Ebone Cimafranca wins Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012

Anyag 2012 candidates

FLASH REPORT: The Anyag sa Tubigon 2012 committee announced that Star Magic’s Matteo Guidicelli will grace the affair to serenade the lovely candidates on May 13. The event will be hosted by Mr. Cebu 2009 Kris Nimrod Cabigas and Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit.

 

“Don't miss this opportunity to witness ABS-CBN's hottest talent in celebrating TANDA Festival with us,” says Raymond Delgado, erstwhile Tubigon’s Queen of All Media.

 

The Anyag crown is designed by a famous Cebuano jeweler Alpio Saban and it was donated by Manila Vice-Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

 

“May is not just a fiesta season; it's also a pageant season. Anyag still maintains its show mantra, quality, quality , quality...it's all about quality of showmanship and our theme is ‘contemporary beauty",” adds Raymond.

Tickets are Php 200.00 (ring side) and Php 100.00 (general admission).

For reservations, you may come and visit the Tubigon Tourism Culture Arts and Heritage Office or contact us at (038) 508-8496.

 

Anyag sa Tubigon 2011 Lori Geisha Cabrera will relinquish her crown to the new winner (12 candidates are vying for the crown) on May 13. Credit: Ryan Macalandag

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That Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca is more than just a pretty face is amply proven by the Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 crown and Miss Photogenic, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Gown awards during the Miss Teen Tagbilaran just held recently in the City of Friendship.

 

Ebone Cimafranca

That Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca gives a straight answer that her mother is her role model.

 

“For me, the greatest woman would be my mother. Not only because she has supported me all throughout my life, but since before school she has taught me moral values which I can apply at home and in school,” says Ebone during the pageant’s Q and A portion.

 

“And I know that without my mother, I wouldn't be the strong and confident woman that I am today,” adds the 16-year-old lass from Poblacion 1 whom Bared has interviewed after winning the crown facilitated by Bohol’s fashion icon EJ Relampagos ( EJ’s boutique is located at 51 Pamaong Ext., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City, Cell No:  09498383173, Tel. No: 416-1184), Ebone’s stylist and manager.  

 

Her parents, Engr. Cresente and Maria Eva Cimafranca (nee Calimbayan), are very proud of their daughter’s achievement.

 

An Aries (March 31), Ebone stands 5’6”, weighs 113 lbs., measures 36-25-36, and wears small-size shirt and size-8.5 shoes. She finished high school last March at Holy Spirit School-Tagbilaran and she’s planning to take up broadcast journalism in Miriam College.

 

She has more to say.

 

How would you convince people here and abroad that it’s more fun in Bohol?
“I would use the medium of information that is prominent to us teenagers of today which is social media. I would showcase the true beauty of Bohol to everyone and I'll see to it that tourism can be promoted here in God's little paradise.”

 

Should transgender be allowed to compete in beauty contests for women?
“I don't have any problems with transgender people, because I consider them very loving, fun, and sensible. In my own opinion, if the person has passed the requirements to be a woman or to be a candidate, why not?”

 

If that’s the case, how would you prove that you are more female than transgender?
“I am more female than transgender since I possess true womanhood and femininity in myself. And I have this certain edge over men which is my wonderful capability to bear a life in my own body.”

 

What do you think does the world needs most right now?
“I think the world needs love and prayers. With all the wars and calamities happening right now, I believe there is still hope. And if there is love in the community and sincere prayers from our hearts, the world would be a more colorful one.”

 

What is your favorite quote?
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." By Dr. Seuss

Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca with her manager and stylist EJ Relampagos and supporters. Contributed Photo

 

How's your love life?
“I am not into any intimate relationship as of now since I think it’s a distraction for me towards my studies. And I think it’s still inappropriate for me to engage in such, since I'm still a minor.”

 

What do you find sexy in a man?
“Confidence. If a man has confidence in himself, his other aspects don't matter as long as he is proud of the man that he is. That, I find very sexy.”

 

And what turns you off?
“A man who has low self esteem in himself, a man who cannot even be proud of what and who he is.”

 

As Miss Teen Tagbilaran, what qualities of the Tagbilaranon youth would you highlight?
“The oneness of our Tagbilaranon youth and their love for our city.”

 

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?
“I strongly believe that it is against our moral values as teenagers to engage in such intimate activity. Sex is a sacred union only for a certain married couple. However, as I have observed, teenagers of today have been lured by lust and such act has become very prominent.”

 

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?
“I think it would be fun to be Kate Middleton... being young, educated and carefree. I want to know the feeling of how is it to be a princess. I'd love to relive that moment when I first watched a Cinderella movie.”

 

Describe yourself in three words.
“Sensible, God-fearing, and Loving.”

 

What is your greatest inspiration?
“The love and support that my family has given to me ever since. They have always been there for me and they have been the driving force of my life.”

 

What is the essence of being Miss Teen Tagbilaran?
“The essence of being Miss Teen Tagbilaran is not only about beauty, talent and personality, it is the responsibility bestowed on me to give hope and inspire my fellow teenagers that this is a wonderful world for us to nurture and love not hate and destroy.”

 

 

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Fer Mary Baliquig vows to make Boholanos proud in Bb. Pilipinas 2012

Fer Mary Baliquig: ‘I felt happy and blessed!’

 

 

 

Despite her rigid physical trainings and mental calisthenics, Tagbilaran’s bet to this year’s Bb. Pilipinas Fer Mary Baliquig admitted that the love of her family and friends make her to stay strong until the competition is over.

“Kuya Leo, you would feel so strong and determined when the people are behind you,” Fer told Bared when she visited Tagbilaran City last week.

Fer is the other Boholana who is competing in the Bb. Pilipinas titles (Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Tourism). The other Boholana beauty who made it to the Bb. Pilipinas Final Cut is Karen Gallman of Ubay who is expected to visit Bohol before the Bb. Pilipinas finale.

“Fer was in Bohol to ask support from the city and provincial governments and to get the outfits, shoes, accessories that we provided her for Bb. Pilipinas,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos who accompanied Fer in her appointments.

Despite her busy schedule, Fer arrived early for her radio interview on Kiss FM. She also visited the City Hall and Capitol for courtesy calls. She personally gave the lei to Vice President Jejomar Binay during the latter’s visit to Bohol. Looking at Fer, she radiated with an enthusiasm that made it impossible not to warm up to her. Her defiantly cheerful attitude is what made her see opportunity in things and beauty in her unorthodox looks.

Born on Dec. 16, 1992 in Oroquieta City to Boholano parents, Fer studied nursing at Holy Name University. In 2010, Fer captured the hearts of her fellowmen when she became Miss Tagbilaran and first runner-up in the Miss Bohol Sandugo. She worked as a call center agent, tried acting as she appeared in Bulong, an indie film directed by Chito Roño as Bohol Calendar Girl; and trained under the camp of beauty queen maker John De La Vega until she found herself getting pinned with #24 in Bb. Pilipinas 2012.

She is known as the “dark horse” in the Bb. Pilipinas competition. Beauty watchers have said that Fer could snatch one of the crowns. Her café au lait complexion, delicate and well- chiseled features plus her statuesque height makes her the heavy favorite among the candidates vying for the crown.

According to Bb. Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit, “Fer has the dusky morena look that the international pageantry will appreciate. I think with her exposure in local pageants in Bohol, it helped her a lot with her stage presence. I met her during the screening and she is a smart woman. More improvement in her communication skills and I’m sure she’s going to nail it!”

Fer's café au lait complexion, delicate and well- chiseled features plus her statuesque height makes her the heavy favorite among the candidates vying for the crown. Photo courtesy: Side Room Studios

EJ said that Fer winning traits are “her being optimistic, her willingness to learn and grow as a person and her trust and confidence in God.”

Will she follow the footsteps , if not surpass, the record of Anna Maris Igpit (2006), first princess Rich Asuncion (2009) and first runner-up Perla Salig-Teves (1979)?

Again, we keep our collective fingers crossed.

(Note:  The grand coronation night of the 49th Bb. Pilipinas pageant will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 15, 2012 and will be covered live by ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel.)

Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Fer:

How does it feel being included in the Top 30 in the Bb. Pilipinas Final Cut? I felt happy and blessed! Among hundreds of women from around the Philippines I was included on the top 30. Thank God!

What or who motivated or inspired you to join Bb. Pilipinas this year? It has been my childhood dream to become a beauty queen. Kaya I joined our local pageants para matrain ako and Boholanos will be proud of me by the time na nag-national na ako.

How’s the rigid training? Yes its really rigid but I don’t feel tired because I love what I’m doing .

What title you want to win? Bb. Pilipinas-Universe? Bb. Pilipinas International? Miss Tourism? Honestly, I will be very contented whichever God will give me in return of all my sacrifices and hard work.

What are your preparations for the Bb. Pilipinas 2012?  Diet. I also go to the gym and work out lalo na sa tummy ko.  I also update myself to the current events. And I attend workshops specally on q&a and pazarella.

What kind of diet do you have?  Less salt , less sugar. Usually, I just eat saging na saba and camote everyday.. and being on diet is really haaaard that’s why if straight days akong nag-follow sa diet ko I do my cheat meals every Sunday! Ha! Ha! Ha! Sshhhh... Parang reward na rin.

Drinking a lot of water is good for the skin, they say.  Exactly!  I drink a million times of water everyday since I’m on diet and I’m also working out twice a day to avoid dehydration.

What part of your body is your favorite?  Hhmmmmmmm...I give special attention on my body. Since this is a national competition, body proportion is very important.

Who is your role model and why?  My mother.  She’s always been the source of my strength and her love and care inspires me to be the best that I can be.

Yeah, very inspiring. Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?  I always believe in the value of marriage. For me sex should always be under the context of marriage. Yes, it is natural that young people are adventurous but they should see to it that it will do no harm to them.

Do you still have time to watch the impeachment trial? Honestly, because of our hectic schedule in Binibini there are times na di na ako nakakapanood ng tv but I read the newspaper to update myself about impeachment.

What is your greatest inspiration? My inspiration is my family.  People may come and go but my family will always be there for me to support me. My dreams are not just for me but also for my family.

How's your love life?  So far my lovelife's doing fine naman. I feel that we are getting stronger because despite that I’m very far from him now we are still able to communicate just like before. He's very supportive. And I hope that we continue loving and trusting each other. PS: Kuya Leo, check mo rin if ano nang pinaggagawa niya jan sa Bohol! Ha! Ha Ha!

Fer finds time to visit her family and friends:  (clockwise) Fer with EJ Relampagos, Ryan Sines and Joan Torrefranca during the pictorials; a radio interview with DJ Sean ByTheWay of Kiss FM; and a courtesy call to Gov. Edgar Chatto. Contributed Photos

What do you find sexy in a man?  I find the arms of a man sexy because I like men who have strong arms because I feel secured and safe.

What qualities do you want in a man?  There is only one quality that I’m looking for in a man. The one who respects his mother because I always remember that the way a man treats his mother is also the same way he treats his wife  his wife.

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EJ Relampagos shares what happened on his trip to Italy

Mary Elaine Cimafranca

Mary Elaine Calimbayan Cimafranca of Barangay Poblacion was crowned Miss Dauis 2011 in glittering ceremonies capping this year’s town fiesta. Queenie Melody Fullante of Catarman was named first runner-up who also bagged Miss Congeniality. 

Elaine, 17, 5’6”, 34-24-35, is a sophomore nursing student at the Holy Name University. She also won Best in Costume (Nike, goddess of victory) by Daryl Espinosa and Best in Gown (mermaid cut turquoise-grey combination beaded bodice) Roman Empire inspired gown by EJ Relampagos.  Joan Torrefranca and Ryan Sines were the make-up artist and hair stylist of Elaine during the pageant. 

Miss Dauis 2011 was hosted by actor Tirso Cruz III. Other celebrities who graced the pageant were Joross Gamboa (who serenaded the ladies), Bodie Cruz (of PBB Celebrity Edition) and Ralph and Renz Fernandez (sons of Rudy Fernandez and Lorna Tolentino) who were members of the board of judges. 

 “The show was a success that ended up with a spectacular fireworks display,” said Ryan.

 

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Speaking of EJ, he went to Italy where he treated her mother Josefina “Jo” Relampagos to a bakasyon grande.

EJ Relampagos at the Roman Colloseum in Rome

“I deserved the break,” said EJ. “It was my first and my mother’s first time in Italy and I made sure that we had a grand time.”

Visitors to Italy come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Pizza, spaghetti, cappuccino, wine, fashion? “Tourist attractions in Italy are much more,” shared EJ.

For ten days, EJ and Jo, visited the Vatican, which is the center of Christianity and they were very happy to have completely visited St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul and St. Mary Major Basilicas, the four major Basilicas of Rome.  

EJ also met his aunts and lolas who traveled from US to join them in their vacanze in Italia.

“We went to the Vatican museum, to the world famous Colosseo, to Fountain of Trevi, and we also went to Florence which is known as the center of Italian Renaissance,” said EJ.  Of course, on the side they went shopping.

Did EJ wish for a happy lovelife at Trevi? One of the simple activities done at this place is coin throwing. Some people who visit the place believe that if they throw three coins in the fountain they will have new love (and if they throw two coins, these can lead to divorce or marriage).

“Hhhmm…No, ” smiled EJ. “I wished for another thing, maybe in my next visit.”

Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Italy to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine.

“Italy is known for its delicious and healthy cuisine. They truly have the best tasting pizzas and pastas,” said EJ. “The cost of living there is generally expensive as they have euro as their currency and most of the restaurants there charges each person at least a euro for a seat while eating even if the house is not full.”

EJ also visited the Tuscany region. Like a fine wine, Tuscany has been some time in the making.

“If we have rice fields here, they have their sun flower and grapevine fields there,” shared EJ.

“The trip was very memorable. It was a cultural trip, very educational and very historical.” said EJ. “Ten days in Italy is never enough, a week is never even enough for Rome alone. I wish I had more time. The next time I go to Europe I see to it I have at least a month to see France, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Greece.”

Fully charged, EJ, who is one of the most influential fashion designers and couturiers in Bohol today, is now ready to buckle down to work, starting with wedding coordination.  He has also Agua Monteclaro, his new in house fashion stylist, whom he imported from Butuan City.

At the St. Peter’s Basilica with EJ’s aunts and lolas (l-r) Sr. Cherubina, Josefina Relampagos, Dra. Batulanon, Mamita Aurora Galon and Kathy Galon.

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