•
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!
***
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.