On ‘Kapamilya, Winner Ka,’ Bb. Pilipinas, and the ‘Hollywood’ experience

Hi everyone! Let me start this piece by saying, thank you “Kapamilya, Winner Ka” host Roy Empleo for leaving a good impression during your “Game Ka Na Ba?” experience last Wednesday in Manila. With your performance, you gave me another reason to be proud of being Cebuano. Yes, you lost but for me, Kapamilyang Roy, winner ka! Congratulations!

Have you seen that episode where regional hosts (from Davao, Iloilo and Cebu) of ABS-CBN’s Saturday game show fought it out with each other? Of the three hosts from Cebu, only Roy made it to the top 5, two were from Iloilo (one of them was Nel Rapiz of “Pinoy Big Brother” fame) and the other two were from Davao—Claud and Rovic. Of course, it was a game, so there is a loser and there is a winner. I just did not like the way it turned out. Just a briefer: Rovic and Roy were neck-to-neck in the competition, though eventually the former got to the finish line still with two “atras powers.” The other host from Davao—Claud—was on first spot; Roy was at the second spot. When show host Edu Manzano asked Rovic what to do with his powers, he replied, “Sorry Roy matagal na ang pinagsamahan namin ni Claud. Atras si Roy dalawang beses.” Roy was back to square one. That was fine, because again, it was a game.

Yet, Roy showed that he was not discouraged (if he was, he did not show it), and kept getting the right answers. It was at this time when the rest of the contestants, except Nel, took turns in pushing Roy backwards. Eventually, Claud got to the finish line to qualify for the semi-final round. What a game!

What did it show us? That people from other regions are “threatened” by Cebuano talents that they have to join forces to pull down denizens of the Queen City of the South? Well, thank you so much if that was the case. I’m hands down to Roy’s focus and determination in giving a good fight even if it seemed an uphill battle. Go, go, go Roy! I know you are just fine even with your defeat, and I also know that you understand God has prepared something bigger and better for you.

* * *

Any moment from now, the finalists to this year’s Bb. Pilipinas pageant will be revealed by its chairperson, Estella Marquez Araneta. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the two Cebuanas who screened—Angel Wella Lozano (Models Association of Cebu) and Karla Paula Ginteroy Henry (A.D Models Philippines)—would make the final cut. Although beauty pageant forums I have been visiting showed positive feedback on the two ladies, it still is better to pray that both will get the opportunity to wear a sash marked with, “Bb. Pilipinas ’08 Candidate.”

While I’m not close to these ladies, I’m rooting for them because first and foremost they would be representing Cebu; second, their model agents, Chicoy Tomol (MAC) and Dexter Alazas (A.D Models), are very good friends of mine, both of whom write for The Freeman’s Lifestyle section. Another reason is that Karla represented The Freeman during the 2005 Trimedialympics and won it.  Thus I have high hopes for Dexter and Chicoy’s “anak-anakans.”

As a backgrounder, Angel and Karla were first and second runners up, respectively, to Stephanie Senires in Miss Cebu 2006. Steph, who is also a member of MAC is now in the US after completing her Psychology degree at the University of San Carlos with honors. She will come home next year to join Bb. Pilipinas.

Is it not an interesting scenario wherein Karla or Angel would turn over their crown to Steph next year? I’m just being optimistic. Prayers will help, too.

Anyway, Angel, a registered nurse, is 5’8 with outstanding catwalk skills and flawless skin. Fil-Canadian Karla was a batchmate of Bb. Pilipinas World Anna Maris Igpit during Miss Mandaue 2006 pageant, which the latter won. Karla was second runner-up that year, while Miss Cebu 2007 Louise Tan who was a first timer then, was first runner up.

Karla stands 5’71/2 who has also acquired the needed catwalk skills due to her modeling stints in Cebu under Dexter. Interestingly, both Karla and Angel are being trained now by Rodgil Flores, the name behind the success of Karla Bautista, Melanie Ediza, Precious Quigaman, Maggie Wilson, Anna and lot more who emerged victorious in the previous Bb. Pilipinas derbies.

Let’s hope for the best then as the final roster of candidates will be announced today.

* * *

Have you been to Hollywood? My friends and I did. Well, I’m referring to the Hollywood Nails Beauty Salon and Spa, located at the second floor of Piazza Elesia Center, barangay Talamban, just across Silver Hills Subdivision.

At Hollywood Nails Beauty Salon and Spa, you’ll get to understand the true meaning of glamorous pampering as well-trained therapists look after you. I actually love its body scrub service, different from the treatment I’ve underwent before. And I was amazed by the so called “pedi-spa,” actually a massage chair, which you can enjoy while a foot spa and manicure are being done on you. It reportedly costs P200, 000 and imported from the US. Thank you to its hands-on owners, the hospitable couple Terry and Gigi Conelly.

Wanna be pampered like Julia Roberts or Jennifer Lopez? Well, there’s Hollywood Nails Beauty Salon and Spa for you.