CARITAS MANILA Starts SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar at TRINOMA

Had the chance to visit the Caritas Manila led SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar 2025 at the Ayala Malls Trinoma's 4th Floor in Quezon City. This is the social service arm of the Philippines Catholic church and has been running a couple of years already. 

It was packed but people were eager to help because where else would you be able to purchase really great finds of food and products and in turn help the causes that they support particularly the education of the poor and their livelihood. This was witnessed by leaders of Caritas Manila, our lovely Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, several beauty queens and kings too. 

Rev. Father Anton Pascual the Caritas Manila Executive Director says "For 72 years we have been doing Caritas Manila efforts and there are a lot of people helping us in Segunda Mana. Second Hand Items, new ones, toys, we monetize them for nature and community projects and we hope this would be sustained with your help. This is patterned from the US's goodwill stores and we thank Ayala Trinoma, PMG, Miss Universe PH and Misters Pilipinas, our Mayor Joy Belmonte who has helped social enterprise. We want to thank you, and hope this gets sold in 3 days so we can help the poor. The poor are not lazy, they just need opportunity so they could help themselves. Please spread the good news, may God bless you!"

Mayor Joy Belmonte says "I was lucky to have been able to work after graduation with Caritas Manila. At QC, our values are aligned and have worked to give scholars to lift themselves and not just rely on dole outs. We have 40k now and hopefully have 80k after our term. Thank you to Caritas for doing environmental efforts, textile is another waste we need to address in this economy. Every year we have tons of it in our landfills and in a circular economy we hope to recycle these. I wish people stop a consumerist lifestyle, balance it with new and second hand items to help, declutter and live simple lives to donate in Caritas Manila. We hope to host a lot of social enterprises in the city, it's my dream to do this. Let's all shop for a cause today!"

Miss Eco International 2025 Alexei Brooks says "Coming here I asked what to talk about, but recycling is an important part of it. I am an athlete, and was poor to afford shoes. My grandma went to buy a 500 peso pair which I eventually would win in Palarong Pambansa. I still have it, it's a reminder of who I am, to take care of the environment and climate change is happening. This organization is partnering with international ones and it is a good cause. If you want to achieve great things, please donate so you can make a difference in someone else's life."

PMG GM Agnes Magallanes adds "I rallied our team to donate and went on to do 3 years of helping this cause. We want to be part of the solution, meeting with them, we got to have social engagements and urge corporations to give back. We need to be part of the solution, not just clothes, but plastics, it's part of our sustainable efforts and we thank Caritas Manila for making us part of it. We hope to sell these and have nothing to send back to our warehouse."

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The event will be from today til June 8 so you have about 2 days left to go there and help. Make sure to visit and buy so we can help families send their kids to school through Segunda Mana and other Caritas Manila projects. They also have vendors from communities, as they want them to be self sufficient later on. Hope you can help!

Queens Honoring Queens at the Life Strong Hairfix Event

It was a time to feel beautiful and confident as hair color brand Life Strong Hairfix held their "Your Crown, Your Story" event at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Tons of Moms, women of all ages took time out and got free hairstyling, played games and won prizes courtesy of Hairfix.

COO of Lifestong Marketing Margaret Lee says "Hairstyling, treatments, DIY, with salon quality products is now possible because of Hairfix. It is now available nationwide, our best selling colorant is now number 1 in the market and the convenience you get with these products at home is priceless. You can now transform your hair with 18 colors to choose from, healthier hair from root to tip, all from Hairfix! It's time you take care of your crown and tell your story."

Rabiya Mateo is the current brand ambassador and she says "When I heard they were tapping me about Hairfix, I was so happy because I am a user. It's not only a great product, but very affordable too. I love the Light Brown color, and am raring to use the bold ones soon. For those who haven't tried it, it's time you take care of your hair and look good again especially now since they also have a promo of buy one take one. Give an hour or two to do simple things to look good and feel good so you radiate, and your family will feel it too."

Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2023 Francine Reyes and Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez also graced the event and shared really encouraging.. and empowering words to the Moms who were there. They also made sure they know their worth, and how they envy their resilience in raising their respective families and continue to help and enjoy their community. They also shared some of their favorite Hairfix products, of some, they have been using even before they were endorsing the product. Here's the event on video, please be kind to the photographers who were going in front (blocking your view) while we were recording this bit. :)

 

 

I was really touched when they showed 4 lucky Moms who they spoiled shopping and done with a makeover using the latest products from Hairfix. I personally like the hair colors because of the variety and how affordable it is. Let me take this bit to thank the men and women behind Life Strong who invited us to witness that. Rabiya, Tracy and Francine went up on stage and crowned them right after the reveal. That was really a touching moment. 

 

Now it's your turn to get your crown, and make that story! Congratulations Hairfix!

Meeting a Beauty Queen: Dia Nicole Magno

Sat down with a gorgeous Bb. Pilipinas candidate named Dia Nicole Magno (Binibini #39). Just like any Filipino, I love watching pageants and root for anyone who represents our country. This year just feels different because the competition just became a little tougher. The standards are higher especially after getting the country copped the Miss Universe crown last 2015 and 2018 with Pia Wurtzbach Alonzo and Catriona Gray. Dia hails from Butuan City in the Caraga Region. Unbeknownst to a lot of people, the province is so rich in culture, where tons of interesting and world class tourist spots and landmarks abound - but have yet to be discovered. It is ready to be seen by both local and international audiences, she proudly tells us about it. 

Take a look at her home town Butuan City and the Caraga Region:

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Preparing for Binibining Pilipinas, she says "I don’t have any special workout, I just haven’t eaten pork or beef, just chicken and fish all the time. You have to work on yourself more once you get in, I'm glad I got lots of training in Ateneo. We have oral recitation and public speaking so it’s an advantage. The pre pageant already started but there’s a closed door interview because they want to know you. This year’s theme is Beyond Beauty.”

About the ME generation she says “Maybe there’s an advantage, to love ourselves, to express ourselves freely, but not to not connect with people around us and not just because society dictates it. We have to be very compassionate, not to take someone’s life, you have to think of men, women, maybe the government should work on their ideas, to educate the youth and elders, if they are going to be able to do something about it, then it will be good for the youth. I’m happy the administration is doing good in rehabilitating several tourist spots and making people aware about it (referring to Boracay).

About her being single, she says "I’ve never had a boyfriend, but I don’t think being single defines us as a person. Being part of this, I know I have already helped a lot of people and this is unforgettable. I have been able to talk to people who have been able to hear about my advocacies.”

She has her fair share of bashers, she has seen it online but honestly, I would prefer you to get to know her even more. She has a mission and has been working with organizations and local government agencies that could further her cause. The genuine things she does to help schools in her community, the drive to let more people discover what Butuan and the Caraga Region has to offer, mean she cares, and that counts for a real queen.

Support Binibining Pilipinas #39 Dia Nicole Magno as accorded by her merits. She deserves it!

Klea Pineda's 18th Birthday

I distinctly remember interviewing Klea Pineda a few weeks after she won as the Ultimate Female Survivor for Starstruck's 6th edition a couple of years ago. She was statuesque, had a very regal smile and was also poised much of a beauty queen. She had the presence of which people who probably judged her on the show must have seen. She worked hard doing the auditions, the daily and weekly tasks to win that show - of which tells how promising this new actress is. She landed a role in Encantadia playing "Muyak" who is a fairy/nymph which have her be noticed of millions of Filipino who watch the show. She was a little sad a couple of months ago because that role had her always in the green room and didn't get to interact with the other actors in the show. But the story, circumstances all changed and now she gets to be with them quite often. A welcome change in Encantadia's gorgeous gal.

We interviewed her a few days ago for #EighteenK, Klea Pineda's turn to be presented to the society. Her theme, was modern bohemian. She invited her family, friends, a couple artists from GMA Artist Center and other celebrities. Now I'm sure that party was going to be successful and fun, but when I asked about who else she wanted to be there, I felt sorry because she suddenly turned and bursted into tears. She wanted to see her grandfather whom she attributed all the hard work she's done over the years. She uttered it would have been better of these blessings were witnessed by him when he were still alive. Obviously, she misses her Grandpa so much. I apologized for making her cry that time, I didn't know things would turn out that way.

She's still wishing for more projects, more gigs and albums in the future. She also wants to make her dream to finally become a beauty queen to come true. I must say, she could already walk, she's smart, gorgeous and can already do this as she is in her prime. She's hungry to achieve this in a couple of years time, and didn't even matter what crown it would be as long as she gets to share her cause as she deeply cares for the elderly. 

She was stunning last night at NOBU Hotel where she celebrated #EighteenK. Photos from the GMA Artist Center were all dreamy, you could tell she was having fun while all her friends, family gathered in this momentous occasion. I was so happy for her; just like her fans would've felt. 

It was so much fun interviewing her at Palm Grill in Tomas Morato, a new restaurant serving great chicken, pizza, pasta. She also wanted to keep her celebration very private and have the most important people in her life be there. I think she got her wish and more. She's just starting people, so if you see Klea Pineda be in future shows and star in her own soap, you shouldn't be surprised at all. She's got it.

Photo Credits: Nice Print Photo, GMA Artist Center, all photos not mine.

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Meeting Beauty Queens: Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Nicole Cordoves and Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina

Okay, this is the piece de resistance. We also met Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Nicole Cordoves and Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina. Just like you I was a little ecstatic to meet the two. 

Nicole was actually impressive. She looks very educated, articulate and would probably pass every Question and Answer portion imaginable with ease. She knows how to put thoughts into words, do it like it's just another day at work. She also helps different causes involved in healthcare for kids and women in small communities. If you think you've seen her somewhere before, you probably are right. She won Ms. Chinatown 2014 and it was also televised. For those of you who don't know Grand International, it's a pageant based in Las Vegas. Parul Shah won Third Runner Up last 2014 and the organization is still on its infancy. I could see her win it easily, she needs all our support so give her all you've got come October!

Maxine Medina won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title. She's really gorgeous up close, very Asian looking. She's pleasing to the eyes, I could already tell how she'd fare on print. True enough, she's been modeling for quite a number of years and she's learned a lot from the industry. I like her disposition, she knows she needs to train more in order to make a fair fight this year in Miss Universe. She's got big shoes to fill since we just won it with Pia Wurtzbach, even though I don't think that's going to be fair. I know she's going to do her best, she didn't even know she'd end up as Miss Universe Philippines. It's a tall order but she's doing her homework as early as now. The time we interviewed her, I could sense she was a little nervous, stuttering at times but I could see her friendship and being with Nicole would actually help a lot getting that out of her. She's also undergoing the hard training that Pia had gone through and is ready, hopeful, that we could do it again for the Philippines. She was a little overwhelmed, but here's wishing that we get a back to back Miss Universe crown for 2016!   

Here are some shots of our lovely Nicole and Maxine!

Here's a portion of our interview on video:

Thank you so much again to Araneta Center for having us and Cream Silk for getting us hooked with these lovely ladies! Hope to do it again very soon!

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Meeting Beauty Queens: Bb. Pilipinas International Kylie Verzosa and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Jennifer Hammond

They came pouring in. Third time is a charm and we've got Bb. Pilipinas International Kylie Verzosa and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Jennifer Hammond for an interview. I was sitting at the museum on the 5th floor of Gateway Tower when they came in. They looked absolutely stunning, one looks like supermodel Kimora Lee Simmons and the other that looks like an angel. 

This is Kylie Verzosa's second time to join Binibining Pilipinas. She already placed in the top 15 last year and this year, she took the Binibining Pilipinas International crown and she's going to represent the country in the Miss International Pageant in Tokyo. She'll probably be the crowd favorite as the Japanese are obsessed with pretty doe eyes which she carries like a life like snow white. She's very articulate too, can answer fast, just like you're talking to a friend whom you haven't talked to for a long time. She's going places, and I hope she gets to get the crown and do this for the Philippines.

Jennifer Hammond on the other hand was so down to earth, a joy to actually talk to. My first impression was to liken her to Kimora Lee Simmons whom I actually adored during her time. Jennifer is pleasing to the eyes, she could pass off as a newscaster, a host, someone who would entertain as she's a little funny and quirky at times. This and a whole lot of other things may get her to win the coveted Miss Intercontinental crown. She's also a woman of power, grace, commitment, intelligence, style and substance. It's something the pageant was designed for. They want to find beauty in diversity, I think Jennifer has it. Take a look at them during the blogcon.

Here's our video interview of these fine ladies!

I'd like to say thanks to Kylie and Jennifer for being so nice during our interview. I wish you all the best in your respective pageants, please do the country proud!

Thank you also to Araneta Center and Binibining Pilipinas Charities for letting us interview these queens!

Wait for the last one with our Miss Universe!!

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Meeting Beauty Queens: Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Eden and Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nichole Manalo

Luck is real. We had the chance to also talk to two more queens, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Eden and Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nichole Manalo. We've already won the Miss Supranational crown and this is going to be a little difficult for Joanna Eden but she takes this in with confidence and plans to win it by training further as this pageant is a little different. She's won Best in Swimsuit in Binibining Pilipinas but was quite surprised by it. The judges she feels must have seen something in her and promises not to disappoint them when her stint comes. 

Nichole Manalo is a gem in the rough. She's in a family of beauty queens and being the sister of Bianca Manalo so in a nutshell, it was a bit harder for her because people might have high expectations. When she won, it was pandemonium on the bleachers as there were a LOT of people believed in her. That moment made her believe that she's got a lot to thank for and she says she's going to work hard to win the crown of Miss Globe. She's very confident, I like how she actually catches the attention of onlookers during out small talk. It feels like she's the life of the party, the center of attraction, one that would probably benefit her if the pageant happens. Here are some more

Thank you Joanna and Nichole for being so nice during our small talk. I'm sure you'll win your respective crowns. I can't wait for that to happen!

Here's a video of our interview:

Thank you also to Binibining Pilipinas Charities and Araneta Center management who gave us the opportunity to talk to these ladies. Thank you also to Cream Silk for the love they gave for us to take home.

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