if sustained, will eventually develop our local dairy industry,” Villar said. Villar also said the law she co-authored included a provision encouraging the establishment of vegetable farms which will supply the requirement for the supplemental feeding program for school children. “This will also help vegetable farmers and backyard farmers to incr...

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach announced the 30 lucky fans who will join her in the unveiling of her wax figure at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City on Friday, March 28. "Hey everyone! I’m so excited to see my wax figure and share this experience with all of you on Friday at SM Mega Fashion Hall!" said Wurtzbach on Instagram March 27. Here are the winners:

Senator Cynthia Villar has vowed to pursue legislation to protect every woman's rights if re-elected. This is was the assurance of Mrs. Villar as she gives inspiration and recognize the important role of every women in our country and in the whole world after attending the National Women’s Month Celebration headed by Unlad Binan and Gender Development Office and also with Rep. Len Alonte. Villar also gave inspiration and recognized the important role of every women in the country and the whole world and assure everyone that she will continue to pursue legislation in giving protection of every women.

Avignon Laser Dermatology was recognized for the authenticity of its services during its launch held at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila recently. Avignon was cited for the following achievements: Certificate of Authenticity for MesoBioLift, Second installation of Mesobiolift in the Country (You can only get Mesobiolift Skin Reset from the two installations, making it a very exclusive service); and Certificate of Authenticity for Silk Peel by Envy Medical USA (as there are many copycats of silk peel due to its growing popularity, we ensure that we get the legitimate one.) Joseph Lorenzana, Business Unit Head of Microlab, awarded Avignon Laser Dermatology. The awards were received by Dr. Angela Cumagun, Dr. Angela Santos and Benedict Sy, General Manager. Avignon is known for its signature services such as The Glow Laser, The Avignon MesoBioLift Skin Reset, and Thermage TLC Max. The Glow Laser: There are many laser treatments in the market but under deliver. ...

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach said that she is excited for her Madame Tussaud's wax figure coming to the Philippines as she will select 30 lucky fans for a meet-and-greet event at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City on March 29. On Instagram, Wurtzbach wrote: "I can’t believe it! My Madame Tussauds wax figure is coming to Manila! Want to be among the first to see it?; "Take a selfie of your best beauty queen pose, tag 3 of your friends, tag @madametussaudshongkong, and don’t forget the hashtag #PiaMadeIconic! Deadline’s on March 26! We will announce the winners on March 27. 💙; "30 entries will be selected for a meet and greet with me on March 29, 11 AM, at the SM MEGA FASHION HALL. Can’t wait to meet you! 💙" - ROBERT REQUINTINA

Binibini Dia Nicole Mangcao Magno has said that she was thrilled the first time she met Stella Marquez Araneta, chair of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., which organizes the annual Bb. Pilipinas pageant. "I met her right away at the submission of the application form. She first welcomed us. And she was thankful of us joining and she have us a good luck sign," said Magno during an exclusive interview recently. Magno, who was born and raised in Butuan City, said that she was named after her birthstone. "I was born on April 11 and that's my birthstone. That's why mom called me Diamond." Asked about her fellow candidates, Magno said: "They are very nice. We are basically getting to know one another and so far so good. I don't feel any stress because it is more of very liberating - this is the dream of being in Binibining Pilipinas. And I'm still  going to be fighting for this dream until get the crown and promote my advocacy....

For two years now, fashion model Michelle Marquez Dee, the stunning daughter of former Miss International Melanie Marquez, is being encouraged by pageant fans to compete in Bb. Pilipinas beauty contest because of her good looks, charm, and wonderful background. Pageant fans waited for Dee to file her application form until March 15, deadline for the submission of application in Bb. PIlipinas, but she did not show up. "I feel very flattered because the support for me is overwhelming. But with the kind of expectations, I wanna make sure that when I step out, I wanna be at my best talaga, my very best. I can honestly say that the timing now is off," said Dee, during the press conference for the movie "Go! La Union" at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center in Quezon City last Monday. "I know a lot of girls who are running and I am in full support of them." Dee, 24, recalled that the campaign for her to join the prestigious national pageant began when sh...

Now it can be told: actor William Martinez is one of brains behind the blockbuster youth-oriented movie "Bagets" in 1984. "Ako ang nag-conceptualize ng pelikulang 'Bagets' at ako rin ang nag-isip ng title," said Martinez, during the story conference for the movie "Bakit Nasa Huli ang Simula?" held at B Hotel in Quezon City recently. "Wala kaming magawa nun ni Tito Douglas (Quijano). Sabi ko Tito Douglas, we have to come up with something new; "Nung nagbebenta kami ng story, lahat ng batang artista nun bago. Binenta namin ito sa Regal Films pero si Mother Lily wanted to put Edgar Mande, Albert Martinez, Rey "PJ" Abellana, Maricel Soriano, Snooky, and Dina (Bonnevie); "Ayaw namin, Gusto namin mga bago. So binenta namin kay Vic del Rosario sa Viva Films. Wala pa kaming title nun. Sabi namin kay Vic ang kailangan namin mga artistang bago; "Sabi niya meron akong bago si Aga Muhlach, JC Bonnin, Raymund Laucheng...

Calling her “Nanay ng Bayan” and describing her as the most industrious senator, President Rodrigo Duterte asked Filipino voters to help Villar return to the Senate as she has been among her partners in the carrying out the country’s  much-needed reforms. Aside from the PDP-Laban where the President sits as national chairman, Villar, known as “Misis Hanepbuhay” is also being endorsed by the Hugpong ng Pagbqbago (HNP) led by presidential  daughter Sara Duterte who hailed her as the perfect example of “Sipag at Tiyaga.” The president endorsed Villar’s reelection bid during the PDP-Laban Marikina campaign rally held at the Marikina Convention Center.

Popular shoe designer Jojo Bragais said that depression made him a better person as he thanked all those who gave him a second chance to fulfill his dreams. On Facebook uploaded on March 15, Bragais also called on the public never to stop dreaming and hustling. His complete post: "When you were miserable enough, it pushes you to change. So don’t take challenges too negative that will lead you to stop dreaming; "I AM A PROUD PRODUCT OF DEPRESSION; "I don’t know exactly how I did it. But I'm just certain that I want to give my best in everything I do. "Everyone is the same, in a sense that you don’t know really what want you want in life and at some point you will look for something that you are good at; "It may or may not be exactly the life you planned and prepared yourself for but if your motivation is right success will follow; "Keep dreaming and never stop hustling!; "I got so many dreams and so much things to do. I wanna gi...

Speaking before the 28th Annual General Assembly of Simbayanan ni Maria Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMMPC), reelectionist Sen. Cynthia A. Villar recognizes the humble beginning and eventual success of SMMPC which serves as an inspiration to many. This earned for them the Villar SIPAG Outstanding Community Enterprise award. The establishment of cooperatives has been among the advocacies of Villar in fighting reducing poverty and uplifting the lives of poor Filipinos.

Reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray took some time to prepare meals for patients with serious illnesses, including HIV/AIDS and cancer, in New York. "Spent some time yesterday preparing some meals at @godslovenyc. The mission of God’s Love We Deliver is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. We prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves," wrote Gray as she uploaded videos on Instagram preparing delicious meals on Tuesday, March 20. On its website, the mission of "God’s Love We Deliver" is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. "We prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of ...

The 40 official candidates of the Bb. Pilipinas 2019 beauty pageant were announced at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City last March 18. They are: Hannah Arnold, Jane Darren Genobisa, Samantha Poblete, Danielle Joi Magno, Mary Faye Murphy, Joanna Rose Tolledo, Jessica Marasigan, Marie Sherry Anne Tormes,  Dia Nicole Magno, Honey Grace Cartasano, Francia Layderos, Cassandra Chan, Danielle Isabelle Dolk, Jessarie Dumaguing, Maria Isabela Galeria, Julia Eugene Saubier, Melba Ann Macasaet, Emma Mary Tiglao, Alanis Reign Binoya, Louisielle Denise Amorog, Gazini Christiana Ganadis, Marianne Marquez, Joahnna Carla Saad, Pauline Anne Cordero, April May Short, Leren Mae Bautista, Rubee Marie Faustino, Larah Grace Lacap, Martina Faustina Diaz, Malka Shaver, Kimberly Penchon, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Ilene Astrid de Vera, Maria Andrea Abesamis, Bea Patricia Magtanong, Jean Nicole Guerrero, Samantha Ashley Lo, Rosham Ramirez Saeed, Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton, and Sigrid Grace Flore...

VILLA GLORIA BEACH RESORT, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur - Twenty-one male candidates will compete at the inaugural Mister Ilocos 2019 pageant which aims to promote tourism in the region, preserve its heritage and financial wellness. The 21 official candidates are: Adonis Verona (Agoo, La Union), Peter Rei Briosos Marzan (Bangued, Abra), Wealth Rigonan  (Batac, Ilocos Norte), Edison Pascual Ramos (Bayambang, Pangasinan), Geneio Palaganas Quiambao (Calasiao, Pangasinan), Mhakeous Palaganas Quiambao (Calasiao, Pangasinan), Clem Joshua Alcon Pascual  (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte), Noel Lozada Do-ayan (Lagangilang, Abra), Paul Edwin Reyes Astrande (Licuan Ba-ay, Abra), Juvann Barcenna Macario (Luba, Abra), Jyrico Macaguiwa Abubo (Naguilan, La Union), Jeke Alejandro Magno (Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte), Jay Jasper Dumenden Brillantes (Piddigan, Abra), Jerryson Ramos Jasmin (Pozorrubio, Pangasinan), Julious Desumala (San Emilio, Ilocos Sur), Jhon Lee Hortizuela Pat-Ongay (Santa Lucia, Ilocos...

Si Joseph Victor Gomez Ejercito, kilala bilang JV Ejercito o JV Ejercito Estrada, ay anak ng dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada at San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez. Sa ngayon ay tumatakbo bilang re-electionist si JV para sa Senado sa ilalim ng Nationalist People's Coalition. Adiopted candidate rin siya ng PDP-Laban. Si JV ang tinaguriang "Father of Universal Health Care." Sa isang meet-and-greet event para sa entertainment press sa Limbaga 77 Restaurant sa Quezon City kamakailan lamang, sinagot ni JV ang tanong kung bakit hindi siya pumasok sa showbiz tulad ng pinanggalingan ng kanyang mga magulang. "Hindi naman kasi ako artistahin kaya hindi ako pumasok sa showbiz," ayon kay JV. Pero sinabi ni JV na malaki ang respeto niya sa industriyang pinanggalingan ng kanyang mga magulang. "Kung ano man ang maitutulong ko sa showbiz, basta para sa ikagaganda nito, asahan ninyo ang suporta ko," ani JV. Inamin naman ni JV, 49, na talagang hindi niia linya ang...

Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte describes reelectionist Senator Cynthia A. Villar a perfect example of ‘sipag at tiyaga’ during the administration’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) party’s campaign caravan in Las Pinas City Wednesday night. Duterte, the HNP founder, acknowledges Villar’s patience in looking for our people needing jobs especially the women.  Also known as "Misis Hanep Buhay," Villar commits to continue her programs to augment the earnings of every poor Filipino family.

Sen. Cynthia Villar commended the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for donating 5 hectares of land in Tondo, Manila, as relocation site of 2,400 families residing in Parola and Isla Puting Bato. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, has been asking PPA “to do something about the burgeoning number of informal settlement on the coastal area at the port of Manila, which does not only affect the efficacy of the operation of the port, but actually hampers the efforts towards the clean up of Manila Bay.” Last week, Villar joined Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Department of Transportation Sec. Art Tugade, Cong. Manuel Lopez, Cong. Albee Benitez, and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the PPA, National Housing Authority, the City Government of Manila, the International Container Terminal Services, and the Manila North Harbour Port Inc. for the donation of the piece o...

Reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray has encouraged the public to have themselves tested following an alarming increase in the number of HIV-AIDS (humanimmunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome) cases in the Philippines. "If you've never been tested before for HIV, I have my first testing experience up on my YouTube channel in partnership with @loveyourself.ph. If I can do it, you can too. Get tested, know your status. Love yourself," said Gray on Instagram. Gray cited a report from loveyourself.ph that showed an alarming increase in the number of HIV cases in the Philippines for the past 10 years. "In the last ten years, we've seen the cases of new HIV cases in the Philippines rise exponentially from only 1 a day in 2008 to 32 a day in 2018," the Filipino beauty queen said. Loveyourself.ph is a community of volunteers in the country that conducts HIV counselling, testing, treatment and life coaching. The HIV-AIDS is one of the a...

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), with 81 governors as members, has endorsed the reelection bid of Sen. Cynthia Villar. During its 8th General Assembly held at Century Park, Manila, and presided over by National Chairman Gov. Al Francis Bichara and National President Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, LPP unanimously approved a resolution supporting the candidacy of Villar for a second term in the Senate. Misamis Oriental Gov. Bambi Emano, filed the motion citing Villar’s advocacy for livelihood opportunities in the poor areas. In a speech, Villar thanked the governors for their support and for welcoming her in their respective provinces not only during the campaign period but also in the course of her term as senator. Villar also cited the active participation of LGUs which is crucial in fast-tracking national government programs. The Nacionalista Party senator also gave her commitment to continue providing livelihood opportunities especially in poor communities. ...