MJ is now a Christian

Following the religious belief of his parents, Michael James (MJ for short), the five-month-old son of James Yap and Michela “Mic” Cazzola was baptized a Catholic at an exclusive affair last Saturday, Jan. 14, with only close friends invited. Among the godparents were lawyer Lorna Kapunan, Dondon Monteverde, Julius Babao and Jeffrey Yap (James’ bosom buddy and partner in a motorcycle business). They were carefully selected by the couple.

“We chose the people who are close to us and who we look up to,” Mic told Funfare. “They are those who we believe can set a good example and provide MJ guidance in terms of work ethic and values about family and friendship.”

Among the invited guests were Bimby, James’ son with ex-wife Kris Aquino, and Kris’ other son Joshua. Motif of the affair was The Little Prince.

At five months (last Jan. 8), MJ is already aware of his surroundings and can recognize people, according to Mic. “And we can hardly wait for him to be able to say ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa,’” said Mic.

Asked when he and Mic are getting married, James gave his usual “safe” answer, “It will happen, nandyan lang ’yan.” Maybe they would have to wait for MJ to be big enough to act as ring bearer! “Uy, okey ‘yan,” said James.

20 Miss U bets at historic Vigan

Twenty of the 80-plus candidates in the Miss Universe pageant at the MOA Arena on Jan. 30 gave some sort of a preview of how they would appear in national costumes at the historic Vigan City, which was officially declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7WondersCities. The event was hosted by former Gov. and now Narvacan Councilor Chavit Singson who is responsible for the third staging of the pageant in the country (after those in 1974 and 1994).

The beauties were Stephanie Geldhof, Belgium; Raíssa Oliveira Santana, Brazil; Erika Renae Creque, British Virgin Islands; Violina Ancheva, Bulgaria; Monyque Roshel Broo, Cayman Islands; Andrea Bezd?ková, Czech Republic; Jaime-Lee Faulkner, Great Britain; Virginia Alejandra Argueta Hernández, Guatemala; Kiran Kaur Jassal, Malaysia; Zoey Ivory van der Koelen, Netherlands; Marina Eugenia Jacoby Santos, Nicaragua; Maxine Medina, Philippines; Hawa Kamara, Sierra Leone; Cheryl Chou, Singapore; Suzana Kollárová, Slovak Republic; Chalita Suansane, Thailand; Deshauna Barber, USA; Magdalena Cohendet, Uruguay; Mariam Habach Santucci, Venezuela; and Ðang Thi Le Hang, Vietnam.

“Miss Cayman Islands replaced Miss Colombia Jealisse Andrea Tovar Velasquez,” reported Funfare contributor Celso de Guzman Caparas who was among those invited to cover the event. “LCS Group of Companies president Chavit Singson, producer of the 65th Miss Universe pageant, and local officials warmly welcomed the delegates and Miss Universe Organization executives Paula Shugart and Shawn McClain, at the Laoag International Airport last Sunday morning, Jan. 15, and were whisked off to Baluarte (or fortress), Singson’s sprawling vacation house with a mini-zoo.”

After the conference and sumptuous lunch featuring popular local dishes and delicacies bagnet, pinakbet, Vigan longanisa and bibingka, among others; the delegates enjoyed interacting with colorful parrots, a friendly albino yellow belly python and Burmese python, a tame deer and the sight of wildlife freely roaming in a section of the zoo.

Here’s the rest of Celso’s report:

“The highlight of their visit culminated that night when the gorgeous delegates walked down on Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street transformed into a glamorous fashion show catwalk. Wearing different versions of elegant Philippine terno, the beauties ended up to Plaza Burgos where a fashion show was staged showcasing creations by ingenious Pinoy fashion designers.

“The show featured six ternos made of traditional woven fabric of Vigan and the Ilocos region called abel iloco or inabel created by fashion designers Eroll Remijares, Darwin Ramirez, Raffy Sy, Jan Van Paquing, Danika Damo, and Gyan Cluade Ben, all members of the Ilocos Sur Designers’ Guild.

“Other participating designers were Amir Sali, Vince Sityar, Cathy Capistrano, Russ Cuevas, Frederick Berches, Jearson Demavivas, Joel Acebuche, Rian Fernandez and Cherry Veric of Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines; Albert Andrada, Barge Ramos, Mike dela Rosa, Edgar Madamba and Mimi Pimentel of Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines.

“DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro, Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and several local officials graced the well-attended event. Luke Mijares serenaded the delegates. Hosts that night were 2000 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Nina Ricci Alagao, 2004 Miss Earth Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada and 2016 Miss United Continents Jeslyn Santos. Creative directors were noted beauty queen makers John dela Vega and Rodgil Flores while head fashion stylist was Domz Ramos.

“Pia Wurtzbach’s capiz shell-inspired national costume by Albert Andrada and worn in the last edition of Miss Universe pageant was prominently displayed on stage. Pia who was earlier reported as part of the entourage failed to participate in the event due to another engagement.”

Twelve members of media including Celso were accommodated at the Top V Hotel located in San Jose, Narvacan and had a hearty lunch at the nearby Villa Gloria Beach Resort in Bulanos, hosted by Malou Valera Viloria.

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