We understand now why Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo was so enthusiastic to promote her province Aurora through the just concluded Mutya ng Pilipinas 2009 beauty pageant which the province sponsored and hosted. The place, especially Baler where the award-winning movie “Baler” starring Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis (who won as Best Actress for her role in the movie in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival) was filmed.

Aurora province is indeed rich in natural resources. With its many natural attractions, most especially the centuries-old Balete tree, its pristine beaches that could be compared with those in famed Boracay (its Sabang beach is especially ideal for surfing), its museum, its Spanish colonial infrastructure, the famous Baler church, Pres. Manuel Quezon home which is undergoing construction in front of the church, among others, it’s small wonder then that the 35 candidates were so charmed by Baler that they raved about the place and its people in an essay (as to what changed them during their week-long stay in the place) they were made to write and read during the pre-pageant judging, during which the 10 semi finalists were chosen. They all said that they were charmed not only by the place but the warm people as well. The candidates stayed in Baler from July 30 to Aug. 10.

By the way, the winners were Jane Banares, a nurse from Legaspi City, Mutya ng Pilipinas-International, who also won as Best in Gown; Jacqueline Shubert from Northern Germany, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism who also won the Best in Sabatan-inspired Gown; Ana Balacad from Texas, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities; Samantha East from Canada, first runner-up; and Jennielyn Natividad from Quezon City, second runner-up.

Special awards were also given, and these were: Best Designer, Roland Rhoxas; Miss Talent, Katrina Lopez; Dominique Lagrimas, Miss Photogenic; Diane de Vera, Miss Friendship; Best in Long Gown, Jane Banares; Best in Swimsuit, Jacqueline Schubert.

The board of judges was composed of: Ms. Malgorzata Rozniecka from Poland, who was Miss International 2001 and also Ms. Model of the World 2000 (chairman); Vice Governor of Nueva Ecija Edward Joson, Australian Consul General to the Philippines Hugh Web, former beauty queen and ramp diva Marina Benipayo, fashion designer Randy Ortiz, top fashion choreographer and director Jackie Aquino; Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism, 2007 Anna Morelos; make-up guru, fashion designer, actor and the very first Filipino to have his own cosmetic line named after him Fanny Serrano; Elvira “Tootsie” Angara, wife of Rep. Sonny Angara, and head for sales of ABS-CBN Publishing, its cable channels and Studio 23; actor Alfred Vargas who made a candidate cry when he asked what’s the most important lesson she learned from her mother (she broke down, then revealed that she was given up for adoption by her mother when she was young), and this writer.

Renee Salud is managing director of the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant and over-all chairman of the Search Committee for two years now. In the beginning, Renee was just a talent scout, but he was asked to be part of the managing team 10 years ago. He designs the swimsuits and long gowns of the candidates.

The hosts of the grand final night and coronation were Jericho Rosales, John Arcilla and Bianca Gonzales. Jericho and John also sang a few songs. Performers included Montet Acoymo. Director was Al Quinn.

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Martin concert in Lucena

Martin Nievera, the country’s concert king, topbills a grand concert tonight in Lucena City billed “Martin Nievera Live! The King Honors Quezon!” It will be held at the Quezon Convention Center starting at 7 p.m.

This is Martin’s return to the city after two decades. “It is an honor for me to perform before the people of Lucena especially so because I am paying tribute to former President Manuel Quezon,” Martin beamed. He was personally chosen by the people of Lucena and nearby towns to grace their historical celebration this August.

In return, Martin promises to give them an evening of non-stop music and entertainment with his trademark wit and humor. The audience will hear Martin sing his all-time hits like “Pain,” “Holiday,” “Each Day With You,” “Be My Lady,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Your Song,” and his cover versions of foreign hits such as “What Matters Most,” “Forever,” and “Wildflower,” among others.

The concert is for the benefit of the community and outreach programs of Masonic District R-IVC Quezon City Kalilaya Lodge No. 37.

Marvin Querido is the show’s musical director.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 14, go to fashion designers Auggie Cordero and Noli Hans, Mayor Charlie Pizarro, former Caloocan Vice Mayor Nancy Quimpo, realtor Gigi Buhay, Zeny Q. Salgado, Hubert de Joya, Vicky de Leon Mojica, Letty Tungangan of BF Homes, Jun Yamzon and Lea Salonga’s beloved Mom Ligaya… Belated b-day greetings to Iza Calzado (Aug. 11) and Marian Rivera (Aug. 12)…