Queennie Castrodes: Genuine and gorgeous

That Queennie Klaire Felias Castrodes is more than just a pretty face is amply proven by the awards she received when she graduated senior high at Saint Mary Academy in Guidulman town. She is now a diligent first year Business Management student at Holy Name University.

Queennie Castrodes:  'My crown is in my heart, not on my head.'

That Queennie is a model, a campus personality, and a beauty queen. She is part of TAN model, she became Miss Majic Model 2018, Jagna Next Top Model 2018, Miss Holy Name University-College of Business Administration (HNU-CBA) 2019 second runner-up, Miss Silka Bohol 2019 1st runner-up, and Mutya sa Cabawan 2019.

That Queennie has the star quality that in 2018 she was a finalist of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother (Starhunt). She was so gorgeous on national television.

"She is good. She is pretty," says Khim Roger Ryan Magtagad of The Art Nouveau (TAN). "And she is one of those new TAN models who has potential and I'm looking forward to her future endeavors."

At 19 (turning 20 on December 14), Queennie stands 5'6",  weighs 119 lbs., and wears
medium-size shirt and size-9 shoes.

Incidentally, Queennie is one of the 15 candidates of this year's Mutya sa Tagbilaran representing Barangay Cabawan.

An early favorite of Mutya, VRS is gruelling her with Q and A.

What are your preparations for Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2020? I attend workshops, trainings and practices and at the same time I go to school. I don’t really deprive myself of the food that I want to eat. I think the secret is you just take everything in moderation.

Have you always wanted to join beauty pageant since you were small? Yes, since I was a young I always wanted to become a beauty queen. Right now, being part of the Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2020, I am in my first step towards fullfilling it. And I am really idolising our two Miss Universe winners-Pia Wurztbach and Catriona Gray. I want to follow them.

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart? Smart but not too beautiful. I believe I can be beautiful in so many ways with the help of advanced technology. But if you are smart, it is something more important and applicable. Being smart is being knowledgeable.

The Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) scare has affected the country's tourism industry including Bohol. How you will convince people here and abroad that it is safe and more fun in Bohol? It is  still more fun in Bohol because of the friendly and hospitable people who add color and joy to the place. It's safe because our government officials and authorities are doing their best to promote preventive measures.

What do you think is the smartest thing that you’ve done so far? Stand up for myself and do not depend on others.

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life? Being an independent person specially that I am now in my college. It is really hard to adjust my daily living without my family.

What are your winning traits? Being true to my self and keep my feet always on the ground.

Queennie Castrodes, 19, says that she has a lot of bashers. 'I’m thankful to them because they challenge me to improve myself.'

What winning tips you get from your trainor/handler? Be true to yourself and don't ever change. Ate Khim reminds me that 'my crown is in my heart, not on my head.'

How do you handle bashers? Since I started joining beauty contests, I have had a lot of bashers. I’m thankful to them because they challenge me to improve myself. I don't give it a big deal as long as I know myself and I don't harm others.

Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, your grace under pressure, especially during the crucial points in any contest? I just give my best shots and keep a positive attitude.

What is your best asset and why? My personality because I am genuine and I am also pretty inside and out.

Who’s your  role model? My mother (Mary Ann Chiela Castrodes), our source of love and inspiration.

Any other man whom you admire? My father (Edgar Allan Castodes). He is responsible and loving father. 

What is your favorite quote? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Describe yourself in three (3) words: Rainbow. Beautiful. Simple.

How's your love life? It is pretty fine and I am contended on what i have right now.

What do you find sexy in a man? Aside from his physical looks,  I find him sexy if he is God- fearing.

And what turns you off? Disrespectful.

What is your advocacy?  I'm joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2020 because I believe this is a better   venue to promote the local (Ginamang Cabawanon) and native products of Cabawan.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Kurt Gerona: ‘Guwapo’ inside and out

The Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)-Otso episodes were packed with a lot of events. Last week, it showcased the first nomination night, first eviction and the first Star Dreamer who was voted in by the public to become a new housemate.

When Criza left Camp Star Hunt, a new teenager was introduced: Kurt Gerona, an 18-year-old half-Spanish, half-Filipino lad from Bohol.

Kurt Gerona, an 18-year-old half-Spanish, half-Filipino
 lad from Bohol, enters PBB-Otso.
Photo courtesy: The Art Nouveau

Kurt, who earns the moniker, “Pilyo Gwapito ng Bohol,” is now in Camp Star Hunt and will compete with seven other Star Dreamers to become an official teen housemate.

“It was really unexpected. I auditioned for Starhunt then I got a VTR two days after. I had surpassed the 5th levels of auditions,” he told VRS before he went to Bahay ni Kuya.

He was told by the show producers for another level of procedures and interviews again.

“It wasn’t in my mind because who have thought I would have this chance,” he said.

He said he was unprepared when the show producers called him during his birthday. (He turned 18 last Nov. 19. He described himself as "Sweet 18!”)

“I was a bit nervous but still eager to face everything there. I underwent lots of examinations, panel interviews and photo shoots,” Kurt said.

Kurt , who hails from Dauis town, is a Grade 12 student at Holy Name University.  He was Mr. HNU Intramurals 2017 and  4th runner-up in Alturas Campus Icon 2017. He loves taekwando and online games. 

It was Khim (Roger Ryan Laway Magtagad in real life) who discovered him. His classmates- The Art Nouveau (TAN) models Danica Mahumot, Dianne Ingles and Kyla Recio- persuaded him to join the talent agency. His mother Maria Fe Bolotaulo approved his decision.

“I was approached if I was interested to be part of TAN. I gladly accepted it because I want to explore myself,” said Kurt who considered Khim as his guardian.

Khim also persuaded him to audition for ABSCBN’s Starhaunt.

Kurt said he was surprised for the “Pilyo Guwapito” tag.

“I was surprised sa tag name "Pilyo Gwapito Ng Bohol" because in real life sa tinuod ka pagkatawo tahimik ko at mapagmahal. Pero sabi nila they based it daw sa physical appearance ko kaya okey na rin,” he said.

   Kurt Gerona (2nd row, left) with manager Khim
 (center)  and fellow TAN models.
Photo courtesy: The Art Nouveau

 caption

He added, “Guwapo for me is not only the physical features of the man. It will also best to say that guwapo ka if you have a good heart.  And you know how to deal with others.”

He confessed that he is a “mama’s boy.”

Khim said Kurt like other TAN “is good, kind and generous.”

“He is a silent type person,” said Khim. “I love his style and fashion taste.”

What is his ultimate dream?

“If given the chance I want to be an actor.  Maging member ng HASHTAGs.  It’s my dream that’s why I joined Starhunt,” he said.

Will it be easy for Kurt to get along with his fellow Star Dreamers? Let’s find out by not missing an episode of PBB Otso, weeknights after Halik on Primetime Bida and weekends at 7:30 pm.

To support Kurt in his PBB-Otso journey, you can like and share his official Facebook page: Andrew Cook; KurtAccOfficial@Twitter; KURTsTROOPOFCL ( for FANsCLUB ) and Kurt Andrew Gerona  on
Instagram.