Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018 is Finally On!

Fifteen fabulous beauties showcased their graceful moves, strutted in their swimwear, gave smart answers & exuded confidence during the culminating activity of their training workshop in preparation for the grand coronation night of Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.

   Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018 candidates wow during their culminating activity

Bohol Tropics Resort poolside

Under the critical eyes of Kagandahang Flores beauty camp mentor & pageant guru Jonas Borces & pageant coordinator Alexis Cadelina who oversaw the entire training, the girls showcased their training inputs before the Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018 pageant committee, Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2016 Queeniebeth Barcelona & Mutya 2017 2^nd RU Maine Ligue Tagb. City GSO Chief John Torralba, media bureau lady Jeanette Busano, City Administrator Edi Borja and a select group of pageant aficionados.

Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018 chaired by Tagbilaran City First Lady Jane Yap has the full support of Mayor Baba Yap and is the glamorous highlight of Saulog sa Tagbilaran 2018

 The girls dazzle in their Kim Villamor outfits during their opening dance number

Bohol Tropics Resort poolside 

Your Roving Eye smiles with Mutya # 9  San Isidro

 # 4 Pob. 3, # 15 Ubujan, # 2 Cabawan & # 9 San Isidro

 MOST IMPROVED: # 7 Pob 2, # 15 Ubujan & # 1 Bool

Deemed the most improved among the ladies were # 7 Pob. 2, # 1 Bool and # 15 Ubujan

Watch out for Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018:

Talent Night , Friday, April 20

Pageant Night, Friday, April 27

Meet the Bb Pilipinas 2018 Queens

Six new queens have been crowned at the conclusion of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 on Sunday, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Catriona Gray confirmed her frontrunner status by winning most of the special titles & corporate sponsor awards including the very important Best in Swimsuit & Best in Evening Gown awards.

Ms. Gray also set a new Philippine pageant record when she became the first Filipina to compete in both Miss World and Miss Universe. Her American counterpart is Olivia Jordan who competed in Miss World 2013 won by Megan Young and Miss Universe 2015 won by Pia Wurtzbach.

  Meet the Bb Pilipinas 2018 Queens & Runners Up

Photo Credits: Bb Pilipinas

L-R: 2nd RU Samantha, Bb Globe Michelle, Bb Grand  International Eva, MUP 2018 Catriona 

L-R: Bb International Athisa, Bb Supranational Jehza, Bb Intercontinental Karen, 1st RU Vickie 

BB PILIPINAS 2018 COMPLETE RESULTS

FINAL PLACEMENT	#	NAME OF WINNER
Miss Universe Philippines	20	Catriona Gray
Bb International	17	Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
Bb Intercontinental	38	Karen Gallman
Bb Globe	19	Michele Gumabao
Bb Grand International	32	Eva Patalinjug
Bb Supranational	31	Jehza Huelar
1st Runner Up	1	Vickie Rushton
2nd Runner Up	14	Samantha Bernardo

  

1^st Set of Special Awards

#	NAME OF WINNER	SPECIAL AWARD
20	Catriona Gray	Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award
20	Catriona Gray	Miss Ever Bilena
20	Catriona Gray	Jag Denim Queen
14	Samantha Bernardo	Manila Bulletin Award
8	Shane Tormes	Miss Friendship
8	Shane Tormes	Miss Talent
32	Eva Patalinjug	Miss Photogenic

 2^nd Set of Special Awards

#	NAME OF WINNER	SPECIAL AWARD
20	Catriona Gray	Best in Swimsuit
3	Muriel Orais	Miss Philippine Airlines
20	Catriona Gray	Best in Evening Gown
19	Michelle Gumabao	Miss Cream Silk

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Sandra Lemonon should have won a crown. I admire her for her honesty and candor and she earned my respect for confidently acknowledging her lack of knowledge to the subject matter. Winning a crown really depends on Luck, Timing & Destiny. She was just unlucky for drawing that tough question.

The best responses based on actually answering the questions, delivery and spontaneity during the Q & A were # 20 Catriona Gray, # 26 Wynonah Buot, # 1 Vickie Rushton, # 17 Athisa Manalo,  # 15 Juliana Kapeundi and # 19 Michelle Gumabao.

I also admired I was expecting more from # 31 Jehza Huelar who was a threepeater and an honor graduate from Ateneo de Davao. 

Boholana is Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018!

Finally, after 12 long years, another Boholana won for Bohol its second Bb Pilipinas crown. Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallmann who traces her roots in Ubay was officially crowned as Bb Pilipinas- Intercontinental 2018 and will represent the country in the Miss Intercontinental pageant. 

Ms. Gallman was one of six Bb Pilipinas titleholders who were crowned in glittering ceremonies at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last weekend.

Forty beauties from all over the country competed during the pageant finals after hurdling the series of screenings. From the 40 candidates, 25 advanced to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. 

The ladies were whittled further to the top fifteen who underwent the Q & A. A lengthy deliberation by the judges & the organizers then followed before the announcement of winners.

Ms. Gallman first competed in the 2012 edition of Bb Pilipinas where she was voted Miss Photogenic and selected as one of the Top Twelve finalists. This year, the 25 year old Business Arts major in Management degree holder from Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia decided to give Bb Pilipinas another try. An analyst by profession, Ms. Gallman has to put on hold a job offer in London to fulfill her Bb Pilipinas duties and responsibilities.

Karen during the National Costume Show & the Parade of Beauties

Karen was born in Sept 27, 1992 in Ubay, Bohol to retired World War II German soldier Gavin William Gallman and to Editha Boyonas, a native from Bohol. She had her formative years in Bohol where she also had her primary school education. The family later migrated to Brisbane, Australia. 

Pegged by pageant websites and blogs as one of the frontrunners for one of the six crowns at stake, Karen gave a very polished presentation during the pageant night. Her stunning red sequined gown with the fit-and-flare silhouette was one of the sartorial standouts that evening and helped propel her into the final round.

Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallmann is Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018

She gave pageant fans a momentary scare during the Q & A when she gave a tentative answer to the question from Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman “Do you agree that a third restroom should be built for transgenders? Why or why not?” 

Her answer: 

“I definitely agree there should be a third restroom for transgender because us women would like a privacy and also with men, and we have a separate room for the transgender. It just serves as an equality and privatization. Thank you.”

While I am in no position to cast judgment on her answer, Karen should be reminded that for a transgender to achieve equality, she should be given the chance to use the ladies’ restroom.

A friend remarked “Karen may have won a Binibini crown but she just lost favor with the LGBT community”

Hypocritical fans should understand that fluency with the English language is not an assurance that you can express your thoughts fluidly onstage. I believe it was a matter of sheer nerves that got to Ms. Gallmann especially in the make-or- break Q & A portion. 

The Boholana during the 2018 Bb Pilipinas pageant finals

Winning one of the six crowns in one competitive Binibini batch is a big cause for celebration. After the congratulatory hugs and kisses, Your Roving Eye is confident that Karen will buckle down to work and prove to one and all that she is one deserving winner.

Congratulations to the former Miss Ubay 2007 titleholder who is now a Bb Pilipinas queen!

Bohol's JAM 403 Mesmerizes in Maldives

JAM 403, one of Bohol’s most celebrated acoustic trio is back in town after playing a repertoire of mostly jazz & bossa nova for a month at the Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon, the undisputed unrivaled superior Maldives beach resort that offers the ultimate tropical vacation with its cozy accommodations and luxurious amenities. 

JAM 403’s Frank, Krizia & JV at the Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon

Lead vocalist Krizia Marie Gango described the resort as an island paradise in Alifu Alifu Atoll surrounded by gently swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon.  She said JAM 403 was invited to provide the resort’s live entertainment through the recommendation of fellow Boholana Kelly Dee Borja who worked at the resort as Guest Relations Executive. 

With GM Chaminda Samaranayake 

with direct boss & F&B Manager Anuradha Navarathne

Krizia chimed in that she and bandmates JV Rama & Frank Ungab had the best time during their Maldives gig.

 Krizia with her newfound friends from Denmark

A Russian couple was so impressed that

they were booked as wedding entertainers.  

“It never felt like work at all. It was more like a one- month long all- expense paid vacation. We only played during evenings six days a week and we had the whole day to enjoy the island’s facilities like guests.”

"More than the opportunity to perform at another side of the world, the best thing about the experience was forging friendships and creating memories that would last a lifetime”

BOHOL PRIDE: Chef Maggie, Krizia & Kelly Dee 

In that upscale and luxurious island paradise, two other Boholanas reign supreme there. One is Chef Maggie Agenar whose culinary creations especially her salads are raved by guests. The other one is Kelly Dee Borja whose warmth and innate charm makes her perfect for interacting and assisting the resort guests.

Your Roving Eye with JAM 403

JAM 403 has resumed its regular gigs at the Bellevue, Bohol Beach Club, Bluewater and South Palms Resort. In between, they also accept bookings for special events like weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

For bookings, contact them at # +639397738833  

And the Search is on for Bohol's Bet for Miss Philippines Earth 2018

 Catherine Tabaniag with Danise Duma 

Bohol began sending an official candidate for Miss Philippines Earth in 2015 after Alturas Group of Companies was awarded the franchise to organize the province- wide search for Bohol’s representative.  

The Bohol search had sent two worthy representatives already but it was only last year when Bohol’s bet finally made it as a top ten finalist.

With Panglao Mayor Nila Montero providing logistical and moral support and the whole town as cheerleader & morale booster, Catherine Cadayona Tabaniag, Panglao and Bohol’s bet to the 2017 national finals performed beyond expectations and had a stellar performance. 

Aside from making the top ten, she was also adjudged Miss Talent- Gold Medal, Best in Evening Gown- Silver Medal and as Darling of the Press- Bronze Medalist. Her runner up finish in the pageant made her into an overnight sensation in Bohol and had a heroine’s homecoming.

Ms. Tabaniag’s impressive showing last year has attracted a lot of qualified Boholanas to screen for this year’s Miss Philippines Earth- Bohol Search. Nine Bohol- based beauties showed up for the 1st screening of candidates at the Island City Mall Activity Center. 

Your Roving Eye, pageant guru Michael Tago and Catherine Tabaniag herself composed the judging panel during the screening held at the ICM Activity Center yesterday afternoon. 

Four of the standouts: Tagb City, Talibon, Loay & Dauis
Photo Credits: TJ Medrana

Ritchel Mutia, PR & Marketing Officer of Alturas Group of Companies, said that Miss Philippines Earth- Bohol 2018 is looking for interested Boholana beauties from 18 years- 26 years old, stands at least 5’ 4”, at least a high school graduate and possesses environmental awareness.     

L-R: Mike Tago, Cat Tabaniag, event host Drake Bustrillos, 

Your Roving Eye  & PR guy/ organizer Ritchel Mutia

If you think you have what it takes to be the worthy representative from Bohol for Miss Philippines Earth 2018, get your application forms ready for the final screening to be scheduled anytime this week or next at the Activity Center of ICM.

You may check out the Miss Philippines Earth- Bohol Official FB Page for more details.

Photo Credits: TJ Medrana

Part 2: Bb Pilipinas Special Award Winners from Bohol

With the 55^th edition of Bb. Pilipinas taking place on March 18, Your Roving Eye will take you to a stroll down memory lane and give the spotlight again to the lovely Boholanas who won a special award or corporate sponsor award in the country's most prestigious beauty pageant.

Special awards are often the barometer used to determine who will most likely end up as the big winners at the conclusion of the coronation night. 

Corporate sponsor awards, on the other hand, indicate who made the best impression on the sponsors.

Here is the elite list of Boholanas who were special awards and corporate sponsor award recipients through the years: Only a handful of Boholanas have placed or made a mark in Bb. Pilipinas. In fact, only five of them have earned the distinction.

Here they are:

LUX LADIES

Three to five outstanding ladies who embody the qualities of Lux beauty soap are named as Lux Ladies during coronation night. More often than not, most if not all of the Lux Ladies end up as the big winners, runners up or finalists.

All five Lux Ladies made it to the Top 15 from a field of 37 beauties

In 1979, Peral Salig became the first of two Lux Ladies from Bohol. She was in good company. The others who made it as Lux Ladies were Criselda “Dang” Cecilio who was crowned Bb Pilipinas- Universe, Perla of course was 1^st Runner Up, Cathy Veloso was 2^nd Runner Up while Tina Orleans and Victoria Garcia made it as finalists.

Taina Manigque

In 1985, the Triumph Court of Fashion model Taina Manigque became the second Boholana to be selected as Lux Lady.

BEST IN EVENING GOWN

Anna Maris Igpit at 18 years old was the picture of elegance

In 2006, Anna Maris Arcay Igpit whose parents hail from Panglao, Bohol was proclaimed Best in Evening Gown. Three years of modeling and pageant experiences helped a lot in the very regal and elegant way that she showcased her evening and you cannot deny her stage presence and youthful charm during that particular segment.  

Candidate # 20 Anna Maris Igpit was a sight to behold in hewr swimsuit

Of course, the Best in Evening Gown award was just icing on the cake for she ended up with the Bb Pilipinas- World crown on her head at the conclusion of the pageant. 

2006 Bb Pilipinas Queens and Runners Up

Photo Credits: NJBP International

MISS TALENT

The first and only Boholana to be named Miss Talent in Bb Pilipinas is Richell Angalot. Her prior experience as 1^st Princess in GMA 7’s Starstruck reality talent search helped a lot as she oozed with confidence and charm during her talent presentation showcased weeks earlier before the pageant night. 

Richell Angalot is Miss Talent

Richell Angalot is Miss Araneta Center's Shoppers' Choice

Richell Angalot is also Miss Natasha Beauty

Aside from the Miss Talent special award, she was also the recipient of two corporate sponsor awards; Miss Natasha Beauty and Araneta Center's Shoppers' Choice.

2009 Bb Pilipinas Queens & Runners Up

Richell eventually finished as 1^st Runner Up.  

MISS PHOTOGENIC

will Karen Gallmann set another record for a second Miss Photogenic title on March 18?

Karen Gallman whose mom hails from Ubay, Bohol is the first and only Boholana to be voted as Miss Photogenic by the mediamen and press photographers who covered the event. Ms. Gallman won the Miss Photogenic title during her first attempt at Bb Pilipinas back in 2012.

Watch for the following BbPilipinas 2018 TV Specials, ABS CBN Channel 2:

Bb Pilipinas 2018 Primer            Sunday, March 11, 9 PM

Bb Pilipinas Pageant Night       Sunday, March 18, 9 PM