Beauty Pageant Minute: Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) 2012 Crowned, Evening Gowns Pics

A New Philippine Queen...

Crowning Smiles: Janine Tugonon (center) was crowned "Miss Universe Philippines 2012" Sunday at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Nicole Schmitz (left) took home the title of "Binibining Pilipinas International 2012" while that of "Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2012" went to Katrina Dimaranan (right)

Last night, a new beauty queen was crowned--"Binibining Pilipinas 2012" ("Bb. Pilipinas")--or "Miss Philippines". This was the 49th edition of the pageant. The grand coronation took place at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Thirty ladies competed for the ultimate Filipino beauty title and for the three main titles of "Miss Universe Philippines" (who would go on to "Miss Universe 2012"), "Binibining Pilipinas-International" (who would compete in "Miss International 2012") and "Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism" (who would compete in "Miss Tourism Queen International 2012") . Hope that's not too confusing for any pageant newbies reading this blog...

Put It Down: Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Shamcey Supsup lowers the crown on "Binibining Pilipinas 2012", Janine Tugonon at last night pageant, Cubao Quezon City Philippines

The top winner was the very beautiful Janine Marie Tugonon (above). At 22 years old, she stands 5' 7" and is originally from Bicol. According to the pageant officials--and herself--She is a Pharmacy graduate of University Sto. Tomas and works as a clinical specialist. I have a feeling she's really a "Model/Wants to be a TV Show Presenter" (as she should be!). She will now have the chance to go to the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant which according to some, is taking place in December (very unusual, since for many decades it has taken place in the late Summer months) in a yet-to-be-determined location. Rumor has it that it will be South Africa, but no formal announcements have been made by Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization.

Girl...I'll be Back: Last Year's Winner, "Binibining Pilipinas 2011" Shamcey Supsup (center) and THIS YEAR'S winner--Janine Tugonon (far right) as "First Runner Up Binibining Pilipinas 2011", at last year's pageant

This year's winner is not a "Pageant Virgin"--Janine previously placed "First Runner Up" in last year’s pageant. Gotta give her "Pageant Points" for coming back and trying again! Perseverance Ladies. Perseverance! I'm sure the pageant officials whispered "Come back next year...I think it will be YOUR Year darling!". And good for her that she did. Now, let's look at the Evening Gowns...

The Top Five Gown Color Story: Runners Up (far left and right) plus the Top Three (middle) Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Pageant

The gowns the top five wore on the final night were nice enough but they were very "Prom-like" in their silhouettes,fabrications and color-story (bright colors or white's and off-white's).

Second Runner Up, Annalie Forbes (far left) wore a lipstick-red embroidered gown that was straight from a Prom Boutique sale rack--nothing special about it. I LOVED the apple green color of Nicole Schmitz' strapless gathered gown (second from left). It still didn't scream "Paris Haute Couture". "Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012" Katrina Dimaranan's (second from right) ivory beaded gown was more "Elie Saab" fab and therefore, I was a fan! And Elaine Kay Moll (far right) who took home the "First Runner Up" title wore a baby blue organza tiered concoction featuring petals (or was it Fish Scales?) that cascaded down to the floor, with a few crystallized petals here and there.

The winner, Janine, wore an off-white taffeta gown featuring a gathered fitted torso down to the upper thigh, which then flared out. There were diagonal gathered ruffles at the top and bottom areas of the gown adding dimension and interest. It was very Oscar de la Renta circa 1987. And somehow, I still kinda liked it! She wisely put her hair up and added those big ol' earrings to finish her look. Basically, all she needed was a crown...Oh yeah, she got that! Eventually.

Last year's winner, Bb. Pilipinas 2011 "Miss Universe Philippines 2011" Shamcey Supsup, wore a rather tacky gown: it was a short beaded blue and ivory cocktail dress that featured a blue overskirt attached at the hip and matching one-shoulder diagonal strap. I almost thought it was 1988 all over again! Seriously ladies/designers: pick up an "HOLA" Alta Moda Magazine, look at this year's Academy Awards/Cannes/Emmy's/SAG Awards and see what an evening gown should look like.

Winner of Best in Long Gown: Angelee Claudett de los Reyes (center, above ) won the "Special Award" of "Best in Long Gown"--a blue strappy number with a fitted bust and flared gown-skirt.

Rising from the Philippine Waters, Nicole Schmitz, winner of "Binibining Best in Costume Award 2012"

Finally, I had to include the beautiful half-German half-Pinay Nicole Schmitz (above) for her win in "Best in National Costume". Her costume--designed by Filipino fashion designer Edwin Uy--looked like a fantasy island Goddess. She also won "Nestle Fitnesse Best in Swimsuit" (at-a-girl!). What did you guys think of the gowns? Let me know. 80's Prom-and-Pageant throwback or...Couture Fab??

Click Below for Part One of Binibining Pilipinas 2012 Evening Gown Competition--Part One:

Click Below for Part Two:

Beauty Pageant Minute: 28th Annual Elite Model Look! Is the Winner Too Skinny??

Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Comes Under Fire...

Miss Très Skinny: 15 year old Julia Schneider from Sweden, Winner of "Elite Model Look 2011"

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet your new Top Model of THE WORLD!!!!! Well, meet the new winner of the 28th Annual Elite Model Look Contest. She is 15 year-old (yes, I said fifteen!), Julia Schneider. She stands 1.79 meters (5'10") and hails from the small town of Gävle in Sweden and yes, she's beautiful.

Neon Divas: Elite Model Look 2011 contestants

Elite Model Look is like the "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" of international model contests. Past contestants have included Heidi Klum, Giselle Bundchen, Linda Evangelista, and Alessandra Ambrosio. None of these Supermodels actually won the contest but were "discovered" as a result.

Gown Gorgeous: Finalists in the Elite Model Look 2011 in their black evening gowns

For this year's contest, Sweden's Julia Schneider (far right in photo above) beat out over 60 aspiring young (VERY YOUNG) models from all over the world, at the Finale held in Shanghai China on Tuesday night. A highlight of the show, included a special performance by none other than...

Miss Kylie Minogue (Love her!)

Some of the Finalists Included:

Angola: 17 year old Elsa

Brazil: 15 year old Ariane

Chile: 16 year old Lieve

France: 16 year old Josephine

Netherlands: 14 year old Lieke

Now, let's get to the Controversy and the Winner:

Size 00: Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Julia Schneider

Immediately, after being "crowned" the new "Elite Model Look" winner, poor Julia and the contest organizers/Elite Model Management have come under fire because of the fact that Julia is very, very skinny. As soon as she won, various websites and blog commentators were thrown into a tizzy discussing her very teeny tiny frame--even for model standards.

Here's a taste: the Montreal Gazette's Lens blog said "Sweden's Julia Schneider looks more like a "model" of anorexia than anything stylish that the fashion industry should be putting on a pedestal as a standard of emulation...Skeletons are meant to jump out of closets not on to fashion runways. Why are only male models generally allowed to have adult's body shapes?" Well, first, I have to disagree with the last part (regrading male models), since the new male model is just as waif-ish as Julia! Has she seen the 16-year-old size 26" waist boys modeling in the latest Menswear Milan Fashion Week's??

Face of a Supermodel: Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Julia Schneider

But, yes, I do agree that even for "model standards", she does look--dare I say it--too skinny. Granted, she is still only 15 years old and therefore has not even "developed" as woman, and possibly, this is just her "natural body type" and she doesn't eat Swedish Meatballs back in her country. With all that being said, the question still remains, should this kind of a girl--with such a double 00 size--be "crowned" as the Ideal Vision of a Top Model? What do you guys think?

Click Below for video of the "Crowning" of Sweden's Julia Schneider "Elite Model Look 2011":

Pageant Minute: The new Miss Spain is Miss Barcelona Andrea Huisgen

Una Diosa Española

Olé : The newly crowned "Miss Spain 2011" Andrea Huisgen Serrano, who represented Barcelona

This past Sunday, Andrea Huisgen Serrano, Miss Barcelona was crowned Miss España (Miss Spain) 2011, at the Palacio de los Sueños in Seville, Spain. She is expected to represent Spain in the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant next year (where she will be known as "Miss Spain 2012").

Gracias Chicos: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona" being crowned "Miss Spain 2011" by her predecessor, Paula Guillo (right photo, in red gown)

Andrea, who was studying law (don't they all say that?!--or engineering or bio chemistry!) and also modeling (of course)...

Modelicious: Model photos of the new Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen (as a blonde)

Andrea Huisgen stands 1.81 meters (5'11") and is 21 years old. She was born in Barcelona Spain to a German father and Spanish mother and speaks 4 languages--Spanish, German, English and Catalan.

Feathered Gown Queen: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona"--and soon-to-be crowned "Miss Spain 2011"-- in her ivory strapless "Princess" ball gown of satin and feathers with crystal thin belt. To be honest, I am not a fan of this gown but still, she looked very "Beauty Pageant Perfect". However, the look is a bit dated and well, about five minutes away from a Quinceañera. (Keep reading below for an UPDATE regarding their gown choices...)

At first when I saw photos the beautiful new Miss Spain, I thought "Boy, she's got kind-of a "Venezuelan" air to her...(in terms of her stance, aplomb, hair, make-up...). So, it came as no shock when (after a little web research--yes kids, I do my Homework!) I learned that she was trained by Venezuelan Pageant "Trainer" and Missosologist (Pageant Expert/Fan) Ricardo Rodríguez, alias El Soplón.

The Day After: The beautiful--and newly-crowned "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, being interviewed the following day after her win

Ricardo has been preparing her with oratory, runway, make-up and hair, protocol, as well as all the other necessary "classes" needed to have a winner. It payed off, because, yes, she won! Could Ricardo be the new Osmel Sousa?? One thing's for sure, his "Day Rate" should go up.

Top Three: (Left to right) First Runner Up (Primera Dama de Honor) Miss Las Palmas Aranzazu Estévez, Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen, and 2nd Runner Up (Segunda Dama de Honor), Ana Amparo Crespo

Peineta (Spanish Hair Comb) Bathing Beauty: The new Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona", in her Official Swimsuit Photo for the Miss Spain 2011 Competition

Blush Beauties: There were Ten Semi-Finalists and they all had to model in Swimsuit as well as Evening Gowns, of course. Interestingly enough, during the evening gown portion, all the Semi-Finalists wore gowns in the same color: nude/putty/blush.

One Shouldered Señorita: Andrea (above) wore a one-shouldered draped gown with Empire-waist crystal trim detail that was very pretty and seemed to be one of those "high-low" gowns. However, I feel if you're going to show a "high-low" (short in the front/longer in the back) gown, the difference should be greater. Here, it looks like her gown is too short. She still looked gorgeous though.
**UPDATE on the Gowns: I actually heard from her fabulous Pageant Trainer--"El Soplon", Richard Rodríguez --via Twitter (the beauty of Social Media!), who told me something I already suspected: that the gowns were sponsored and that they actually were "given" their gowns the day of, the actual pageant and therefore, the girls had "little choice".

Fashion Diva:

Hostess With The Fashion Mostess: María José Suárez, co-host of the televised "Miss Spain 2011" Contest (above with Agustín Bravo). María José is a TV Presenter in Spain as well as of course, a former Miss Spain (in 1996). The Spanish Celeb Magazines just LUV her! She also wins my unofficial "Best Dressed of Miss España TV Show" Award. Wearing the same blush-colored type gown as the Semi-Finalists during the contest, she still somehow stood out for her elegance and overall "I've Won Already Ladies!" pose. This gown fits her to perfection. Note to the new Miss Spain: it's not too short...you barely see the shoes! Good job María José!

Sequined Goddess: And above (as any good DIVA TV presenter, María José had an outfit change), she looks STUNNING in a gold-and-blue ombre sequined strapless gown. She's almost looking at the new Miss Spain as if to hint to her "Mija, THIS is the gown, you should wear next time...at Miss Universe!"

Felicitaciones to the new gorgeous Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen!

Click below for video showing HIGHLIGHTS of the new "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, during the contest and being CROWNED:

Pageant Minute: Miss Venezuela 2011 is Irene Esser

The New Miss Venezuela Is...

Crowned Beauty: Miss Sucre, Irene Esser becomes Miss Venezuela 2011

Saturday night, the new Miss Venezuela was crowned. And just like I predicted HERE, it was "Miss Sucre" Irene Esser. She was the favorite to win the crown MONTHS ago. So, it didn't come to anyone's surprise that she won. The winner was known AGES ago--by the press, by the pageant officials, well, even me!. That's not to say that she didn't deserve to win. Irene Esser was, arguably, the most polished, the prettiest, and well-round contestant--to represent the South American nation next year at the Miss Universe Pageant.

Gracias: Miss Venezuela 2011 Irene Esser, getting her sash and crown from last year's winner, Vanessa Goncalves

Las Dos: The newly-crowned Miss Venezuela Irene Esser (left) with her First Runner Up Miss Venezuela World , Grabriela Ferrari, Miss Distrito Capital--again just like I said in my BLOG. She will now prepare for over a year to be the representative in the Miss World 2012 Pageant.

Gown Winner: The new Miss Venezuela 2011 Irene Esser, Miss Sucre, in the "Evening Gown" portion of the competition, wearing a gown designed by Venezuelan designer Gionni Straccia

Jungle Swimming: The New Miss Venezuela 2011 Irene Esser "Miss Sucre" during the Swimsuit Competition of Miss Venezuela 2011.

The Cuadro: The Top 5 including (Left to right) Miss Carabobo Isabel Ramos Cano (1st Runner Up); Miss Sucre and the new "Miss Venezuela for Miss Universe" Irene Esser (seated); Miss Guarico Blanca Aljibes (standing) the new "Miss Venezuela International"; Miss Distrito Capital Gabriela Ferrari (seated), the new "Miss Venezuela for Miss World"; and Miss Yaracuy Osmariel Villlobos, the new "Miss Venezuela Earth"

The Czar: Miss Venezuela Pageant Director Osmel Sousa, getting his "fifteen minutes" in the spotlight, Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant

Neon Metallic Barbies: Miss Venezuela 2011 contestants, Opening Number of the Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant

Bikini Bellas: Miss Venezuela 2011"Contestants during the Miss Venezuela 2011 Swimsuit Competition segment

Stay tuned for an upcoming REVIEW of the Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant Evening Gowns--I promise, it will be a DOOZY! Here's a HINT: I DID NOT agree with the "official" Best Evening Gowns! (and PS: WHY oh WHY...did they wear those very unflattering swimsuit bottoms??? It made EVERY contestants' hips looks as if they were MUY GRANDE!!! Not good....)

But for now...Here are videos of the Pageant:

Top 10:

Top 5:

Crowning of Miss Venezuela:

Pageant Minute: Miss Venezuela 2011--Favorites for the Crown!

Who. Will. Be. Venezuela's. Next. Top...Beauty Queen?

Ciao Vanessa: Miss Venezuela 2010 Vanessa Goncalves, last year, after getting her crown, sash and bouquet

This upcoming Saturday night, October 15th will be the LIVE Finale Telecast of the 59th Annual Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant. Up until 2009, the pageant-known for its FANTABULOUS excess and over-the-top production numbers, had been held at the huge Poliedro, an indoor sports arena that can hold up to 13,000 people. But this year it will be held at Estudio 1 in the Venevisión Caracas Studios.

Since, 1981, The pageant has been owned by the Cisneros Group with multi-billionaire Gustavo Cisneros as its president. The charismatic Osmel Sousa has been the pageant's director since 1979, and has become known as the "Beauty Pageant Guru" and "Creator of Beautiful Women". Under Sousa's iron-hand/direction, it has accumulated more international beauty pageant titles than any other country in the world: six Miss Universe winners, five Miss World winners, six Miss International winners and one Miss Earth, among many many others. On a personal note, my sister, Rita was a Miss Venezuela contestant back in 1988, representing "Municipio Vargas". Sousa sent her to Ecuador where she also became the "Vireina del Banano" and did quite well representing Venezuela internationally.

Osmel Sousa and the Miss Venezuela 2011 Contestants

On the Final Live Telecast night, there are "official judges"--usually comprised of celebs, actors, former Misses, as well as top Caracas "society" Doyennes. It is pretty widely rumored, however, among pageant circles, that the Miss Venezuela Organization already "pre-picks" who the Top Winners are--meaning the ones who go on to Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International--MONTHS ahead of the final pageant. It makes sense. They know who really is prepared to take the crown since they have been with them for well--a year of training...

Bella Alicia: Miss Venezuela 1995 and Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado, being crowned by Miss Universe 1995, USA's Chelsi Smith

Sometimes, however, there are "surprises", like when Alicia Machado won Miss Venezuela 1995. Beauty Pageant "chisme" has it that she wasn't supposed to win but rather another contestant. But the night of the pageant, she won the crowd--and the Miss Venezuela title-- with her natural charisma and non "Pageant Betty" personality. Machado went on to win the Miss Universe 1996 title in Las Vegas and, bring Donald Trump lots of press with her love of chocolate chip cookies and weight gain. But now, back to this year's contest...

Miss Venezuela 2011 Contestants: So...who are the Favorites this year? Twenty-four contestants are vying for the title...so who has Osmel's "eye":

The Favorite and Most-Likely To Win: Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, Miss Sucre. She's only 19 (a baby!) in pageant years, and stands 178 cm (5' 10"). Irene is the clear favorite for the title of Miss Venezuela 2011 to then go on and represent the South American nation in next year's Miss Universe pageant. Interestingly enough, she's the ONLY ONE with a Wikipedia page (are pageant organizers already preparing for her win?).

Future Miss Venezuela for Miss Universe 2012? Irene Esser, Miss Sucre 2011

Irene (pronounced Eee-rainay in Español) is a gorgeous brunette with brown eyes, a great body and an "international" non-Latina surname. I guarantee that she'll have a very nice gown by one of the top Venezuelan designers the night of the final competition. We will see Saturday night.

Second Favorita: Gabriela Ferrari Peirano, Miss Distrito Capital (The Capital City, Caracas) 20 years old and stands 176 cm (about 5' 9"). Dark blond hair and brown eyes. And yes, she's part Italian, darlings. She has that quintessential "Miss Venezuela" look to her. Lots of blond beauties have won internationally for Venezuela (Irene Saez, Miss Universe 1981, Pilin Leon Miss World 1981, etc.). the chisme is that she'll get the First Runner Up or Miss World Venezuela title, and go on to represent her country in the Miss World 2012 Pageant--which occurs in OVER a YEAR from now (lots of time to prepare!).

More Favorites: Miss Yaracuy Osmariel Maholi Villalobos Atencio. Osmariel is a model from Maracaibo (not in the State she is representing) and stands 5' 7". Short for "Miss Venezuela" standards...

But she makes up for it in her rather stunning natural beauty, as seen from her model photos above. I like her sooooo much better in these photos as opposed to the "Official Miss Venezuela" one.

Another Blond: Yes, kids, there are plenty more blonds that might make the Finalista cut on Saturday. According to some of my Missosologist (pageant expert) friends, Miss Carabobo, Isabela Ramos Cano, 21 is a favorite for the Top 5. Not the Winner, not the First Runner Up, but maybe for Miss International, Miss Earth, etc. She's tall--almost 6 feet (5' 11"). She has an AMAZING "Victoria's Secret" Swimsuit Model body (a year of training baby!). And oh, she's gorgeous!

We Need Some Color: Finally, we have Ivany Nayexy Guzmán Herrera, Miss Delta Amacuro. She's another favorite but again, not to take home the Top Crown but one of the "We'll send her abroad to represent Venezuela in some other international pageant". Ivany is ethnic (LOVE that!) and has that mestiza/bi-racial look to her, that is actually very indicative and representative of the fabulous Euro-Black-Indian mix of a lot of the Venezuelan population. She's 22, from Caracas and stands 5' 10".

We'll see who will be the next Miss Venezuela! Stay tuned here on my BLOG because you KNOW I'll be doing my "What Was She Wearing?" Gown Recap!!!!