The 'Cobra Walk' and Wishlist

• The ‘cobra walk’ in Miss U 2012

• My own ‘recycled’ Wishlist

Costume change: Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon went from sexy to elegant as she switched from the swimsuit portion of the night to the evening gown competition. Courtesy: Mikey Gatal

The Philippines nearly had another Miss Universe.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012, beating out beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title.

Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon came second and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero was third.

Culpo’s victory came as a big surprise as a majority of viewers, mostly Filipinos, were expecting Tugonon to win the crown.

Culpo brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade, while Tugonon duplicated Miriam Quiambao's first runner-up finish in 1999. The Philippines has won the Miss U twice with Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

Mikey Gatal

Renowned photographer Nigel Barker asked Tugonon the following question: "As a global ambassador, do you think speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?"

She replied, "I don't think speaking English is about speaking a specific language. Being Miss Universe is about being able to influence and inspire people, regardless of language. It's about being able to influence and inspire other people. If you have a heart to serve and a strong mind to show people, then you can be Miss Universe."

Tugonon also displayed her piercing eyes and her signature "Cobra Walk," a type of strut similar to the "tsunami walk" popularized by 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup.

Some Filipinos went to the Sin City to support Tugonon including US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal who covered the event for his website. As a Pinoy veteran beauty pageant watcher, Mikey was also interviewed by GMA News and Telemundo. Another Boholano director RD Alba also covered the Miss U.

The following letter from Mikey Gatal says it all:

Hi Leo,

First of all, I would like to thank you for the trust and giving me a chance to share with you my experiences inside Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada USA where the Miss Universe beauty pageant took place.

I arrived in Vegas on Monday afternoon, two days before the actual finals night, upon arrival, I already met some of the important people behind this event, some were Miss Teen Bahamas Shanae Strachangets, the winner in 2008, and challenged her to give a sample of her catwalk skills because Miss Philippines has a "Cobra Walk" and she did in front of some passersby when we bumped each other while shopping at Aldo Store.

Miss Teen USA 2012 Logan West is a trooper, I asked her if she is a contestant at first because she wasn't wearing a sash in one of the sections of the lobby and she gladly told me, "I am Miss Teen USA"! Before our photo shoot, the mom reminder her. "wear your sash" :)

As the days go by, I finally met former beauty queens Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, the mother of Janine Tugonon and mother of Shamcey Supsup, I  am forever thankful to them for letting me get inside a pass as one of the relatives of Miss Philippines! because of that pass, you can have access to all candidates during their rehearsals and meals.

Literally, they were all over the place and I was overwhelmed of their beauties in person, Miss Philippines' so regal and look like they were living dolls especially Miss Georgia, Miss Australia, Miss Brazil, Miss Indonesia, Miss Vietnam, Miss Guyana, Miss India, Miss Venezuela and Miss USA and many more!

I talked to Janine's mom, Tess, a day before the pageant and she said that she won’t change her gown what she wore during the preliminaries and she would still used it during the finals. The powder blue evening gown created by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza was very elegant in person and seeing it live was more pleasant to see than on TV especially knows how to carry it. She was not overpowered by the gown but, she overpowered the gown that's why she looks so queenly and a real winner to many.

The atmosphere during the pageant night was awesome and at the same time, everyone's nervous every time a candidate was being called and so on until two were finally left and one of them will be chosen to be the new Miss Universe. Everyone stood up before a name was called and I really heard from most of the audience, shouting Miss Philippines name because she gave a convincing answer but Miss USA won and stunned everyone.

We continued to talked about it at the lobby for several hours and waited for the contestants to come out and still debated of what really happened out there, so many good feed backs for Miss Philippines, some other nationalities would congratulate us too and we cannot just stop talking about it. Very proud of Janine Mari Tugonon!

I met the ever beautiful up Sushmita Sen during the Miss Universe after party together with Ohio, Miss Utah, Miss Wyoming and jokingly said, we are here to support Miss USA who defeated us during our pageant Ha !Ha! Ha!

Anyways,  I really have to go for I am still catching up a flight to go back to LA and I hope you continue to give us more updates and more power to you Leo Udtohan and GMA7 for the opportunity, until next time!

Mikey Gatal

(Watch video of GMA 7's 24 Oras)

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You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. Yes, it's only two days before Christmas and I’d like to make a wishlist not only for myself, but for my friends on the social spotlight and favorite who’s who.

My (recycled) wishlist is not about bundles of books, DVD sets, or a tropical vacation but from my

heart's desire and let's see if we can make a few Christmas dreams come true.

I am asking the big guy to deliver the gifts before he leaves the North Pole and makes his rounds. Hoh! Hoh! Hoh!

For Vanity Kintanar Salinana — The Queen of Cebu Universe 2012 deserves a break, a Roman holiday. In her vacation, she can inspire transwomen to reach for their goals and never ever give up!

For Nemi Monton—A long-delayed award! Is he ripe for an award (Hall of Fame)? Our answer is yes, yes, yes! He opened doors wider for Boholano athletes. His tireless dedication is one of a kind! Paging people out there!

For Dame Rose Soy —- Good health, more years and eternal beauty to continue her works as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.    

For Rep. Art Yap — To go right on with what he has started. He has done many great things which have positive impact on the lives of ordinary people in his district. His legislative track is already blazing a trail.

For Mayor Dan Lim and Gov. Edgar Chatto—  A peace pipe to be smoked with Mayor Lim on one end and Gov. Ed on the other. Same for Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan and Vice Mayor Louie Digal. Peace, peace, peace! Love! Love! Love!

For Ardy Batoy — Do we need to say more? Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves great things in life. Same for Gloria Leodivica Araneta. More years of hosting stints, PR works, seminars and travels.

For Raul Gatal—Bohol’s seasoned host should discover, train and nurture new emceeing talents and to be able to organize Boholano emcees so they can improve their craft, police their ranks and protect their interests.

For Nonito Donaire — Glory and gold! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena, Caesar Amonsot, Boom-Boom Bautista and Jesus Pacaldo, 2007 gold medalist for Track and Field Event in Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Boholano priests— Good health and more years to continue teaching and witnessing the Word of God. Same for Pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

For Marc Joseph Batoy— A smiling doll that will teach him to smile. Like Clement Paulinel Lofranco Ingking and Ar-Ar dela Serna, this Mr. Bisu and Mr. SCUAA is good-looking but he’s hardly smiling. Remember, your smile can bring joy to the whole world. May you keep smiling always.

For EJ Relampagos— To remain level headed and focused as she maintains her status as Bohol’s numero uno.

For Atty. Brian Gaviola — A marriage contract! Same for Lemuel Belarmino and Dr. Renz Acedo.

For Doc Homer Singco — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for Atty. Greg Delgado and Benjie Oliva.

For Anna Maris Igpit— A marriage contract (indefinite!).

For Fer Mary Baliquig — To be patient, to be assertive and to have that “I’m here to win attitude.” As she trains and take shot again at Bb. Pilipinas, her friends maintain that she has what it takes to be a Bb. Pilipinas winner.

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta, Jerry Pabe, BG GuingGuing —More “controversial” and "talkative" guests to spice up their programs. More seamless and no-nonsense segments on their programs. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted Ayeng.

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo(for their Showbiz Rampa) — More exciting showbiz news and live guests to enliven our afternoon. Same for Anjing Poquita and Inday Charity (for Showbiz Chika).

For Rep. Rene Relampagos. — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Catigbian Mayor Bert Salinas, Board Member Dioning Balite, vDauis Mayor Jimmy Jimenez, Sevilla Mayor Ernesita Digal and Toto Veloso.

For Paloma/Marimar — Strong bones for more acrobatic and kagwang performance!

For Zenaida Darunday and Company—Good things in life so that they can continue to help protect the environment of Bohol. Same for Raul Barbarona, Salvio Makinano, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Atty. Kins Aparece, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares and Shem Quezon.

For Mark Ramasola and Rache Tan-Ramasola — A healthy baby. They badly need one to make them a happy Family 3.

For Mizken Tirol Andan — Bohol’s eventologist needs a partner in the strictest sense of the word…a boy friend.

For Junibe Froilan and Doc April Lumuthang-Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit. Same for Mark and Analyn Pollenza-Arbilo.

For Cesar Montano, Lailette Boiser, Rich Asuncion and Tintin Ng — More new projects on TV and films to show their effective "natural" acting.

For Cathy Remperas, Rebecca Lusterio, Amigo talents and Mich Capili— Another film or TV showcase to follow up on their promising introduction as showbiz stars.

For RD Alba — Another film. Maybe he can shift gears again and do another film (action or comedy) that will duplicate or even surpass critical acclaim he received for Biktima. Same for Ted Ramasola whose Bells Ring Mr. King proved he is committed to making films that provoke, cultivate, enlighten and entertain.

For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — More shows and colorful lovelife.

For Idy Cagas — A sexy, seductive and handsome boyfriend to color her life.

For Centerstage Band — A long-delayed album! More gigs! Same for Brownbuds and Fr. Fro Lungay.

For Daday Uy-Fuertes, Nila Montero, Paz Trotin, Helen Binangbang, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Dianne Uy, Gen Jamisola , Doc Gerry Egos and Musette Hontanosas. — Success in business and good things to come! Same for Pureza Chatto, Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Fancy Baluyot, Beryl Elizabeth Lupot, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Kit Oppus, Vicky Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Aris Aumentado, Atty. Jas Montes, Nora Pahang, Guy Bernaldez, Dr. Nenita Po, Ma. Fe Lejos, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Fiel Araoarao-Gabin, Betty Veloso-Garcia, Greenie Aumentado, Freda Tirol and Roygie Jumamoy.

For Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc — A chain to bind them and lock their hearts for better or for worse…

For Pepe Recitas, Ramie Cadag, Francis Dompor, Manuel Cempron and Company — O Lord. Bless them with your love and the strength they need to continue in their work. Encourage them, Father, for their labor is often thankless and forgotten by so many.

For Greatwich Brothers: Simon Clive, Christopher Robert and Philip Carlo of the Philippine Football Team — They will hold free football camps in Bohol.

For Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit — Another album with songs that will make us cry or smile like his Ubilandia’s  Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon that replaying the song anytime won’t do any harm.

For Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel— Marriage contract (hurry!).

For Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga — Seductive partner!

For Penales Hunks of LA: Marvin, Marlon, Mark, Martin, Miquo, Vincent, Nildjan and Venn— To have a successful career as they have finished their studies already. Their friends wish that they can truly handle their love affairs… and true love can wait!

For Baby Tagoctoc— Success in business and great things to come for Bohol’s most powerful bading. Same for Maximiel, Charlo Arbasto, Omie Auza and Tracy Remolador Torres.

For Jeroen Hellingman, Leah Tirol-Magno, Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy Bayonas, Alfonso Potane, Rene Econg and company— Patience to continue their work to bring Boholanos abroad closer to Bohol!

For Rep. Erico Aumentado — More years of public service and protection shield for his safety. In this country, when you do what is good and what is right, you make enemies. Aumentado has proven to be a good public servant to Bohol.

For Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio — A silencer….so that she can celebrate a worry-free Holiday season and she can concentrate on her multi-million business.

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong—  Success in business and great things in life. Same for Connie Geonzon and Dalareich Polot.

For Mikey Gatal — A partner who will love him forever and ever, amen! To quote Dionne Warwick, “I say a little prayer for you...”

For Sam Penaso, Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Joey Labrador, Ric Ramasola and Marianito Jose Luspo — More new projects to remind everyone of their exceptional abilities. How about another group art exhibit abroad after conquering Manila? Same for Ryan Macalandag, Liza Macalandag, Vida Tirol-De Juan, Vera Villocido, Enriquieta Butalid, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual artists and Arte Malaya.

For Aldrin Palaca—Another reality search to follow up on his promising introduction as the Beatbox king of Bohol. Same for Butch de Juan.

For Eden Descallar — Wedding bells! Wedding bells! (We are all so really tired of waiting He!He!He!)

For Mila Lim — More years to light her Christmas village! And to see more talented Boholanos in Pasko sa Plaza, not only for three nights but for one week!

For Loboc Children’s Choir — More performances and exposures! Same for Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe, the Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.

For Miss Bohol Sandugo and Miss Tagbilaran— A topnotch production and new concept to celebrate independence, beauty and womanhood. It will be right on track in its noble aim of discovering, guiding, inspiring and training Boholana beauties who can compete in national beauty pageants. Same for Ubi Queen Festival, the most boring beauty pageant. We wish the organizers will introduce something new and exciting production.

For our Media friends — No more painful and violent deaths in the media industry. Well, we all have to go but not painful.

For the Diocese of Tagbilaran— They will work out the canonization process for Miguel Ayatumo. For ages, this holy man was eclipsed and forgotten.

For our lawmakers, fiscals, police officers, et al in the province— Discerning hearts, strength and active participation to prove that they are there. 

For The Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation — To continue the mission! For more half a century, The Bohol Chronicle has been a paragon of fair and balanced journalism. It has covered all the milestones of our province’s history and has never wavered from its commitment to deliver insightful reports and analysis of issues, current events, and developments. Our kinaham di ba?

For Bared Readers —May this lovely Christmas season bring you delights in all possible forms. May you receive love in abundance and joy that lasts throughout this season. Watch out for the new breeze is coming in 2013! Muchas gracias!

***

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