After the judges went ga-ga over who to vote for since all the contestants had wow bodies and real wow super faces, the main titles of Mr. and Ms. Boracay Bodies, palanggas, went to tall, well-toned, always with a smile, Baguio dude Alexander Cenzon and absolutely stunning, exotic beauty Elaine Matawaran of Makati. First runners-up were everyone’s fave, Mr. Charmer himself and winner of the "Our Palangga Award," well-bred G-Ford Lara and that Iloilo babe whose poses made her the favorite of the cameramen, Tiffany Gonzales. Rico Barrera and Deana Valero were adjudged second runners-up.
Alex Cenzon and Elaine Matawaran both got all thumbs up from the distinguished panel of judges that included that popular neighbor of mine in Makati (but who is never home as she spends all her energy for her constituents in Aklan) Rep. Gabrielle Calizo, naturellement; celebrated fashion designer Frederick Peralta; PDI’s Southern smart beauty Margie Quimpo-Espino; vivacious Louis Vuitton country manager and achiever, Gigi Mabanta; Philips Consumer Electronics brilliant country manager Angelo Valenton; Singapore-based consultant for Philips TV, a first-time Boracay visitor, Mr. Charmer Michael Chang; natch, the popular E! Philippines head of operations, world traveler Lito Cruz; party impresario and owner of that it Boracay resto, McSandro, Louie Cruz; that persona who does the best paella this side of Sevilla, Doc Mestizos resto’s Binggoy Remedios; Sun Star Bacolod’s Leisure Social editor, world traveler Edouard Garcia; popular Bora Spa consultant Hong Dong-Su; well-liked Lynn Turner of The Orchids Resort; and Southern Asian Airlines marketing manager Glenn Lamela.
The Sun Village was so packed the sun-tanned crowd poured out into the beach. They included vibrant Katrina Panlilio-Craig who jetted in from London with her two adorable children and Polish nanny; mystical world traveler Mila Gelvezon of United Airlines; San Francisco, U. S. of A. Philips marketing communications supervisor fun lady Elen Torres; commercial model Illac Diaz; gorgeous actress Maritoni Fernandez; Iloilo’s pride and joy, party planner Nonoy Ybiernas; young banker Devin Villarama, on a visit from Los Angeles; and Beth See and Rene Nabong of that popular Watch of the Hour, Longines.
Aside from bagging the title, Alex Cenzon walked away with special awards including Sunniest Personality, Mr. Sea Air-Metro Manila and Best in Resort Wear.
Others who received awards were Tristan Aguirre, Mr. Sea Air Visayas-Mindanao and Mr. Photogenic; Deana Valero, Ms. Photogenic; Vanessa Rivera, chosen by popular social and wedding ace photographer, and our very own Alex Van Hagen, Ms. Sea Air-Visayas-Mindanao; Ryan Silverio and Theresa Gavieres, Best in Swimwear; and popular G-Ford and Cel Celis,"Our Palangga’s Choice." The last award was an aptly-named special award personally given by moi to the most gracious candidates.
The program opened with colorful production number by the candidates, followed by a dazzling showcase of well-toned bodies. The candidates donned the exclusive resort wear creations of haute couture master Frederick Peralta. For the competition, Peralta created a stylish collection that included military-themed resort wear for the males and Japanese-inspired finale ensemble. Fashion stalwart Robbie Carmona directed the show while ace lensman Alex Van Hagen was again tapped as the official photographer.
Handsome hunk Hans Montenegro and still the sunshine of my heart, blue-eyed beauty talented Lana Asanin superbly hosted the event, palanggas, which was covered by E! Philippines with articulate, eye-catching babe Diane Sison at the forefront (the dude who captured her heart, Illac Diaz, watched her from the sideline). The show will be aired via a summer TV special on a later date.
This year, 27 stunning male and female candidates from Metro Manila and the Visayas vied for the title. Apres the extensive screenings, the preliminary rounds were held at that swinging happening place, Dish in Rockwell and later in Boracay’s jumping Club Bazzura to determine the candidates for the grand finals.
Mr. and Ms. Boracay Bodies, dahlings, were awarded prizes like super hot-looking watches from Longines; gorgeous real flat TVs from Philips; exclusive beach wear from Frederick Peralta; and an all-expense-paid trips to Boracay with accommodations at that in place, The Sun Village Beachfront Resort.
Boracay Bodies Model Search 2003 on E! was a production of Fuentes Publicity Network, Inc. and sponsored by the Southeast Asian Airlines; The B Salon; The Orchids Resort; Club Bazzura; Dish; and Barcelo Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center.
The candidates and VIP guests, palanggas, were billeted at The Sun Village Beachfront Resort, a 24-room boutique resort. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bath and toilet and cable TV. The resort also has a full-service resto. It is located at a peaceful part of Boracay south of the White Beach where there are no nikniks (sand fleas) and algae. It is a close seven-minute relaxed walk to the Talipapa market. The Sun Village is the perfect Boracay get-away.
The super successful happening was again brilliantly organized by the Dean Royal of PR men, Edd Fuentes of the in-demand PR firm, Fuentes Publicity Network, Inc.
For inquiries, palanggas, do call The Sun Village Manila office at tel. nos. 813-1338 or 893-9355, or the Boracay office at tel. no. 036-288-5541-42; fax no. 812-4797, or e-mail fpni@pacific.net.ph or fuented@pacific.net.ph. Your stay there will be restful therapy at its best, palanggas.
Enjoy your weekend, dahlings. Smile and see you!