An example of what you might see on my Facebook Food Journal!

What is it about dieting that makes people roll their eyes? I don’t quite get it. I thought that losing weight and eating carefully were Things That We Needed To Do When We Reached 40. But when we 40-somethings actually DO lose weight, every one gets critical or starts worrying about our health.

Like my Doctor for instance.  She told me a year and half ago, “Joyce, it would do you good to lose weight.”  I sighed long and hard at that piece of advice thinking that it would never happen in my lifetime. But somehow it did, and now that I have finally lost all the extra Samsonite on my hips, my Doctor suddenly contracts amnesia and tells me, “Joyce, be careful with all that dieting! You look so thin!”  Well, um… I was just following orders, Doc… and I can’t help it if God gave me the bone structure of a small bird!

I was 170 lbs on the left, 137 lbs on the right. If I can do it, you can too!

Then when I was ushering at church the other weekend, a friend approached me and said, “Wow, you look so slim! What did you do?” So I gave her a short monologue on how I was practicing Disciplined Eating and Accountability by uploading my food photos on Facebook. Then I crowned my dramatic moment with a victorious smile saying, “And I lost 35 lbs!”

But instead of the applause I was hoping for, my friend’s eyes got really wide and she said, “Isn’t it unhealthy to lose all that weight in such a short time?” Well, excuse my ignorance ma’am, I thought I could get extra points for saying the words DISCIPLINE and ACCOUNTABILITY in Church!  I suddenly found myself on the defense trying to explain that I wasn’t starving myself and that careful eating can get fast and healthy results and blah-di-dah-di-dah…  but then I sounded so lame, I just gave up in mid-sentence and said, “Oh, service is starting soon, you better grab a seat before the church gets full!”

Then there is straightforward persecution in the form of teasing which hurts extra special. Like for example, I have had friends say stuff like, “Maybe if I upload the photo of the Lechon I ate last night, I will also lose weight!” I’ve gotten so many different variations of this joke (usually from friends with convex waists) that I have had to fake laughter and pretend it’s funny.  Apparently, losing weight has obliquely improved my acting skills.

But you know,  at the end of the day, when I’m enjoying a Sugar-Free, Low-Fat Yogurt Parfait in bed, I can forgive the rolling eyes, the comments and teasing from friends. It’s just how they show concern. And jealousy. (jejejejeje!)  I also really need to stop being such a prickly cactus when I don’t get the reaction I want from people. Because at this point in my life, my greater priority is – consolidating my successes as a disciplined eater – or, in plain English, making sure I stay slim by hook or by crook!

Okay, okay, not by crook; I have no plans of  cheating my way into permanent thinness. Bulimia in my youth and slimming pills in my age didn’t work. I am averse to the cost of liposuction even at 50% off. And I refuse to pay someone to freeze me to the brink of death so I can shiver away the calories.  I also don’t think I’ll ever try living off cotton balls, which is reportedly how models these days stay skinny. If I did that, I’d most likely dip them in gravy first.  This time around, I’m sticking to the legit way of staying slim – a lifestyle of disciplined eating and regular exercise.

A couple things I need to mention though is that:

1) I DO get lots of encouragement from people who have commented on my Food Photos on Facebook. For that I am eternally grateful !!! Thanks so much if you have posted something positive on my Facebook. I literally cling to your generous and kind words! Now if I can kindly direct you to the comments section below…     

2) I  have the total support of the hubby and the daughter. These two people, who were once my Partners in Bulge, have been my awesome cheerleaders on this weight loss journey. And I know that if my son Wolf were living in Manila with us (he’s temporarily residing in Honolulu) he’d be an active part of my support team.

While a few continue to roll up their eyes at every food photo on my Facebook, Ron and Diandra have rolled up their sleeves and joined me in my battle against the bulge.

Here’s to healthy, disciplined living for the entire family!

Me and My Clan of Healthy Eaters!

2011 Runners-up MJ Lastimosa (middle) and Janine Tugonon (right) with Bb. Pilipinas International Dianne Necio (left)

Bb. Pilipinas has launched it’s search for beauties this 2012! According to BPCI head Stella Marquez Araneta, the final screening dates are  Feb 7 and Feb 9, 2012. Click here to get to the official Bb. Pilipinas website to register.

Stella Marquez Araneta also confirmed that Coronation Night will be on April 15, 2012 at the Araneta Coliseum of course.

But beauty queen hopefuls going to the Bb. Pilipinas try-outs WON’T be happy when they find out that the 1^st and 2^nd Runners-up from last year’s batch (Janine Tugonon and MJ Lastimosa) will be joining the fray!!! The two ladies are almost assured of making it into the final list of candidates after all the training they received from Bb. Pilipinas last year. But even if they enter the official list of 2012 candidates, will Janine and/or MJ win one of the three crowns up for grabs? It’s difficult to tell this early. Remember the case of Abby Cruz? She was a Runner-up in 2007; she joined Bb Pilipinas again in 2009 and to my never-ending disappointment, she did not even enter the semi-finals.

Whatever the case, pageant fans like me are excited to see Janine Tugonon and MJ Lastimosa fight heel and toe for one of the Top 3 Bb. Pilipinas crowns!!!

Meanwhile, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup and Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon are both supportive of Janine and MJ. The 2 reigning beauty queens admit that they had been discussing the possibility with the two Runners-up since last year.

L-R... BPCI Head Stella Marquez Araneta, Dianne Necio (Bb. Pilipinas International 2011, Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up) and Isabella Manjon (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011)

Bb. Pilipinas International 2011 Dianne Necio, a Runner-up herself who joined again one year after (in 2011) also mentioned that Janine Tugonon and MJ Lastimosa asked her for advice and she told them to go for it.

Stella Marquez Araneta was asked if there were any legal issues involved – she said there was nothing in the contract that could stop Janine Tugonon and MJ Lastimosa from joining again, one year after they became Runners-up.

But from what I know is that Runners-up have to resign first before joining again. That’s what Dianne Necio had to do.

Now, Stella Marquez Araneta did say something MAJOR-MAJORLY intriguing at the Presscon; that maybe Bb. Pilipinas had to change its rules on allowing runners-to compete the year after,  to give other girls a chance. She said it as a throw-away line so I’m not quite sure if she really meant it.

Hmmmmm…  while I am pleased that Janine Tugonon and MJ Lastimosa are giving it a shot once again, Stella Marquez Araneta does have a point.

What do you think? Should Bb. Pilipinas stop it’s Runners-up from resigning and joining again? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

We love you very much Mama Renee!

Last January 17, 2012, M Cafe found itself swarming with beauty after the women of Renee Salud decided to celebrate his Entieth Birthday there!

When I arrived, there were nearly 10 beauty queens ahead of me – Desiree Verdadero (who organized the whole affair), Gem Padilla, Lou Bunyi, Peachy Sacasas, Michelle Bautista, Maricar Mendoza, Jennifer Barrientos, Patti Betita and Tina Orleans.

Those who arrived later than me were my Bb. Pilipinas ’85 batchmate Izza Gonzales and Marina Benipayo who was accompanied by boyfriend Richard/Ricardo Cepeda – yes, the romance between the beauty queen and the Contrabida actor started on the set of Binondo Girl just about 2 months ago. They looked absolutely stunning together – both tall and striking, one dark and the other fair…   wishing the two a bright future together this 2012 and beyond!

Also in attendance, stylist Jay Lozada and a few others whose names escape me at the moment… if you recognize anyone in the photos that I did not list down, please leave a comment!

To Mama Renee Salud – Happy Birthday to you, you are such a blessing to all of us beauty queens;  the wonderful things I enjoy today are because you adopted me eons ago when I was just 14, trained me how to walk and talk, dressed me (and  gave me the occasional dressing-down too) and most importantly – turned the boyish me into the beauty queen me. I love you so very much and it blesses my heart to see you so bubbly and happy on your special day. Looking forward to more adventures with you! I love you Mama Renee Salud!

Ballroom dancing with Lola Nena a resident of Boystown!

1) Time for Charity Events!!! – A woman’s job is never done. And I’ve got more jobs than the average woman!  That’s why finding time to spend with people who need love and attention is SUCH a blessing from the Lord. I would not have been able to do much either without the help of my friends and some strangers (now friends) who volunteered to help or donate to my projects.

The year 2011 saw me and my team go ballroom dancing with the oldies at Hospicio de San Jose for Valentines. I was also able to organize a prison visit: little Erica, a girl with a tumor in her brain was able to spend time with her Dad who is in Muntinglupa Jail. Then we we brought a “Human Spa” to Golden Acres to massage the oldies there. In December, we decorated Boys Town, a home of orphans, and made it beautiful for Christmas!

Bailey and Me

2) My Dog Bailey Survives Distemper – the Deadly Canine Disease!  -  Never did I think I would be nursemaid to a dog, but that’s exactly what happened for a month when my askal Bailey was diagnosed with Distemper, the deadly dog disease. I shared nursing duties with my helper Joy. With the help of wonderful vets who tried an experimental cure, Bailey survived. Read the account here…  Although she suffers from seizures every now and then, she is alive and kicking and generally making a pest of herself. No matter, it makes me happy!

Jake Cuenca with moi at the Boardwalk, One Big Show

3) Modelling for Boardwalk’s “One Big Show – Wow! What a thrill to share the stage with award-winning actress Cherry Pie Picache and other beauty queens and actresses from ‘my time’ and ‘my size’…  LOLOL!  I also finally got to meet celebrities like Derek Ramsay, Jake Cuenca and Coco Martin, three of Boardwalk’s endorsers, face-to-face!

4) Visiting Manchester, England for the First Time! – Attended the UCB Conference in Manchester in September 2011 with my hubby Ron and the trip was an amazing one, personally and professionally. After listening to Aussie musician and author Jeff Crabtree speak about the “Creative Mind” I discovered that deep down inside I am really a creative person, an actress to be specific…  and that is why I do so well as a voice talent. For many years I rejected the idea that I was an actress or could be a good one, but after listening to Jeff, I finally understood that the well of emotions I hide inside me are a manifestation of my creative self and that I express it best through acting!!! REVELATION!

Joyce Burton Titular with Jeff Crabtree

5) New Career Path – Director for Dubbing – In line with the discovery of the actress with me, God gave me the chance to work under Director Mark Aranal as one of his Assistant Directors for dubbing. It was a major learning experience – the timing was the hardest thing to master but I learn it I did. Also learned how to waked up at 4am to be in the studio by 6! I can’t tell you much about the project since I signed a non-disclosure contract but it was a Mexican Telenovela that we dubbed into English.

6) ABQ REACHES IT’S 1 MILLIONTH VIEW! – After two years of hard work, at times writing til my fingers were numb, my blog reached it’s 1 millionth view on September 13, 2011, the day Shamcey Supsup won 3rd Runner-up in Miss Universe 2011. If you are a regular reader, I owe it to you…  thanks so much for following ABQ!

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1985 Izza Gonzales, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1985 Joyce Ann Burton and Bb. Pilipinas Young 1985 Tina Alcala

7) THE REUNION OF MY BB PILIPINAS BATCH 1985 – After 25 years of living our own lives, the winners of Bb. Pilipinas 1985 reunited for a afternoon of catching up! But one of us couldn’t make it! Click here to find out who and why.

In a dramatic moment with actress Eliza Shih-Chiusinco...

8) ABQ STARS IN THE STAGE PLAY, “FAMILY OUTINGS“ – Finally, God gave me a chance to explore the actress he put inside of me! In this dramatic comedy about a Christian family, I take on the role of Charlie Bailey, a wife and mom of two who has to deal with the fact that her husband might be having an affair with another woman. Produced by Chancel Repertory and Directed by Mark Aranal.  Click here to read more! The play will run until Sept. 2012!

9) LOSING 25 LBS! – In August 2011 I began to diet and journal my food intake by uploading on Facebook, pictures of everything I ate. I followed Dr. Mike Moreno’s book – “The 17 Day Diet” as strictly as possible and by the end of October I was down several dress sizes. As I write this article, I have lost a total of 35 lbs and am now 135lbs from an original heavy weight of 170. And as a result of my successful Facebook Food Journal, I have launched a new blog about my wieght loss journey – CLICK HERE to check it out!

Before Aug 1, 2011 - Sept 1, 2011 - October 17, 2011.

10) GLAM PHOTO SHOOT FOR LOOK MAGAZINE! – I may have lost a career as a Plus-Size Model because of my weight-loss, but I have gained the chance to become a Weight Loss Model! Look Magazine heard all about my weight-loss journey and decided to feature it in their magazine – the one coming out in Feb. 2012. Our photoshoot was on December 19 – a great date because it gave me the incentive to stick to healthy eating all through most of December!

Me with my hairdresser and make-up at the Look Magazine photoshoot!

11) A FAMILY TRIP TO BANGKOK! – This will sound weird but my family doesn’t get to travel often together. First – it’s expensive and second – it’s hard for me and my hubby to get away from work. But last December, my hubby, daughter and I got to spend 5 crazy days in Bangkok between Christmas and New Year’s. It would have been perfect if my son could have joined us but he was in Honolulu taking care of his Lola. Praying that in 2012, he’ll be able to come home to Manila for a visit!

Ron, Diandra and Me with a big Tiger Cub at Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Sriracha, Thailand

It was indeed a busy and beautiful 2011 for me. I can’t thank the Lord enough for giving me all these exciting things to do and a wonderful set of family and friends to do it with. I pray for more family holidays in 2012, better health, my abs to pop out, more Pinay beauty queens winning pageants abroad, no more tragedies like Ondoy and Sendong, no more war in the Middle East, more racket for beauties like me and that book that I was supposed to write – sana masulat ko na!

It’s not a complete list, mind you, so if there is ANYTHING I might have missed, please leave a comment at the end of the article and tell me what Beauty Queen story from last year rocked your world!

The Four Fabulous Filipinas who Rocked My 2011 – from Top Left clockwise – Shamcey Supsup, Gwendoline Ruais, Danica Magpantay and Athena Imperial

1) DANICA MAGPANTAY BECOMES THE FIRST EVER FILIPINA TO WIN THE FORD SUPERMODEL OF THE WORLD CONTEST!

Danica Magpantay, the daughter of Filipina Supermodel Lala Flores (now a pro-make-up artist) brought us the first exciting news of the year by winning the Ford Supermodel title on January 22, 2011! On that day, Danica Magpantay became the first-ever Filipina to win the prestigious modeling contest. She is now based in New York, working for Ford Models.

2) CORY QUIRINO TAKES OVER MISS WORLD PHILIPPINED FRANCHISE FROM BPCI

January 2011 ushered in a shocking revelation – after 19 years of being under Bb. Pilipinas, the Miss World Franchise was suddenly in the hands of TV Celebrity and Beauty Expert Cory Quirino! Many Pinoy Pageant fans welcomed the change of leadership but those of us loyal to BPCI felt the pain of losing the Franchise. I was caught in the middle – feeling bad since my heart belongs to BPCI but feeling excited because I knew that Cory Quirino would breathe in new life and bring new blood to the Miss World Philippines beauty pageant.

Miss Quirino proved herself to be a formidable beauty queen maker when her first winner – Miss Philippines World 2011 Gwendoline Ruais romped off with the 1st Runner-up Title in the Miss World 2011 beauty pageant held in the UK!

3) BEAUTY QUEEN AND ACTRESS PILAR PILAPIL SURVIVES KNIFE ATTACK!

Beauty Queen and Actress Pilar Pilapil

On April 14, 2011, Pilar Pilapil (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1967) was apprehended by two men while she was entering her car, stabbed and then left for dead in the Antipolo area. Pilar Pilapil managed to crawl through dense bushes and rough terrain to seek help from a stranger. The story was shocking and even more so when police revealed that Pilar Pilipil’s own sister-in-law could be the mastermind of the attack. Click here to follow updates on Pilar Pilapil’s case.

4)  MISS EARTH 2008 KARLA HENRY SURVIVES STABBING INCIDENT!

Karla Henry, Miss Earth 2008

It was a bizarre year of attacks on our beloved beauty queens; Karla Henry became the year’s second beauty queen victim of a stabbing incident. An incident that almost took her life. Thankfully, Karla Henry was rushed to the hospital in time and doctors were able to fix her up after surgery. I had the opportunity to visit Karla Henry and bring her some flowers at the hospital where she was recovering. Click here to read the story.

5) SHAMCEY SUPSUP PLACES 4TH IN MISS UNIVERSE 2011 WITH HER TSUNAMI WALK!

And we all thought Venus Raj’s major major 4th Runner-up win in last year’s Miss Universe could not be topped! Here comes Shamcey Supsup with her eye-popping Tsunami walk in the Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant! She took it one step higher and grabbing the 3rd Runner-up sash. Shamcey outdid pageant powerhouses USA and Venezuela, I am SO proud to say!

6) DIANNE NECIO WINS INTERNET VOTE AND BECOMES FINALIST IN MISS INTERNATIONAL 2011!

Dianne Necio, Bb. Pilipinas International 2011

Dianne Necio fought hard and won the Internet Vote award in Miss International 2011. It is not clear though if winning the Internet Vote gave her an automatic berth in the Top 15. Nevertheless, it was a great honor for Dianne Necio and those who voted for her online! A great honor for the Philippines too

7) GWENDOLINE RUAIS PLACES 2ND IN MISS WORLD 2011, BECOMING THE 2ND FILIPINA TO ALMOST WIN THE TITLE!

Evangeline Pascual did it in 1973, Gwendoline Ruais did it again in 2011! Although the Philippines has never won the Miss World title, these two women proved that victory is not an impossible dream for our Filipinas! Gwendoline Ruais’ 1st Runner-up victory also underscored the genius of beauty expert Cory Quirino who took over the franchise of Miss World Philippines in January 2011. It was also sweet vindication – Gwendoline Ruais joined Bb. Pilipinas 2010 but was left out of the semi-finals Top 5, a painful experience for her and her family. Now, with her Miss World 1st Runner-up status, the pressure is on for Miss Cory Quirino to find another Filipina who will shine in 2012!

8) ATHENA IMPERIAL WINS ELEMENTAL TITLE IN MISS EARTH 2011!

Although her victory was a controversial one, ABQ was thrilled for Athena Imperial when she entered the Top 5 of Miss Earth 2011. It is remarkable how she defied the stereotype that beauty queens must be tall. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, she  represents the ‘petite’ Filipina who stays humble but battles it out to the end, thankful for what blessings she receives. So proud of Athena,  goddess of power and beauty!

9) ISABELLA MANJON WINS THE MISS CHARITY AWARD IN THE MISS TOURISM QUEEN INTERNATIONAL 2011

Isabella Manjon, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011

Isabella Manjon gave the Philippines some wonderful post-Christmas news! She won Miss Charity, one of the special awards in Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 held in Xi-an, China on December 27, 2011. Click here to read all about the whirl-wind preparations Isabella Manjon had to go through for the pageant!

10) DIANA SUNSHINE RADEMANN WINS MISS SPEC PERSONALITY IN MISS TOURISM INTERNTIONAL 2011

Even on the last day of 2011, the Philippines shined brightly when Diana Sunshine Rademann won

Diana Sunshine Rademann, 1st Runner-up Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011

the Miss Spec Personality award in the Miss Tourism International 2011 in Malaysia! Diana Sunshine Rademann was Mutya ng Pilipinas’ 1st Runner-up this year, but due to schedule problems with their two main winners, Mutya ended up sending Diana. Read my article on her here!

BEAUTY QUEENS WHO ALSO DID THE PHILIPPINES PROUD!

Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – won Miss Internet Popularity in Miss Bikini International 2011 and entered the semi-finals of the contest which was held on September 27, 2011 in Qing Dao, China.

Czarina Gatbonton – in October 2011, the former Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 won 2nd Runner-up in Miss Humanity International 2011 beauty contest held in Barbados!

******************************************

R.I.P.

The year 2011 also saw the passing of two beauty queens who are loved by Filipino pageant fans -

AMPARO MUNOZ, MISS UNIVERSE 1974

Amparo Munoz, Miss Universe

On February 27, 2011, Amparo Munoz,  Spain’s one and only Miss Universe (who was crowned in Manila in 1974) had passed on at age 56 after a long battle against an unspecified cerebral disease.

Filipinos love Amparo Munoz since she stayed behind in the Philippines after the Miss Universe 1974 was over. She filmed a movie here with our very own Miss Universe 1968 Gloria Diaz. It’s titled “Hayop sa Ganda” and I’ve been wondering how to translate that title for the benefit of my foreign readers. The closest I can think of is “Animalistic Beauty”…  LOLOL!  Just teasing Yo tengo MUCHO MUCHO respeto para Amparo Munoz y Gloria Diaz!

EVA EKVALL, MISS UNIVERSE 2001, 3RD RUNNER-UP

Eva Ekvall, Venezuelan Beauty Queen and Cancer Warrior

Pageant fans across the globe received some terrible news days before Christmas 2011. Eva Ekvall, Miss Venzuela 2000 lost the battle against breast cancer at the age of 28. Even more heartbreaking is that she left behind a little 2 year old daughter and a loving husband who posted a photo on Twitter showing his hand holding hers, resting on the hospital bed. The caption on the photo, “Always together… I love you wife.”

To my dear dear readers – if there is anything I missed in my list, please drop a note in the comments section, I would appreciate hearing about the beauty queen stories that rocked your life!

Up in the air between Manila and Thailand!

Because my hubby and I work in media and our daughter Diandra is an actress, rare are the moments when we can find enough free time to go on vacation as a family.  So this is quite a gem – to be able to spend four days with my loved ones (minus my son Wolf who is in Honolulu) in Bangkok!

En route to Bangkok, we were wondering aloud on the plane if people celebrated Christmas in Thailand; maybe not, I said, since they are primarily Buddhist. I figured that only the Christians would have trees and decor in their homes. But surprise, surprise! We saw some Christmas greetings on a wall at the airport and some restuarants had Christmas trees on display – I spotted about three on our drive to Bangkok City Hotel.

Yep. We saw Frosty in Thailand!

At the lobby of Bangkok City Hotel, they even had a little Christmas Snow Town display sitting right on top of the Front Desk area! And the Starbucks at MBK Mall was offering Christmas coffees – the same ones we get in Manila. But they didn’t have the sticker promo for journals that I always join every season. My favorite journal shade this year is the darkest one – Oak.

Look closely at the sign behind me and Diandra... it's the Christmas Coffee Menu Board of Starbucks!

Then as we were walking past Platinum Fashion Mall, I heard some Christmas songs being played from a speaker outside the mall – one of them was all about CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! The song (sung by a children’s choir) said something like: “It’s fun to go CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!”  Although I was laughing at the lyrics, I did find it a bit tasteless; didn’t the Pope just admonish us for being so commercial at Christmas time?

A huge Christmas tree on Phetchaburi Road, Bangkok!

Of course, I don’t mind businesses putting up all that decor – it really cheers things up. And they can try all they want to get me to spend but I have final control on where my peso goes and they can’t hoodwink me into buying things I think I need. Besides, I don’t let the pressure of Christmas shopping get to me – in fact, I totally love Christmas shopping because of two simple rules – give gifts from the heart and stick to the budget.

Kung walang budget, okay lang. One year, when we were tight, I dug up a bunch of great books in my library, put them in a brightly wrapped box and went around asking friends to choose a book and that was their gift. They all loved it! Some of them even asked me to write a Christmas dedication on the book. So as you can see, there’s no need to stress out over shopping for Christmas because God provides. If you are willing to receive from Him, that is.

So… Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, from ABQ in Bangkok!

Jesus, you are my Christmas gift to others...

Diana Sunshine Rademann

Beauty never takes a break. Even during Christmas. ESPECIALLY during Christmas, I should say. The same goes for beauty pageants! ABQ is keeping an eye on two pageants that run through the Christmas season and culminate in the last week of December: The Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 in China (which Isabella Manjon is going to) and the Miss Tourism International 2011 in Malaysia – the beauty pageant that our subject, Diana Sunshine Rademann is competing in as I type out this blog post.

Diana is taking the place of the original Mutya ng Pilipinas International 2011 winner Vickie Rushton. Vickie reportedly has requirements at school that she needs to meet. Click here for the story.

DISNEY PRINCESS

If Mutya ng Pilipinas had a Disney Princess special award, Diana Rademann would win it, without a question. My daughter Diandra, who covered Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 for me said that she moved like Cinderella, smiled like Snow White and had the perfect looks of Belle in Beauty and the Beast!

Do you see the resemblance? Not the guy to Beast okay, but Diana to Belle...

Diana Rademann can thank the brilliant mix of her parents’ genes for such sparkling beauty – her Dad, Frank Rademann is German and her Mom, Maria Anne is a Cebuana. But home for the Rademann family is Puerto Princesa in Palawan where Diana is a 3rd year student of Biology (at Palawan State University) with plans to pursue Medicine.

Since I have never gone to the famous Underground River in Palawan, I asked Diana Rademann if it was really spectacularly beautiful and she said YES! She’s gone there many times to  gather scientific information for her Biology classes. Hmmm…  I’m getting a picture of Princess Jasmine culling shrimp in a dark, wet cave. What a thought!

But while Diana looks like she wears gowns and glass slippers everyday, she can be as rough and tough as Pocahontas – she was a varsity Volleyball player in elementary and then in high school, she shifted to Filipino Folk Dance. In fact, when she represented the Philippines in the Miss Princess of the World 2011 beauty pageant last October in the Czech Republic, she was a nominee for the Best in Talent award for her performance of a Filipino Dance (that I can’t pronounce OR dance.) Although Diana Sunshine Rademann did not win the Talent Award, she did live up to her middle name bringing sunshine to all the other beauty contestants and winning the Miss Sympathy (Friendship) Award.

Diana Rademann, Miss Sympatie 2011 winner at the Miss Princess of the World 2011 beauty pageant

Of all the awards, the only one you can trust to be honest and true is the Miss Friendship award because all the contestants vote for this, and who on earth would try to use politics or influence to win Miss Friendship? It’s the ‘cleanest’ award given in any pageant. Just a thought…

And Diana Rademann really deserved that friendship award. I hardly know the girl but there were two things that showed me just how Congenial she was:

1) She took my call in the middle of a Christmas Party of one of the sponsors of Mutya ng Pilipinas. She actually found a quiet corner where she could answer all my questions.

2) Diana Rademann blasted out a farewell text, right before she boarded her flight to Malaysia last night saying,

“Bye-bye Philippines, thank you for all your love and support, let us all pray for the Lord’s blessing and guidance for me in this pageant. Hope to be back bringing honor and glory to our country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

She is the first ever beauty queen to text me a farewell message. I usually send the farewell message to them. LOL!

THE PAINFUL LOSS OF A BROTHER

Phillip - Missing You...

Underneath all that glitz and glam, a big part of Diana Rademann is in mourning. Earlier this year, her 15-year-old brother Philip died due to Cardiac Arrest. He was just two days away from celebrating his birthday when the tragedy occurred. It came as a shock to the family, even if they knew he had congenital heart problems and had been battling them with him for a while. Although I was taken aback by her revelation, I did not hear any weakness in Diana’s voice. I think her brother’s death has only made her stronger and as she carries the Philippine title in Miss Tourism International 2011 in Malaysia, she’ll also be carrying his memory in her heart.

And she’ll also be missing her family A LOT! This is her first time to be away from them during Christmas but she’s trying not too hard to think about it. Instead, she’s focusing on competing and enjoying the three weeks she has in Malaysia. Miss Tourism International’s coronation night is on New Year’s Eve and she had very little time to prepare, just under two weeks, to get ready for it. Diana Rademann admits that her weakness is speaking in English. At home, she says, they just speak Tagalog/Taglish/Filipino. So she spent four days in intensive Q&A training for the pageant.

I told her that the most important thing is for her to be able to express herself with intelligence and sensitivity. When you reach the international platform, judges understand that not all candidates speak English well (or even speak it at all) and give lots of leeway for that.

Diana Rademann in swimsuit

GETTING INTO PAGEANT FORM

Since Diana Rademann is a Folk Dancer at her school, she’s pretty fit. Last year, her weight was 55 kilos (121 lbs) – just right for her height of 5’5″. But she wanted to get leaner so she cut back on her carbs and stopped eating rice regularly and stopped drinking softdrinks completely. With those two changes in her eating lifestyle, she was able to get down to a lighter 47 kilos (103.5 lbs), her weight as of now.

Losing weight also gave her the confidence to try competing in pageants. Her first attempt was at the baranggay level. Diana Rademann won the Miss Baranggay Siksikan title (no sniggering please..) and then she competed in the Miss Puerto Princesa 2011 where she placed 3rd. Diana Rademann also competed in the Miss Casino Filipino 2011 where she entered the semi-finals and won Best in Long Gown and two other awards. Then she got hand-picked to represent the Philippines in October at the Miss Princess of the World 2011 beauty pageant where she won Miss Sympatie, as I mentioned earlier in this blog post. Diana Rademann has racked up much experience in pageant competition – experience that will hopefully boost her chances of winning in Malaysia.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 Court of Winners - Diana Rademann, the 1st Runner-up is on the far left...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS

As Dianda Rademann competes in her second international beauty tilt, she sends her gratitude to all of those who supported her, from her family to her handler, Rogil and to the staff of Mutya ng Pilipinas. To her sponsors and to Mama Renee Salud who is handling her wardrobe needs and to all pageant fans who are praying for her victory – she hopes to return from Malaysia with great news to welcome 2012!!!

Platinum Yosi Samra Flats!

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE SHOPPING FOR GIFTS for friends – whether it be for Christmas, for Pasalubong or for a Birthday. I loooove looking around for that right ‘something’ that will match the personality of the receiver. This Christmas I found ONE smoking-hot gift that will floor anyone who is kikay or fashionista – Yosi Samra FLATS!

Because cuteness and looking good are the top priorities of fashionistas, they are willing to suffer the pain involved with things like tight jeans, waxing down there and killer heels. Like the pair of 12-inch Alexander McQueens that Lady Gaga wore in the music video of “Bad Romance”? Well that kind of footwear will put so much strain and pain on one’s legs and feet that they can cause ankle ligaments to snap or bones in the feet to break!

Click here to read a CNN article about the dangers of never giving your toe-sies a break from heels.

But with Yosi Samra Flats, your kikay fashionista friend will look smashing! At the same time, these flats can give First Aid to her super-stressed out feet. You see, these flats are actually foldable ballet shoes that you can tuck into your bag and whip out to wear anytime of the day. Folded up, this lightweight shoe is just a little bigger than an overnight Kotex napkin – a most convenient size!

Yosi Samra Flats are perfect for relaxing on a long drive... Model: Diandra Zach

Personally, I like to sneak them out when I’m at my desk in the office. I also wear them when I’m in the car. Yosi Samra Flats are also quite handy when I need to make a pit-stop at the grocery to run around and buy a few things. Perfect too for days when I need to give my pretty little hooves a break but still want to look fashionable.

Adding value to this gorgeous flat shoe is the reputation of it’s designer Yosi Samra. Yosi comes from a long line of professional shoe makers and is passionate about creating high quality, long-lasting footwear for the modern, fashion-conscious woman. Yosi Samra Flats have a split-sole structure made of 1/8″ durable rubber allowing the shoes to fold flat but at the same time slowing down wear and tear. My feet find them quite comfy and I feel like I’m just lounging around at home when I wear them.

Of course these flats become even more delicious when you discover that famous people also lounge around in them. Like Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker,  Hayden Panettiere, Carmen Electra, Audrina Partridge, Giuliana Rancic and Nicole Scherzinger! Since I have fangirl tendencies, the thought that my feet and their feet share the same experiences, tickles me all the way to my TOES!

There's Yosi Samra Flat for every kind of Fashionista!

But far more unbelievable than the celebrity following of Yosi Samra Flats is that these shoes come in over 6,000 different styles!!! The range includes leather, satin, patents and suede and the colors cover the entire Rainbow AND more so… there’s gotta be one Yosi Samra Flat that will suit the style of your kikay friend!

While some might find the price expensive (Yosi Samra Flats range from P2,495 to P3,795) a true kikay/fashionista type will look at that price and say, WOW! Not BAAAAD!  So if you want to impress that special Kikay Fashionista in your life, go ahead and get her a pair of these ultra-cool, foldable wonders.

I’m a size 10 by the way… 

...and a pair of animal print Yosi Samra Flats is on my Christmas wishlist! LOL!

You can find Yosi Samra Flats at GAS, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma Mall. Visit the website of Yosi Samra here!

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon's send-off outfit... RAAAAWWRRR!!!

***Congratulations to Isabella Manjon for winning the Miss Charity award (is this like Miss Friendhship? -  I think it is… no it’s not, Ecuador got the Friendship award) in Miss Tourism Queen International 2011.  There’s a big sigh of disappointment among Pinoy pageant fans who expected Isabella Manjon to place high or even win the pageant. But it seems like China was looking for a leaner type of beauty…  Whatever the case, Isabella Manjon still kicked international butt… congratulations again!

Wow, what an afternoon of excitement at the send-off for Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon at Gateway Suites in Cubao!

Finally, Madame Stella Marquez Araneta delivered on her promise to send Isabella Manjon to an international competition. SMA told me herself months ago, during the send-off of Shamcey Supsup to Miss Universe, that Isabella Manjon would be sent to an international pageant but Madame Stella did not specify which one. This promise materialized at last, only a couple of weeks ago when the agreement was sealed: Isabella Manjon will be the Philippine representative to the Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 in China!

STOLEN THUNDER?

I heard hushed whispers in the crowd that BPCI’s move stole thunder from Mutya ng Pilipinas which reportedly was supposed to send one of it’s winners to Miss Tourism Queen International 2011. And that the photo of the Mutya winner was already on the MTQI website for a few days – (this photo kwento is just hearsay, so can anyone reading this confirm it?)

If you recall, Mutya ng Pilipinas had it’s pageant last Dec 2, 2011 and just a couple days ago (as of press time) I discovered that Mutya was reshuffling it’s beauty queens once again. Could the reshuffling be due to BPCI’s victory in winning the right to send a rep to MTQI? Most likely, methinks!

But enough of that. I was just so happy to be at the send-off of Isabella, since I had missed out on Dianne Necio’s.

L-R Patricia Fernandez, Nina Ricci Alagao and blog author Joyce Ann Burton

When I arrived, I saw the lovely faces of Patricia Fernandez, Nina Ricci Alagao and Jennifer Barrientos – past Bb. Pilipinas winners. (We were joking about the use of the word ‘former’ in the commonly used descriptive, ‘former winner’. It kind of suggests that you used to be a winner but now are not, LOL!) It’s always good to see FORMER winners at the send-off – former beauty queens are a well of support and make for the best cheerleaders on the planet!

ONLY 2 WEEKS OF PREPARATION!

The program began when the four other Bb. Pilipinas 2011 winners (Patricia Mae Tumulak Janine Tugonon, MJ Lastimosa, Dianne Necio and Shamcey Supsup) entered and then presented Isabella Manjon to the waiting crowd. We all cheered as she sashayed into the suite, swinging her hips like there was no tomorrow. After a few minutes of flash photography, Isabella Manjon took her special seat on stage and the four other winners proceeded to roast her – gently of course!

L-R: MJ Lastimosa, Janine Tugonon, Dianne Necio and Shamcey Supsup give their messages to a seated Isabella Manjon.

I loved the revelation that Dianne Necio made – that Isabella Manjon only had 2 weeks to prepare herself mentally and physically for Miss Tourism Queen International 2011. Dianne joked that when Isabella Manjon got the good news via a rare phone call from Madame Stella Araneta, she went on a crash diet, ate only air and drank only water and spent all her free time in the gym. I bet my bottom that that’s closer to the truth than most of us think. Believe me, when a competitive woman suddenly faces a challenge, she’ll move mountains (of fat?) to overcome it!

Not that Isabella is fat. Certainly not. Voluptuously hot is what she is. But being too voluptuous CAN ruin your chances of winning a pageant these days. So I can understand the panic to get her sexy curves down to a less nuclear level. It’s part of the hazard of the job.

Thank you Madame Stella for making Isabella's dream come true!

MTQI – A DREAM COME TRUE!

What do I like about Isabella? Well… that she can really rip the stage into pieces with her sizzling walk. During the press presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2011, she really stood out for that. I also have green eyes for her widow’s peak. Why didn’t God give me one? LOL!  Also lurking under all that hotness is an intelligence that will surprise.

And I also  love the thankfulness that this 5’9″ stunner exudes – she never hid the fact that going to an international pageant was her ultimate dream, a dream she was willing to forego. But now that she’s finally going to one, you could almost see the letters T.Y. tatooed on her forehead. Thankfulness is such an impressive attitude in a beauty queen – its proof that her feet are still on the ground.

Isabella Manjon's Mom, Dad and sister... missing her already!

MILES AWAY ON CHRISTMAS DAY

By the time Dianne, Shamcey, MJ and Janine were done giving their messages, Isabella was all teary-eyed. When I snuck a glance at the table where her parents were seated, I could see her Mom and Dad were a bit red-eyed as well. While her Mom was still smiling, her Dad had the saddest look on his face, mostly because this is going to be the first time that Isabella Manjon will be miles away on Christmas day; Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 begins next week in China and ends on December 27, 2011 when the winner is crowned. For a moment I let myself feel the love of a close family – so close that one Christmas apart could unleash a bucket of tears.

Isabella Manjon (left) on the night she won Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011...

Finally, the press was allowed to ask Isabella Manjon a few questions and one of my favorite ones was a question on how she handled that ‘limbo period’ when she wasn’t sure if she was going to compete internationally or not. Isabella Manjon gave a wistful smile and said that she had already accepted the possibility it wouldn’t happen. That it was OK if she didn’t wear the Philippine sash abroad. Instead, she found consolation in all the training she has recieved under BPCI; these were lessons and skills that would be useful for the rest of her life. And she was satisfied with that.

Somewhere in the middle of the press questions, I sidled up to her Mom and said, “You must be so very proud!” And she said yes! Apparently, Isabella was very boyish growing up and was a little overweight. Her Mom said that it was quite a surprise for Isabella’s friends to see her join AND win a beauty pageant! They never really saw it coming, she said. I totally agree – I was the same way before I joined my Bb. Pilipinas pageant in 1985.

A serious moment for Isabella Manjon during the presscon...

WINTER WARDROBE. OH, AND BRING LOTS OF LIP BALM!

But back to Isabella’s upcoming challenge in China – aside from facing more than a 100 competitors, she’s be dealing with WINTERTIME! How is this beach babe going to deal with the cold wave? Well, I discovered that’s she’s got a complete winter wardrobe all bought in New York! How they managed to do that in 2 weeks is beyond me.

Miss Tourism Queen International’s requirement is 7 gowns and 3 cocktail dresses per contestant. This is aside from the winter wear they need for daily use in rehearsals, promo tours and public appearances. But apparently, Isabella Manjon is bringing twice that number of outfits, thanks to the competitive drive of Madame Stella and the BPCI team who are doing all they can to support her in the pageant.

(One designer name I heard bandied about was Calvin Klein. Hmmmm…)

I was also assured that her main competition gown is a killer. No other information was given because BPCI likes to clam up when it comes to what their beauty queens wear in competition. UGH! May I just roll my eyes ONE MORE TIME??!!! Anyway, we’ll eventually see what Isabella’s main gown is going to be like… if it’s anything close to the sheer silver threads Shamcey Supusp wore in Miss Universe 2011, then we can all rejoice!

Alas, I had to leave in the middle of the presscon – had a newscast to deliver at RPN 9 and a blog to write for the dusky Isabella Manjon, the first ever Bb. Pilipinas Tourism title holder!

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon is ready to do battle!

1st Runner-up Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011, Diana Sunshine Rademann, replaces winner Vickie Rushton

Once again, Mutya ng Pilipinas shuffles it’s winning candidates just like last year, hmmmm….

According to the PR Department of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Vickie Marie Rushton, winner of the Mutya ng Pilipinas International 2011 title will not be competing in the Miss Tourism International 2011 beauty pageant this New Year’s Eve as originally planned. Taking her place is Diana Rademann of Puerto Princesa, her 1st Runner-up.

Click here to see the line-up of contestants in the Miss Tourism International 2011. Diana Rademann’s photo is there!

Mutya PR Head Francis Calubaquib told me that Vickie Marie Rushton, who is based in Bacolod, needs to make up for missed exams and days in school. He also mentioned that the other winner, Felicia Baron, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism 2011 could not stand in for Vickie Marie Rushton as she had to fly back home to the US after the death of her grandfather.

Wow, lots of international names here now that I think about it – Rademann… Rushton… Baron… Burton… LOLOL!

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 Court of Winners - L-R - 1st Runner-up Diana Rademann, MP Tourism Felicia Baron, MP International Vickie Rushton, MP Overseas Filipino Bea Rose Santiago, 2nd Runner-up Tifani Grimes

Anyhoo…  Diana Rademann, who had one of the prettiest faces in the 2011 batch of Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates, stood out on pageant night for her Snow White looks and her Sleeping Beauty walk. According to my daughter Diandra, who covered the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 for me, Diana Rademann looked like a Disney Princess from head to foot.

Hopefully, they will find time to train Diana Rademann further, especially in the Q&A portion, the waterloo of many a beauty contestant.  Unfortunately, training will be short since she will be leaving in a few days; the Coronation Night of Miss Tourism International 2011 will be on December 31, 2011.

However, Diana Rademann has had experience in a previous international beauty contest - The Princess of the World 2011, held last October in the Czech Republic. She won the Miss Sympatie or the Miss Congeniality award. Armed with  experiences from that international tilt, I am confident that Diana Rademann won’t disappoint.

Speaking of which, the re-shuffling is still a bit of a disappointment for me even if I feel that Rademann will represent the Philippines well. Such reshufflings weaken the Mutya brand.  Also, I just have ask this question – if Vickie Marie Rushton was willing to skip exams and school in the first place just to join the pageant, why back out now, after winning?  Well, I will try to find out when I talk to her. She just might have a valid reason… and of course we all agree that school is tres tres importante!

But as a consolation to fans and supporters of Vickie Marie Rushton and Felicia Baron, Mutya ng Pilipinas promises to send both girls to international competitions next year if a window of opportunity opens. Lets see what happens!

PS. To Mutya’s webmaster – please update the site!!!! It’s been a couple weeks since the pageant and you’re still showing last year’s winners! Maraming Salamat PO!