#Maria Corazon Abalos

[fashournalist]

Conquering the Crown: Who Will Be The Next Miss Universe Philippines 2021?

Are you ready, Universe?

Tomorrow, the next Miss Universe Philippines will be crowned in Bohol, and I'd like to share my bets with you (as well as my thoughts on more candidates other than my Top 6. :)

But first, I have to admit I do have a bias for Cavite, Aklan, and Laguna because

1) Cavite is my birthplace and where I spent the first 16 years of my life;

2) Aklan is where my five dear brothers are from;

3) Laguna is where I spent seven eventful years as a UPLB student.

However, these biases aren't the sole reason I'm rooting for these representatives. I believe Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Leren Bautista, and Christelle Abello are really among the best candidates of this year's batch! VVV is actually my top one, followed by Katrina Dimaranan, Maureen Wroblewitz, and Ayn Bernos.

One of the smartest and most eloquent candidates of this batch, Victoria Velasquez Vincent from Cavite has emerged as the Interview Challenge winner, and rightly so. But she caught my attention even before that phase; her Runway Challenge was really impressive as well. As a heritage conservationist and architect, she's committed to solving environmental problems across the globe.

I really wish the winner would be a pure Filipino, but it so happened that VVV impressed me the most. She's half-Irish and half-Filipino, raised in New Zealand.

Now this one's a powerhouse. A pageant veteran, model, actress, and television host, I think (and thousands of others think, too) Katrina Dimaranan from Taguig is the most prepared of them all. She was appointed as USA's Miss Supranational 2018 and finished as 1st Runner Up at the world stage. She was also one of the title holders way back in Binibining Pilipinas 2012.

Kat's charming, authentic personality captivates anyone watching her or listening to her voice. You can see this through the way she nailed the challenges. And though she grew up in the US, she is a pure Filipina.

This woman needs no introduction--Maureen Wroblewitz, the winner of Asia's Next Top Model Season 5. Born in Saudi Arabia, she's a half-Filipina, half-German model and actress who is now representing Pangasinan as she fights for the crown. She has emerged as the Casting Challenge winner, but aside from that, all the results of the other challenges prove how excellent and enthralling she is as a model. Her intelligence can also be seen with every answer she delivers during Q&As.

The most inspiring candidate of all, Ayn Bernos of San Juan, proves that barriers can be broken and stereotypes can be shattered. Proudly standing at 5'3 with morena skin, Ayn represents the majority of Filipino people who are not influenced by foreign blood. I've closely followed her journey from the day she submitted her pageant application, and I'm so happy for her every step of the way. Her millions of followers on TikTok surely feel the same. We feel seen, we feel represented, we feel inspired to also reach for our dreams--no matter how impossible they may seem.

Ayn is a natural Filipina beauty, and she glowed further as she embarked on the road to the crown. Her wit, intelligence, and cheerful personality radiate in every appearance she makes, whether it's an interview or a commercial special by some of MUPH's sponsors.

With enchanting eyes, a driven attitude, and several beauty pageant titles under her belt, Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna is one of the most prepared candidates to represent the nation at the Miss Universe pageant this December.

I started knowing her through the tarpaulins in LB eight years ago. I was still in college, and Leren just won the crown of Miss Los Banos. She conquered the Binibining Laguna title as well. Since then, I knew this classic Filipina beauty and brain would one day captivate the world. Years later, she has placed as a 2nd Runner Up in Miss Globe 2019 and won in other pageants, too. Today, she's aiming for the universe and we all know she's ready.

Armed with an unstoppable grit, this dreamer put her life in the US on pause to once again fight for the crown of Miss Universe. Christelle Abello of Aklan has placed in the top 16 of last year's MUPH, and she has come back stronger this time around. Though she wasn't part of the Top 7 in the Interview Challenge, I think she's one of the most fluent and confident candidates.

Although she was born in America, she embodies the beauty of a real Filipina. I have to mention that I'm not a fan of her evening gown's design, but she still carried it well.

So there, now you know my Top 6! :) They've been my Top 6 for several weeks now, but this doesn't mean I'm not impressed by other candidates.

Michele Angela Okol of Siargao Island nailed the Preliminary Interviews! I haven't watched all the interviews since the KTX pass is just too expensive for me, but I was able to see a few on YouTube. And of them all, Michele's answers were the best. She was certain with her answers. Ingrid "Sam" Santamaria of Paranaque and Chela Grace Falconer of Misamis Oriental are some of the smartest and most fluent candidates as well. Sam placed second in the Interview Challenge.

The Filipina beauty of Janela Cuaton of Albay, Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong, Mirjan Hipolito of Angeles City, Simone Nadine Bornilla of Marinduque, and Princess Krista Singh of Pasig are some of the most outstanding in their batch. But I think the most outstanding beauty of all, is Jasmine Umali of Manila. She's like a living Mulan, or Barbie. And all these phenomenal women are smart and graceful, too!

Anyhow, if Gianne Asuncion of Cagayan Province wasn't diagnosed with COVID-19, for sure she would make it here and she'd be one of my bets. I hope she comes back next year, same with Maica Cabling Martinez of Nueva Ecija, who didn't make it in this year's Top 30.

You might be wondering why I haven't mentioned Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province yet.

Honestly, I can't deny she's gorgeous from head to toe, well-prepared, talented, and confident, but I just cannot stomach supporting someone who supports Rodrigo Duterte. If she wins tomorrow, I will not bash her--I can see why she's one of the frontrunners--but I just cannot see myself rooting for her because of her political stance :( If she was not a DDS though, she would easily be one of my top bets, maybe my top 4 or top 5.

Steffi carries every outfit effortlessly, and her beauty can go from sweet and endearing to regal and fierce. I wish, before the national elections, her eyes would be opened to the atrocities of Duterte's war on drugs. (I also find Bea Luigi Gomez beautiful, but she said during the preliminary interview that the government is doing well. So, I'm afraid she might be a DDS, too. I hope not)

I know, people tell us to separate the pageant from political views, but the thing is, when a DDS gains more influence, they can influence voters to support Duterte, too. That's a real danger our country can no longer afford.

As for Kisses Delavin of Masbate, I'm inspired by her drive to pursue her dreams, not letting bashers stop her. But I just cannot see her wearing the crown, sorry :( I'm not a basher, I acknowledge she is beautiful, sweet, talented, kind, and smart. But I just don't see the fierce, palaban aura that we all need in a Miss Universe candidate. Never thought being baby-faced could be a disadvantage.

But anyway, if Ayn is slaying while breaking barriers and stereotypes, why can't Kisses, right? Kisses did well in every interview she handled. Although, I really didn't like her runway challenge where her hands were stuck on her waist. Good thing her walk improved in the swimsuit competition. Despite getting bashed and doubted, she fights with courage and passion, and that's something we can all learn from--whether we're part of Kissables or not.

Who will win tomorrow? I just can't wait to find out :)

I really wish I have the budget for a KTX pass so I could watch the coronation night in real-time. Sigh. That's 600 pesos! I'd rather spend it on samgyup. HAHA my love for food beats my love for pageants, even when I once dreamt to be Miss Universe myself lol.

How about you, guys? Who are your favorites? Who are your bets? Comment down below :) (wow youtube lang? haha)

Regardless of who wins, let's support her way to the crown. :) Go, proudly raise the Philippine flag, Miss Universe PH 2021!

PS. Photos came from Miss Universe Philippines' page, Philippine Star, and PeoPlaid. And I thank MS Paint because that's where I combined some of the photos haha.

[normanblogs]

Red becomes Maria Corazon Abalos

Red becomes Maria Corazon Abalos

Red is assertive, daring, determined, energetic, powerful, enthusiastic, impulsive, exciting and aggressive. This intense color brings out the best in Corrine Abalos of Mandaluyong City. And the qualities associated with it are what she will surround herself with to bring the Universe to its knees. After all, her name means heart – the heart of a #phenomenalwoman at that. Video: Mavasia…

[phgq]

Low measles-rubella immunization rate in NCR children linked to COVID pandemic

#PHinfo: Low measles-rubella immunization rate in NCR children linked to COVID pandemic

(L-R) Mandaluyong City Health Officer Dr. Alexander Sta. Maria, Mayor Abalos Chief of Staff Bro. Jimmy Isidro, DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Dr. Corazon I. Flores, and DOH Asec. Elmer G. Punzalan grace the MR-SIA kick-off activity at the Plainview Elementary School on Friday, January 29. (Contriibuted photo)

CALOOCAN CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The chief of the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMMCHD) on Friday said measles-rubella vaccinations may have taken a back seat to COVID concerns and this prompted them to intensify their supplemental immunization activity.

During the launch of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity or “MR-SIA” in the National Capital Region (NCR) held at Plainview Elementary School in Mandaluyong City, DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Corazon Flores said the COVID-19 pandemic may have diverted the public’s attention away from other potentially severe infectious diseases such as measles-rubella, especially in low- and middle-income families in NCR, resulting in delayed childhood vaccinations for these ailments.

“Sa nakaraan na mga buwan at taon nagkaroon tayo ng measles outbreak at outbreak ng COVID-19. At dahil gusto natin pagtulung-tulungan ito, sabay tayo nagkaroon ng regional launching kasama ang Central Luzon, CALABARZON [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon] Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas,” Dr. Flores said.

“Mahalaga ang kaligtasan at mahalaga ang kalusugan ng ating mga anak. Kaya kami ay sama sama nandito upang i-ensure na ligtas ang ating mga chikiting laban sa tigdas at laban sa rubella,” she added.

The kick-off ceremony signals the start of the MR-SIA campaign to provide immunization and protection against measles and rubella for children ages 9 to 59 months from February 1 to 28, 2021.

The event, attended by DOH Assistant Secretary Elmer G. Punzalan, Mandaluyong City Health Officer Dr. Alexander Sta. Maria, Mayor Abalos Chief of Staff Bro. Jimmy Isidro, several healthcare workers, and few parents along with their children, aims to achieve the widest vaccination coverage in all target areas.

Health officials who were present during the event demonstrated proper hand washing techniques to show the importance of this practice in any provision of health services.

During the kick-off event in Metro Manila, Dr. Flores and Dr. Sta. Maria administered measles-rubella vaccine to the five pre-selected children who were accompanied by their mothers.

The center for health development reminded the public that vaccination will be conducted in health centers and identified vaccination posts.

Basic health and safety protocols for COVID-19 prevention will be strictly observed in these facilities at all times, the DOH-MMCHD added. (PIA NCR)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Low measles-rubella immunization rate in NCR children linked to COVID pandemic." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065417 (accessed January 30, 2021 at 04:07PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Low measles-rubella immunization rate in NCR children linked to COVID pandemic." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065417 (archived).

[normanblogs]

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: NCR Tourism Videos

Just when you thought that the National Capital Region does not have much to offer in terms of scenic views and breathtaking sights, these urban-based ladies of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 were able to spin creative ways of promoting their respective cities in the metro that make for good viewing. Drone shots and expansive angles, you’ve got to hand it to them as well. Check them out…

[normanblogs]

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Video Introduction Challenge Top 15

Here are the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 official delegates who topped the Video Introduction Challenge! Congratulations, ladies! The #Top75 will be revealed soon. Be the first to get a KTX Season Pass for the much-awaited Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Preliminaries and Extended Pageant Finals with live performances of the best artists in the country! Book your tickets now:…

[normanblogs]

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: My Favorite Video Intros

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: My Favorite Video Intros

Watching through almost a hundred different video introductions made me realize that I am always looking for content and/or creativity (plus a good script perhaps). I squirm at extended clips where the delegate is continuously projecting as a wannabe fashion model because I have seen hundreds of thousands in my life as a pageant blogger. I also shiver with shots of ladies going down stairs or…

[normanblogs]

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Video Introduction Challenge Part 4

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Video Introduction Challenge Part 4

Here now is the last group of 25 official delegates with their video introductions for Miss Universe Philippines 2021. After watching them all, do share your favorites – both from the thoroughbreds and the greenhorns. Maureen Wroblewitz Maria Ingrid Teresita Santamaria Chella Grace Falconer Rousanne Marie Bernos Maria Corazon Abalos Jamaica Venturillo Kheshapornam Ramachandran Jeremae dela…

[normanblogs]

16 Aces & Queens entries for Miss Universe Philippines 2021

16 Aces & Queens entries for Miss Universe Philippines 2021

Among the #Top100 Official Delegates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 announced yesterday, fourteen (14) of them are from Aces & Queens, as follows: Maureen Wroblewitz – Pangasinan Kirsten Delavin – Masbate Izabella Jasmine Umali – Manila Beatrice Luigi Gomez – Cebu Province Chella Grace Falconer – Misamis Oriental Joanna Rabe – Zambales Kamille Alyssa Pilarca Quinola – Ilocos Sur Maria Corazon…

[phgq]

DOH brings BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign at the mall

#PHinfo: DOH brings BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign at the mall

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III conducts a short lecture on basic health protocols during his visit at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City to bring the DIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign at the mall. Also in photo is Dr. Corazon I. Flores, OIC-Director IV (2nd from right) of the DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development. (Photo credit: DOH-NCRO HPMRU)

CALOOCAN CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) – A team from the Department of Health led by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Thursday (Dec. 10) visited SM Megamall at the Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City to promote the health department’s BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19.

BIDA is a behavioral campaign adapting the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) mandated by the Interagency Rask Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

BIDA is a contraction that such that B is for Bawal walang mask. I refers to I-sanitize ang mga kamay, Iwas hawak sa mga bagay.  D means Dumistansya ng isang metro.  Finally, A stands for Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.

Dr. Corazon I. Flores, OIC-Director IV and Dr. Maria Paz P. Corrales, Director III of DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development joined the Secretary in his visit.

The DOH team was warmly welcomed by Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Shopping Center Management Corporation and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos.

The team checked the enforcement of basic health protocols within the mall wherein they clearly observed that automated thermal scanners are in entrance points and are functional upon entry of the mall-goers. 

The number of individuals is also counted so that the mall management will be able to monitor the maximum allowable capacity of the mall at a given time. Advisories for the health protocols are visibly located on conspicuous areas. 

Security officers hold placards to constantly remind the shoppers on the health protocols that need to be observed at all times.

Duque also requested the mall management to designate BIDA Bastoneros and Bastoneras who will act as Safety Officers and ensure the strict adherence and sustainability of carrying out the health and safety protocols for COVID-19 prevention in SM Supermalls throughout the country.  (DOH/PIA-NCR)

  ***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "DOH brings BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign at the mall." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061624 (accessed December 13, 2020 at 03:51PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "DOH brings BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign at the mall." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061624 (archived).