A bevy of Bb. Pilipinas hopefuls

I like beauty queens. I wanted to be one. (Of course, this is a joke!) But I must admit that there were times when I "hallucinated" by wearing a dazzling tiara, walking the walk, waving regally like I were the Queen Mum. I would be the guest of honor in the opening of numerous groceries, clubs and maybe some gay bars and bulalo stalls.

But before you laugh hysterically or puke in disgust, I know I won’t even reach the parade of nations unless the beauty contest opens with the Question and Answer portion.

Anyway, before I indulge you (forcibly) in my grand illusions of beauty queendom, maybe 25 aspirants can.

The Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. announces the official candidates for this year’s Bb. Pilipinas, the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country which has produced some of the most stunning beauty title-holders who have made the country proud in various beauty competitions abroad.

The 25 candidates come from all over the Philippines will vie for the three major titles at stake: Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-World and Bb. Pilipinas International.

The official candidates for this year’s pageant are Sandra Rebancos, Feilani Bennett, Athena Claveria, Lakambini Alto, Kristine Alzar, Kathleen Lloyd Cawan, Elaine Andes, Sheila Alonso, Sherilyn Ram, Mary Hyacinth Zalamea, Jazel Manalac, Sherilene Parcon, Gilmarie Lourdes Pacamarra, Kathrine Aban, Margaret-Ann Bayot, Heidi Punsalan, Katherine Anne Manalo, Anna Teresita Lopez, Karen Loren Agustin, Ma. Lourdes Magno, Mary Ann Samiado, Nuriza Abieja, Jeanne Harn, Ma. Criselda Osorio, Melanie Abigail Capati.

The 2002 Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant will have its finals night on March 16, 9 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. The pageant night will be telecast live over GMA 7.

The 2002 Bb. Pilipinas is being presented by New Lux Super Rich Shampoo. Major sponsors are Cream Silk Conditioner, Pond’s, Close-up Toothpaste, Avon Color, Avon Fashions, Myra 300-E, Agfa Vista Film, Red Bull Supreme Energy, Photoplus ang Photoshop Ng Bayan, Sta. Lucia Realty & Development, Sta. Lucia Development Store, Century Park Hotel and GMA Network, Inc. Donors are Pizza Hut, Araneta Center, Yehey.com, David’s Salon, SGV, Victory Liner, DWLS-FM, DZBB and Bb. Pilipinas Boutique with the special participation of DOT Hon. Sec. Richard Gordon.

Dulaang Sibol marks ‘50’

Sumibol – a brave burst of crystal-clear water. These words can also describe the rush and thrill one experiences in youth, when the world lies open to possibilities, when all dreams can be yours. These words describe the tradition that is Dulaang Sibol.

Now almost 50 years old, Dulaang Sibol is the oldest theater group of the Ateneo High School, formed under the direction of the legendary Onofre "Pagsi" Pagsanghan. Dulaang Sibol, as Pagsi envisioned it, is a seedbed of talent and skill where the students of the Ateneo High School discover their capacities and weaknesses, where they discover themselves. It hopes not only to produce actors and writers, but young men with a good sense of themselves and of the God Who gives sense to all life.

The wealth of music and writing gathered from the almost 50 years of Dulaang Sibol is awesome. There are the legendary plays Doon Po Sa Amin, Sinta!, Sa Kaharian ng Araw, there are the songs Shalom, Kay Hesus Nakapayubay. Two recordings of Sibol songs have already been made: Pagsibol and Kulay Buhay available in limited release.

Now, the Jesuit Music Ministry and Jesuit Communications invite all to taste the springs of youth with Sumibol: Mga Awit Ng Dulaang Sibol. Gathering some of the best religious and reflective songs from Dulaang Sibol, Sumibol introduces the Dulaang Sibol tradition to a wider audience.

Featuring the voices of Sibolistas such as Cholo Mallillin and Jimmy Bondoc, Sumibol offers a taste of the talent and artistry from the generosity of the young.

As with any spring, whose waters flow beyond itself, Sumibol will also help two worthy causes. Part of the proceeds will go to an endowment fund for high school teachers in order to help them in the formation of the young and also to a scholarship fund in Mr. Pagsi’s name, that helps the underprivileged youth receive good education.

Sumibol: Mga Awit ng Dulaang Sibol is produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry and Jesuit Communications, and is distributed nationwide by BMG Pilipinas.