Date Posted:16:15:06 08/02/09 Sun
Graveh na ang coverage kay Bianca, never nacover ng Ganito ang ating Ms U delegates eversince Miriam Q.
Bianca featured in Colombian Entertainment News Feature
4 cms pa pala ang tinapyas sa kanyang waistline!
Kahit walang make - up super ganda talaga nya!
Its an exciting time here in The Bahamas, as we set to take on the role as host of the 2009 Miss Universe pageant the smallest country ever to do so. There are 700 Islands of the Bahamas sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean the closest just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The archipelago is an ecological oasis which boasts the clearest water on the planetits been scientifically proven - with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as easily as you can the worlds third largest barrier reef. The population is relatively small there are approximately 330,000 people, and the pace is a comfortable, laid back ease. Bahamians are eager to show the world through the Miss Universe pageant why Its Better in the Bahamas. While here during the next three weeks, the contestants will travel to several of our islands, visit historic sites and points of interest, and they will get to enjoy all of the cultural wealth that the Bahamas has to offer.
The excitement surrounding the Miss Universe pageant went up a notch with the arrival of the first contestant Thursday evening. Chlo Mortaud of France (photo left) stepped off the plane shortly after 10 p.m. She was greeted by Miss Bahamas Universe Kiara Sherman (photo below) officials from the Ministry of Tourism, protocol officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a contingent of police officers. Chlo is very tall, elegant, and a natural beauty. She seemed very down to earth and friendly, and she took the home number of Miss Bahamas who isnt scheduled to check into the hotel until early next week. The first thing she said was how excited she is to be in the Bahamas because she always wanted to come here. Chlo was very impressed with the warm welcome she received, remarking that the people are so friendly. After a brief stay in the Lynden Pindling International Airports VIP lounge, she was whisked off to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in a limousine, led by police outriders.
Two more contestants are scheduled to arrive today Miss Albania and Miss Kosovo. They will be flying in this afternoon with Miss Universe fashion photographer Fadil Berisha who will spend about five days here taking the officials photos of the contestants for the Miss Universe website. Fadil, who is a good friend of mine and who also works with the Miss Albania and Miss Kosovo organizations, told me that both girls are stunners and that Miss Kosovo is in high demand in Europe as a model. After seeing their pre-arrival pics, I cant wait to see them in person! It will also be good to see Fadil again. Im hoping he can squeeze a few minutes out of his schedule so that we can meet. Who knows, maybe Ill get to meet Misses Albania and Kosovo as well!
Much of the Miss Universe staff is already in place for the Miss Teen USA pageant, which is being held tonight (July 31st) at Atlantis for a second consecutive year. They wont have a moment to rest after that pageant is done because the contestants for Miss Universe begin arriving in large numbers on August 1st. So as the saying goes let the games (or in this case pageant) begin!
Photo/Raymond A. Bethel
Date Posted:00:17:20 08/01/09 Sat
Saturday 01st August, 09:25 AM JST
TOKYO
Japans candidate for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant, 25-year-old Emiri Miyasaka, will wear a different costume to the finals this month in the Bahamas after her original design received widespread criticism as being too extreme.
Shocking pink stockings, panties and a garter belt completed the ensemble of a black leather kimono cut off to reveal everything below the waist, a look that received a flood of criticism both domestically and from across the globe. Voices of protest also came from the obi and kimono makers, who were not informed of the design of the costume beforehand, ultimately leading to a decision to redesign the dress.
Miss Universe Japan officials announced the decision on their website. They said the new costume would feature a kimono of the original length, covering the lower half of Miyasakas body and hiding her panties and garter. The pattern on the kimono itself will not be changed.
The costume was originally designed by Frenchwoman Ines Ligron, the director of the Miss Universe Japan office, who was given the job by Miss Universe Organization owner and U.S. real estate mogul Donald Trump himself. Sources say Ligron was inspired by a Christian Dior collection of kimono-like garments. She ordered the kimono to be made by Yoshiyuki Ogata, owner of a company that is pushing for a revival of traditional-style Japanese clothing.
The costume, which was revealed to the world on July 22, drew criticism from over 2,000 people including comments that Japan will be misunderstood and the garter belts make it look like something a prostitute would wear. The obi manufacturers, who were not informed of the kimonos design beforehand, complained, Had we known it was going to look like that, we would have never provided them the obi, a disapproval that ultimately led to a decision to redesign the costume.
In reaction to the complaints, Ligron initially stated on her blog that It has surely created a huge PR buzz around the world which was the concept. The conservative and fashion-dinosaurs are criticizing her costume, meanwhile the fashionistas love it. I care only about the movers and shakers in the fashion industry.
Ogata was also assertive on his blog, posting: That the kimono is a symbol of the humble Japanese woman is a delusion created by modern-day Japanese.
Yoshitaka Tsujimura, board chairman of Shizuokas Tsujimura College of Japanese Clothing, said of the design, Our entire faculty was shocked at how obscene it was. For those who have never seen a real kimono, it may be fine, but to us it just looks like someones efforts to strip the garment into something lewd and cheap. This woman is going to be representing our country, and she has no right to ruin the image of proper Japanese clothing. Im quite frankly relieved to know theyve decided to change the design.
Date Posted:05:46:43 08/01/09 Sat
The Miss Universe org. MADE IT SEEMS IMPORTANT TO announce that the recently concluded Miss Teen USA will be broadcast live thru stream line video from the BAHAMAS.
The fact of the matter is, all major network here in the US including FOX, LIFETIME, TLC, and all non major network declined to air the show due to the fact that BEAUTY PAGEANT is losing its appeal to the mass media due to the DONALD's handling of the pageant.
The excitement of the Miss USA, MISS Teen and MISS Universe became another ELITE< SUPERMODEL> AND ALSO I WANNA MAKE YOU A SUPERSMODEL NOT TO MENTION WHO WANNA BE ON TOP KINDA FORMAT.
IF YOU ARE UGLY AND COME A FROM A WELL KNOW COUNTRY UR CHANCES IS 0 TO NONE.
I WILL NOT BE SURPRISED IF ANOTHER COUNTRY END UP BEING THE FRANCHISE HOLDER OF THIS ORGANIZATION.
LIKE STELLA ARANETA DONALD SHOULD SELL THE FRANCHISE TO NON BIASES COMPANY LIKE THE 80'S MISS UNIVERSE THAT GAVE CHANCE TO LESS WELL KNOW COUNTRY IF THEY ARE WORTHY OF THE CROWN.
MANILA - Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed away Saturday morning after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76.
"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina," a statement from the Aquino family read.
Details of the former president's wake will be announced later, the family said.
Once a reluctant housewife, Aquino was known as an icon of Philippine democracy after the EDSA 'People Power' revolution removed the Marcos dictatorship and restored democracy in the Southeast Asian archipelago in 1986.
Aquino served as the nation's president until 1992 when she gave way to her successor, President Fidel Ramos. Even in retirement, she remained in the public eye and continued to speak out on political issues.
In March 2008 her family announced that Aquino had colon cancer.
Various healing masses had been held in different parts of the country after she was confined at the Makati Medical Center starting June 25. Thousands attended the masses praying that one of of the world's democracy icons would recover. Prayers and get-well messages were also posted on her website, coryaquino.ph.
Last Monday, the Aquino family said Mrs. Aquino's condition had turned to "guarded" due to her fluctuating blood pressure. On the same day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo started her State of the Nation Address by leading a moment of silence for her predecessor.
Her son, Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, confirmed that the former leader's cancer had already spread to her liver.
"Her weakened condition does not allow chemotherapy. We have reached the point where you're not sure if the intervention will help or worsen the condition," he told reporters.
Last week, her supporters tied yellow ribbons along Times St. and Examiner St. in Quezon City near Mrs. Aquino's residence, and also outside the Makati Medical Center, symbolizing hope and prayers for her recovery and as a show of support for Philippine democracy.
People power
Aquino was propelled to the Philippines presidency in the 'People Power' revolution in 1986.
For three days in February of that year, the world watched as the woman in a bright yellow dress led millions in a peaceful uprising that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled with an iron fist for two decades.
During the next six years, Aquino -- a devout Roman Catholic led the restoration of democracy and changed the country's Constitution.
But her presidency was marred by at least six failed military coups, political squabbling, insurgent attacks and her failure to change a political system dominated by elite family clans.
Time magazine in 2006 named Aquino one of Asia's heroes, praising her "quiet courage" and describing her as "the symbol of People Power and an inspiration to others around the world struggling against tyranny."
On June 25, Aquino was brought to the Makati Medical Center due to loss of appetite. She reportedly refused further medical treatment. Family members were by her side and the country prayed for her recovery.
Privilege and wealth
Born into the Cojuangco clan in the northern province of Tarlac on January 25, 1933, Aquino was a product of privilege, power and wealth.
Educated in the United States and Manila, she entertained no political ambitions -- but all that changed when she met and married Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a bright young journalist from another prominent Tarlac clan, in 1954.
Ninoy was seen by many to be a president in the making, but for Marcos, the then-senator was a threat. In September 1972, Marcos declared martial law and jailed hundreds of his opponents and critics, including Ninoy.
Corazon Aquino helped keep the opposition alive, speaking out on behalf of her husband and demanding change.
Aquino assassination
In 1983, against the advice of friends, Ninoy flew back to the Philippines from exile in Boston to seek an audience with the ailing Marcos. But before he could even get off the plane, he was gunned down by assassins.
His grief-stricken widow flew back to the Philippines, where she was quickly thrust into the role of uniting the opposition.
"I don't seek vengeance, only justice, not only for Ninoy but for the suffering Filipino people," Aquino declared as she reluctantly accepted the nomination of her peers.
Marcos won the 1986 elections, which were marred by massive irregularities.
The Aquino-led opposition, backed by the Catholic church, soon rallied about one million people on the street -- "People Power" was born, Marcos was quickly ousted and Aquino took the presidential oath of office.
She quickly set up a commission to draft a new constitution, dismantled the network of Marcos cronies that controlled the economy and freed scores of political activists.
Aquino also began talks with communist and Muslim insurgents, but her efforts would soon be undermined by problems within the coalition government she built. She later survived a series of bloody coup attempts.
Citizen Cory
In retirement, Aquino has remained in the public eye, often speaking out against alleged abuses in government.
Seventeen years after she stepped down from office, Aquino continued to enjoy the trust of the majority of Filipinos. A February 2009 survey of Social Weather Stations showed 3 out of every 5 adult Filipinos have much trust in the former president. She enjoyed a net trust rating of +38.
She has also become a vocal critic of current President Arroyo, whose family has been accused of massive corruption, and joined street protests against her until she was diagnosed with colon cancer in March of last year.
In the 1990s, Aquino said the presidency had taught her a valuable lessons in governance.
"I realized that I could have made things easier for myself if I had done the popular things, rather than the painful but better ones in the long run. After all, in the long run, I wouldn't be around to be blamed," she said.
As "Citizen Cory," she was active in non-government organizations promoting democracy, peace, and woman empowerment, and in recent years, micro-enterprise.
Until her last years as a private citizen, she remained a strong political influence and moral force, opposing moves toward charter change, which many fear will lead to a term extension for President Arroyo.
But on March 24, 2008, Mrs. Aquino faced another tough battle. Her children, Noynoy and Kris, announced that the former president had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Aquino underwent chemotherapy, and in public remarks made in May 2008, she said she had been responding positively to treatment.
But on Saturday, she lost, perhaps, her toughest battle. -- reports from AFP; Lynda Jumilla, ABS-CBN News.
Subject:Miss Russia 2009 threw a party dedicated to her departure for the Bahamas, where she will take part in the 2009 Miss Universe beauty pageant. The contestant showed off her outfit, which she called her victory dress.
Date Posted:00:11:16 08/01/09 Sat
By Masatsugu Horie
July 31 (Bloomberg) -- Japans candidate for the 2009 Miss Universe pageant will make adjustments to her costume after the black kimono outfit she had chosen was criticized as too revealing.
Considering the opinions we got from many supporters and other people concerned, we decided to make the hemline of the costume longer, IBG Japan, which operates the local Miss Universe contest, said on a posting yesterday on its Web site.
Emiri Miyasaka, a 25-year-old from Tokyo, who won Japans preliminary contest in May, disclosed her official costume, created by French designer Ines Ligron and Japans Yoshiyuki Ogata, on July 22. The pageant organizer and designers received complaints from more than 2,000 people, including one who said the kimono looked like something a prostitute might wear, according to a report today in the Sankei newspaper.
Miss Universe will be chosen in Bahamas on August 23.
To contact the reporter on this story: Masatsugu Horie in Osaka at mhorie3@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: July 31, 2009 05:43 EDT
It has surely created a huge PR buzz around the world which was the concept, also it worked as planned. The conservative and fashion-dinosaurs are critisizing her costume, meanwhile the fashionistas love it. I care only about the movers and shakers in the fashion industry. My vibe is of Junya Watanabe, Yoji Yamamto, Issey Miyake, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Cavalli and Dolce & Gabanna likes. They have created a new area in fashion and they mind works like mine. I love fierce versus safe, this is who I am and will always be. I want to bring the image of beauty queens to a level wich matches mine and not stuggle to remain safe and politically correct. I believe that traditional beauty queens are irrelevant in today world, and this is what most of people think and the real reason why TV ratings around the world are dropping and pageant houses have to close down their operations, instead they should reinvent themselves. In Japan, our medias exposure has exploded since the past 5 years because we deliver a work that fits today entertainment expectation. I wanted to share with you all my feelings, my views and my vision. This is what I just sent to the Miss Universe Organization. All directors have been asked to send a picture for the program and the website this year.Leslie Kee (lesliekeesuperstar.com) took these pictures and it took 7 designers to execute the costume. It was directed by Yoshiyuki Ogata, the designer of the red samurai costume which won best national costume with Kurara in 2006. 150 media outlets attended today press conference in Tokyo today. I am now in the South of France with my sons also i wasnt there.
Emiri is now packing with her team and will fly tomorrow afternoon to Miami where she has a few TV and magazines interviews. She will also prepare slowly her skin for the heat and dramatic sun of the Bahamas and will not burn. She will stay in Miami for a week and will fly by private helicopter to Nassau with her entourage. She will have a dinner at the Japanese Embassy with the Consul while in Miami. Special thanks to American Airlines for flying Emiri in first class to Miss Universe!
Date Posted:01:39:00 07/30/09 Thu
Schedule of Events
August 1 - 3 Arrivals and Registration
Official Photography
August 5 Location Filming
Visit to the Ardastra Gardens
Tour of Port Charlotte
Tour of Clifton Heritage Site and Sacred Space
Visit Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)
August 6 Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Courtesy Call on the Governor General
Tea Party at the Government House
August 7 Downtown Casual Shopping and Photo-ops
Display of Bahamian Arts and Crafts in Rawson Square
Welcome Dinner
August 8 Exuma - Bimini Bay Resort
Tour of Moriah Harbour Cay and Elizabeth Harbour
Stocking Island
Visit to Fountain of Youth and Shark Lab
August 9 Tour of Garden of the Groves and photo-ops
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Swimsuit Presentation, Grand Bahama Island (given the Best Figure award)
August 10 Motorcade through New Providence (1 pm)
National Costume Competition, Rainforest Theater, Wyndham Hotel
August 11 Harbour Island - Tour of island by golf cart
Beach and leisure activities at Coral Sands
Abaco, Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay
August 12 Junkanoo Summer Festival (afternoon)
Miss Universe 2009 Fashion Show with local designers, Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)
August 13 Delegates National Gift Charity Auction, Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort (Cable Beach)
August 14 - 15 Rehearsals
Location Filming
August 16 Miss Universe 2009 Presentation Show
August 17 - 18 Preliminary Interviews with the panel of judges
Rehearsals
August 19 - 22 Rehearsals
National Director Meeting
August 23 Dress Rehearsal (noon)
Live Telecast (9 pm EST)
Coronation Ball (11 pm)
August 24 Departures
Representing Vietnam at the Miss Universe 2009 pageant, Vo Hoang Yen says she hopes to change the worlds perception of young Vietnamese women.
Charismatic beauty queen Vo Hoang Yen says shes ready to make Vietnam proud when she competes at the Miss Universe 2009 pageant in the Bahamas next month.
The 21-year-old model says that by participating in the event, she hopes to change foreigners perceptions about todays young Vietnamese women who are confident and outgoing, but still uphold traditional values.
Yen has faced criticism in the past for her seemingly aloof manner as she displays little emotion on stage, with many in the industry accusing her of being cold and arrogant. Yen, however, doesnt see herself that way.
Im not putting on airs, its just me being me. I may look aloof onstage, this is understandable, but Im actually a sociable, boisterous girl in everyday life just like my peers.
I think how I present myself at this pageant will make people have a different opinion about me. Ill keep renewing my image to win judges and audiences hearts, she says.
Yen will leave for the Bahamas on August 1 and plans to travel alone. She will also be her own hairstylist and make-up artist, and will select her own clothes for the pageants many segments which run over the course of three weeks. The finale of the event is set to take place August 23.
Representatives of Hoan Vu Co., the agency in charge of selecting the Vietnamese contestant for the pageant, and Duong Truong Thien Ly, Hoan Vu Co. national director and Yens pageant consultant, will travel to the Bahamas during the final week of the competition to support her.
Ly was named second runner-up at the Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 competition and won the Peoples Choice Award at the Miss World 2008 contest.
A familiar face on the covers of magazines and at major fashion shows, Yen is no stranger to success. She was one of the top 10 finalists at the Miss Vietnam Photo 2006 contest, won the gold prize in the national Vietnam Supermodel 2008 competition, and was first runner-up at the Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 pageant.
Compared to other Vietnamese contestants who compete in international beauty contests, Yen will have ample time to prepare almost four months with Hoan Vu Co. helping her all the way.
She says the intensive coaching, which includes training in how to choose the most flattering hairstyles, makeup and outfits, as well as how to communicate well, has steadied her nerves and bolstered her confidence. The agency also helps Yen with her foreign language skills and provides an exercise regime to keep her fit and healthy.
But despite her preparation, Yen says she still feels pressure as the representative of the country which hosted last years Miss Universe pageant. Ive learned not to feel too much pressure and try to be in the best of moods, says Yen.
However, I feel a little bit worried when people have high expectations of me, but nervousness adds to the thrill and strengthens my resolve to win the contest.
Thuy Lam, Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, was one of the top 15 finalists at last years contest and international online bookmakers say Yen looks to be among the top contenders for the next Miss Universe crown.
I cant tell what the results will be, but Ill make the most of what I have, Yen says.
She will bring 12 dresses to the pageant, including an evening gown created by top designer Nguyen Cong Tri and three traditional yet innovative ao dai (long Vietnamese tunics) from the ABC fashion line.
Yen is a professional model whose confidence and experience will demonstrate all of the designers intentions and improve her image, says designer Tri, who was chosen by Hoan Vu Co. to create dresses for Yen to wear during the contest.
Tri added that the brightly colored gowns, which were inspired by the sea and mermaids and sewn in two months, cost US$15,000 in total. According to Tri, the dresses will compliment Yens beauty and image as a sensual, chic, elegant model.
The pageant hopeful comes from a family of glamor queens. Yens eldest sister, Hoang Hoa, was the runner-up in the Miss Ao Dai contest in 1995, and her other sister, Hoang Oanh, has also worked as a professional model.
Success came early to Yen, yet without too much hype or hoopla, thanks to a career strategy of diversifying into film and other areas rather than sticking solely to the fashion industry.
She played a young model in the A Cappella television series in 2008, and plans to delve into a singing career later this year.
Yen says she has turned down several other lucrative work offers in order to keep her sights fixed firmly on this years Miss Universe contest and perform her best.
Thanks to the following: Miss Universe Org., Miss World Org., Miss Earth Org., Miss Philippines Earth Org., Miss International Org., BPCI, Reuter & AP for the photos.
Red gown ni Karen, blue gown ni Carla. gold gown ni Nina, pink gown ni Maris, at yung white gown ni Maricar. (NT) -- Ella, 13:50:07 08/01/09 Sat
She already looks sooo tired & exhausted before the pageant has even started! (NT) -- Honestly, I don't give her much hope! (*The pictures say it all!), 00:44:12 08/02/09 Sun
I don't understand all the hype surrounding Miss VIETNAM! This girl will never make it thru to the second round in Bb.PILIPINAS or the Miss Universe JAPAN pageants! (NT) -- She is too over-rated!, 04:46:11 08/02/09 Sun
Ang laki naman ng pangalan ni ate P.E. sa maleta niya sa 4th picture. Chance passenger kaya siya? Wala siya mask. Baka mahawa siya ng bird flu. (NT) -- Eppie, 13:04:29 08/02/09 Sun
Fadil can professionally photoshop & expertly airbrush his protegs' pictures, but in reality they're just ordinary and mediocre delegates! Better luck next year, Mr Berisha! (NT) -- WINIFRED SANDERS, 07:45:16 08/02/09 Sun
Salabat daw. kakanta kasi siya mamayang gabi. (NT) -- Vo Keng, 13:06:06 08/02/09 Sun
AY!!! an-an ba yang nasa braso nya? (NT) -- Tina Moran, 02:31:30 08/02/09 Sun
Madame Ligron will surely learn from her mistakes and she'll be back next year with bigger & brighter styles and ideas! (NT) -- Captain Moon, 01:20:23 08/01/09 Sat
To all Pinoy missosologists - please, please remember that Mrs Araneta helped our Binibinis win TWO Miss UNIVERSE crowns, FOUR Miss INTERNATIONAL titles and numerous Top placings in various global pageants including Miss WORLD! Don't forget, too, that she is also a pioneer of getting pageantry involved in civic & charity works long before Julia Morley's theme of Beauty With A Purpose became associated with charity! (NT) -- SALAMAT PO Madame Stella Marquez Araneta! MILLION Thanks for showing us the way! (*We are indeed indebted to her), 00:40:22 08/02/09 Sun
OK. correction, the full shot picture is not Bianca. (NT) -- R u happy?, 11:42:57 08/01/09 Sat
SAD DAY FOR THE PHILIPPINES! THANK YOU FOR BEING AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE RESTORATION OF PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY.. (NT) -- Love YOU., 18:18:58 07/31/09 Fri
Miss U 1995 ba ito? (NT) -- TY, 08:13:12 07/28/09 Tue
MY COMPUTER CAN'T RECEIVE ANYTHING!!!!!! (NT) -- VERY F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-I-N-G-!-!, 18:50:20 07/31/09 Fri
(NT) -- si yoko sa las vegas blvd,in aksiyon...., 23:11:48 07/30/09 Thu
(NT) -- VRA, 12:38:22 07/31/09 Fri
As a matter of factly, Malu is prettier as far as pretty is concerned. (NT) -- Bobot, 14:52:53 07/30/09 Thu
(NT) -- Nguyen Boeing, 22:43:40 07/30/09 Thu
(NT) -- APHsBnL, 18:58:07 07/29/09 Wed
(NT) -- 
, 17:23:30 07/29/09 Wed