Miss Malaysia, Deborah Henry As Miss Universe 2011?

It’s time for Miss Universe Fever once again and pageant fans all over the world are in oblivion on choosing who deserves to be named the queen of the universe. The 60^th edition of the pageant will be staged this year at the beautiful São Paulo, Brazil.

One of those who first arrived in the country was Malaysia’s delegate Deborah Henry. Prior to the contestants’ arrival in Brazil, I’ve my thoughts on who can actually win the crown and I’ve this feeling that an Asian could actually win this year having such powerhouse beauties like Miss China’s Luo Zilin and Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup.

But before the hype for Miss China and Miss Philippines, there is already Miss Malaysia. Deborah Priya Henry was born in Ireland but was raised in Malaysia. She hold a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Queensland in Australia. She was already a model at the age of 15 and at 22, she joined the Miss Malaysia World 2007 and won the rights to represent the country in the Miss World 2007 where she placed as one of the Top 16 finalists!

Having vast experience in the world of fashion and beauty, Deborah easily nailed the Miss Universe Malaysia this year and gained the rights to represent the country in the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world, the Miss Universe.

After her impressive finish at the Miss World 2007 – I really think that Deborah is now ready to take on this year’s pageant. She’s physically and mentally ready and she’s been wowing the world with her mixed beauty and natural charm.

Malaysia has never produced a winner nor a runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant. The only time the country had a placement was during the 1970 Miss Universe when Josephine Lena Wong was first called a semi-finalist at that year’s edition.

Will Deborah finally get this one for Malaysia?

Let’s all find out on September 12 to see if Deborah has the Universe waiting for her reign!

I do not own any of the photos. No copyright infringement intended.

Let's Unite To Save The Life Of Dondon Lanuza

I did not know anything about fellow Filipino DonDon Lanuza until I’ve watched the STATE OF THE NATION BY JESSICA SOHO awhile ago. He is an OFW in Saudi Arabia who is currently in a death row for the murder of his former employer. The family has forgiven him but is asking the amount of 3M riyals or 35 million pesos for blood money. According to the report, they only have collected P200,000 as of press time.

Read the his case HERE.

And this is his letter issued by Migrante Saudi Arabia.

23 April 2008

To Whom it May Concern

I'm so sorry for disturbance... Im begging your kindness..PLEASE HELP... I would want to follow-up my Appeal to anyone...

May dalawang anak po ako, napahinto sa pag-aaral ng huling pasukan dahil po sa kapos sa pinansyal na di po kaya naming mag-asawang tustusan... Nakatali po ang Kamay at Paa ko, di po makakilos para maitaguyod po ang pamumuhay ng 2 anak ko...

Nasaan na po ang mga Programa ng ating Gobyerno para sa mga kapos-palad na mamamayan lalung-lalo na po sa isang OFW na katulad ko na isang PRESO sa Kaharian ng Saudia Arabiya? Di ba po na tinatawag ng Gobyerno na modern hero ang mga OFW dahil sa magandang ekonomiya ng ating bansa, ngayon po ang isang OFW po ay nananawagan sa Gobyerno na bigyang pansin ang masamang sitwasyon.. Malapit na po sumapit ang pasukan!

Ang Edukasyon po ang tanging pundasyon para po sa magandang kinabukasan ng kabataan. Nakaluhod po ako at nagmamakaawa sa inyo! PLEASE HELP US! Utang na loob, for God's sake.. PLEASE RESCUE MY FAMILY FROM HUNGER.....

Umaasa po ako sa pagtugon sa aking hinaing... PARANG AWA NA PO!! Attached existing file: I would like to request from your kindness some financial assistance which im having so difficulty of soliciting from others. I've been confined here in Dammam Central Jail, Saudi Arabia since August year 2000 and my resources has all turned their backs on me even my family, closest and considered friends which has helped me for the past years.

They cannot be blamed for they also have their own families to support of course... I decided to appeal to you as a Brother to facilitate my needs and at the same time to finance some of my families personal needs... Any substantial amount would really be a big help for me and my wife who is in really dire straits as of the moment...

Your kind help and utmost attention regarding this matter would really be highly appreciated... May Almighty God continue to bless you and your family...

Brotherly yours,

Rodelio 'Don2' and Meribeth Lanuza

Email: donlanuza@gmail.com

Mobile: +966551028601 and/or +966531181904

And Visit this Facebook Page.

Let's help our kababayan please!

The Glee Project Winners And Other Winners!

I’ve been watching the Glee Project for the last weeks and I was able to catch its finale just tonight. I was a bit disappointed that the creator Ryan Murphy ultimately decided that he‘d give a starring role for all the final four. I mean, I am fine with that - -what irks me is the fact that they have to go through this final four thingy when at the end of the season; they will all get to be on Glee. It was a tie for both Samuel Larsen and Irish crooner Damien McGinty who “really” won the competition, yes both of them. They will have a 7 episode-arc on Glee and the runners-up whom I totally think should’ve won – Lindsay Pearce and Alex Newell will have a 2-episode arc since “they” (the creator of Glee –RM) believe that they’re also as good as the two. Testing the water huh, Mr. Murphy?

I was actually rooting for Lindsay thinking that she was the most relevant amongst the final four contenders but I guess it all boils down to their favorites. Oh well, let’s just see how they will fare with the audience. I still think though that Cameron Mitchell, who quit the show and was ultimately eliminated, will have the biggest career post Glee Project. Just watch out for him!!!

So it’s all good right??? There are no losers. Congrats Glee kids!!! … errr

-paddylast

Australia's Next Top Model Cycle 7 Episode 3 Swimwear Photoshoot

The sixteen remaining contestants were flown back in Australia and they were immediately challenged to pose for a photoshoot wearing swimwears.

Alissandra-while I find her appealing, this is not a good photo of her,IMO. The elf ears are interesting,though.

Amelia-her body's kinda scary but I find her facial feature a bit special.

Annaliese-this is another "couture posing" 101. I'm not a big fan of this photo.

Caroline-this is beautiful! I love how she's working the splash. She's fresh and sexy at the same time!

Cassy-her body angle isn't good and her face is not registering that good. Whatever happen to the Cassy that I saw last photoshoot???!!

Hazel -this isn't working for me either. Too amateurish,IMO

Izzy-the picture's okay. I just wished but I'm looking for more personality. This shot of her is plain boring.

Jess- now, I love this one. I love how the swimwear is very appealing and she's not overdoing it.

Liz- this is actually beautiful. The swimwear is seen clearly, her face look fantastic however, the tension in her neck was a bit too much.

Madeline-she's kinda looking old her but she has a good pose.

Montana-Now this girl is stepping up her game this early, she's my number 1 favorite and she really reminds me of Gemma Sanderson, the cycle 1 winner of this show.

Neo -Alek Kwek, is that you?

Rachel -this photo reminds me a little of Janice Dickinson

Simone-I love the chic-ness in this photo. Bravo!

Tayah-love this one as well. Her body look great. I just wished she chinned-up a little.

Yolanda -this is just an okay pic for me but definitely way better than the others.

I do not own any of the photos. Via realitytvgames.com / AuNTM via Fox8

Bottom Two And Eliminated Contestant

Bottom Two: Hazel And Cassy / Eliminated: Cassy

2011 MTV Video Music Awards Tribute To Britney Spears!

This year’s Video Music Awards for me is a particularly exciting one because they will be paying a tribute to The Britney Spears – one of my favorite artists ever! I’m so stoked about this news because MTV is finally giving the recognition that Britney so deserved!

I don’t know how they will do the tribute or if they will actually be giving a lifetime achievement award of some sort but I’m hoping that she’d have a surprise performance similar to what she, Christina and Madonna did during the 2003 VMA.

Aside from the tribute, Britney is also nominated for two other awards. WerK!

I’m just excited for Brit and I’m sure everyone will be tuning in on August 29 to catch a glimpse of Britney!!! Way to go Ma’

-paddylast

Let's Vote For Miss Philippines Universe - Shamcey Supsup!

Hi guys,

The 60^th edition of the Miss Universe will be held next month in Brazil and our very own delegate, Shamcey Supsup will be competing against 80 plus other delegates. With that being said, we have now the power to put Shamcey into the semi-finals by simply voting for her online. Here are the mechanics.

1. Log on to www.missuniverse.com or www.nbc.com and vote.

* Internet voting will be open on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 4:00 AM Until Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 6AM.

2. Follow the registration instructions and vote.

You may vote online up to 10 times per e-mail address per day per IP ADDRESS.

Let me just remind you guys, do not vote at all for other countries. Just focus your votes on Shamcey and ask all your relatives to vote for her everyday until September 11.Even better, ask your relatives overseas to vote for her because they will be getting the average of the votes per participating countries.

via BPCI FB Page.

Please don’t forget to re-blog this, repost or tweet even, put this on your facebook page/status. Let’s unite to help Shamcey secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Some were saying that Shamcey could enter the semis without our votes but just for us to be on the “safe” side, let’s just vote for Shamcey please J

Larry Crowne Film Review

Director: Tom Hanks

Starring

Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, George Takei

I have always been a huge fan of Julia Roberts and her works so I was very excited to watch this film directed by her co-star Tom Hanks whom I equally adore as an actor. The whole scenario of the film is about Larry Crowne, an ex-Navy played by Hanks who got fired from his job because he lacks college education despite his good performance at work.

Losing his job and almost losing his home, Larry decided to enroll at the community college to get an education. There he met his unhappy married teacher Mercedes (Roberts) whom he immediately fell inlove with.

For some reason, I find the plot a bit too boring and very much ordinary. It only offers a bit of humor that I did not expect from Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks! I was maybe expecting some witty lines to come from them. Instead, the scenes of economic professor Dr. Matsutani played by George Takei entertained me more.

It’s still an okay film to say the least. I mean, both Roberts and Hanks are still very charming but it is just not a very spectacular one. After watching it, it’s like – so that was it? It’s like I kinda wasted my money on watching it. This directorial stint of Hanks isn’t what I’ve expected to see. There’s too much unnecessary lines and scenes! However, I still commend the way Tom Hanks effectively portrayed Larry Crowne as described in the film, it’s just too bad that everything about it is forgettable.

Rating: 4 out of 10

This review was first posted at www.pinoyexchange.com

Please read more film reviews at PINOY EXCHANGE Official Pex Moview Reviews

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Film Review

gateway cinema 6 - 199 w.d

This film has got to be one of the best Filipino films in years. From the actors to the scripts – it speaks volume and when I said volume, I mean it has its own voice! The film is funny, evocative and just pure genius!

It chronicles a day in the life of three budding filmmakers as they set out to create an Oscar-worthy film! JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano and Eugene Domingo totally delivered on this one! I love how most scenes were written with humorous intent but it has its subtlety to provoke the audience’ thoughts.

Its mundane exterior was just a subplot to carry us through a ride where the actors delivered their lines with sheer conviction. Kean Cipriano stood out for me here playing the uber-OC director of the movie while JM De Guzman provided the support he needed to give a sense of additional sensibility to the screen.

Eugene Domingo’s portrayal as Mila, the mother of seven children and as her fictional ‘self’ helps the film to find its balance giving support to these newbies.

I won’t tell you guys any spoiler poops about the film but just trust my review. Your money’s so worth it for this one.

Oh and yes, my friend was asking me if I think that this movie is “in reality” an Oscar-worthy one – I say, Why not?

Rating: 9/10

Australia's Next Top Model Cycle 7 Contestants and First Photoshoot

After a controversial winner’s announcement last cycle, this one is gunning to be a fresher, more high fashion and a spectacular season! Out of all the hundreds who applied, only 20 semi-finalist were chosen and their first destination was Paris, France!!! How awesome can that get??? The American version would only let their girls fly out once they reach the final four – yeah, I know. 

Anyhoo, let’s meet the 20 finalists with their first ever photoshoot – a super high fashion one that is, where girls are wearing couture ensembles at a French Chateau.

Alissandra Moone, 18, 5'9"

Amelia Coutts, 18, 5'9.5"

Annaliese McCann, 16, 5'9.5"

Caroline Austin, 19, 5'9"

Cassandra "Cassy" Phillips-Sainsbury, 17, 5'9.5"

Elizabeth "Liz" Braithwaite, 17, 5'11.5"

Georgia Stensness

Hazel O'Connell, 16, 5'9.5"

Isabelle "Izzy" Faith Vesey, 21, 5'11.5"

Jessica Bush, 19, 5'9"

Lauren Middlin

Madeline Huett, 22, 5'7.5"

Montana Cox, 17, 5'10.5"

Nyajame "Neo" Yakuac, 18, 5'8.5"

Rachel Riddell, 18, 6' 0"

Sarah Boulazeris

Shannon Gaitz

Simone Holtznagel, 17, 5'9"

Tayah-Lee Traub, 18, 5'9.5"

As I’ve mentioned on my previous posts about this show, it’s definitely more legit than the American version and 90% of these girls are amazing models.

My personal favorites are Montana, Rachel and Alissandra. After this photoshoot, 4 girls were eliminated and 16 girls remained and will be flown back to Australia to live together in a loft in Sydney.

Eliminated Contestants

Georgia, Lauren, Sarah and Shannon

I do not own any of the photos. Credits to the Owners.

Photographer: Jez Smith / Fox8 / realitytvgames.

The King And The Clown Film Review

On DVD - 2005 / Korea

Director: Lee Jun-ik

Starring: Gam Wu-seong, Jeong Jin-yeong, Kang Seong-yeon, Lee Jun Ki, Kwon Won-tae, Lee Jun-ik

I just finished watching this one. It's the story of two male street clowns and tightrope walkers, Jangsaeng (Gam Wu Seong) and Gonggil (Lee Jun Ki) whose fate led them to perform in front of the King in Soule who fell inlove with Gonggil and from there - the kings tyranny and his court's corruptin where revealed leading to the death of the clowns.

The film lacks narrative - I was actually waiting for back story to Gong-li's character but I didn't get any until the film ends tragically.

The actors were really good and I'm really impressed with Gam Wu Seong, he's a fine actor! The rest were as good as well, even the crazy king.

On the technical aspects, Costume and Set designs are exemplary as well as the cinematography. It's just too bad that those won't make up for a royally good story. I wished they elaborate more about each characters.

With that, I'd give it a 6/10 rating.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Film Review

Gateway Cinema 2 - 199 w.d

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, Andy Serkis

This was the first time that I’ve seen any “Planet Of The Apes” films. It started with Will (James Franco), a scientist who is trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease hoping that it would cure his father who is suffering from the it. They experimented the virus with chimpanzees and it mutates giving the chimpz a human level of intelligence. One of the subjects who secretly gave birth became upset and causes chaos into the lab and into the board meeting where Will was presenting, thinking that her baby is in danger. Will’s boss, Mr. Jacobs orders to put all the chimpanzees down but Robert, who was tasked to do it cannot bring himself to kill the baby so he gave it to Will who names him Caesar and raises him in his house. From then on, Caesar displayed the intelligence of a human that he inherited from his mother.

The film was actually a nice combination of technology and human emotions. The Chimpanzees all look real especially Caesar. Andy Serkis who played Caesar was very effective in portraying all the emotions that his character felt. I didn’t get much of James Franco but I love his command on the film. The whole “evolution becomes revolution” thingy was a very interesting plot but I find it too anti-climactic. The “revolution” was like 30mins of the film only. I love how the chimpz terrorize the San Francisco Bridge. Tom Felton was actually really good in here playing the cruel son of the primate facilities where Caesar was brought to after causing havoc at Will’s neighborhood.

Other than my cravings for more “Chimpz Terror,” I’d say the film execution was actually good. The graphics are amazing! I just wished that the film didn’t end like that, or perhaps – there would be a sequel huh?

Rating: 8/10

Cowboys And Aliens Film Review

@ the Philippine Premiere of Cowboys And Aliens

SM Noth Edsa IMAX Cinema c/o Pinoy Exchange

Cowboys and Aliens is based on the 2006 graphic novel byScott Mitchell Rosenberg, which I haven’t read prior to watching this film. The movie starts with a stranger (Daniel Craig) who wakes up in the desert town of Absolution with no memory at all. The only clue to who he might be is a weird bracelet attached to his wrist. Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) whose power is feared by the town’s people ran the town of Absolution.

At the night when the mysterious alien spaceships arrive in town and abduct most of its people one by one, the stranger whose name is Jake and is wanted for several crimes according to the town’s sheriff, discovers the use of his bracelet and collaborates with the cowboys to hunt the aliens and save those who were abducted.

I was thinking upon seeing the film’s trailer that it’d be a really interesting watch and something that would be a mash-up between Indiana Jones and James Bond boasting both actors who played each character. I was however a bit disappointed with the several loopholes presented in the film. Everything got mixed-up for me. First, the aliens’ objective to attack to accumulate gold lacks narrative (this is from someone who have not read the book.)

Ella’s scenes (Olivia Wilde) were a bit off because she would just pop out and it was distracting in the serious tone of the film. She always looks good and clean in the film’s dusty setting which kind of reminds me of Megan Fox inTransformers. Although her character is somewhat important because she knows stuff about Jake and the aliens, her dialogue didn’t give much information. Moreover, what exactly do the aliens want from Jake? They remind me of theprawns in District 9 but more grotesque and cartoon-like. Also, the scene which I’m just totally clueless about was the “light” the abductees are looking at. Exactly what is that? A hypnotism device of some sort?

Both Craig and Ford were actually okay and delivered most parts like how they should be delivered, it’s just that you will not feel for them because there’s no connection from them at all. I am not saying that it is a bad film. In general, it took me to that level where I’m expecting a lot of guns shooting and killing with the humans winning. I am just surprised with its mediocrity. The concept may be new to the ear but the scenes – I have seen them before.

Rating: 5/10

This review was first posted at the Official PeX Movie Reviewsat Pinoy Exchange.

-paddylast