Will It be Third Time's the Universe for Pauline?

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado and First Lady & 2nd Dist. Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado warmly received Pauline Cucharo Amelincx during her courtesy call at the Governor's Office yesterday afternoon.

Pauline with Gov. Aris Aumentado & Cong. Vanessa Aumentado 

The said visit kicks off Ms. Amelincx' s Miss Universe Philippines 2023 journey after making it as one of 40 official candidates during the final screening in Metro Manila. 

Ms. Amelincx represented her hometown of Tubigon in Miss Bohol 2017 which she easily won. The multi-  titled beauty queen was also crowned Global Beauty Queen during the golden edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2018. 

Her Miss Universe Philippines journey started in 2020 where she was named 3rd Runner Up to Rabiya Mateo. Her second bid gave her the Miss Universe Philippines -Charity 2022 crown. Will her third and final attempt give Bohol its keenly anticipated MUP crown?

She follows the footsteps of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach who competed in 2013 and 2014 before finally clinching the Bb Pilipinas Universe crown in 2015. Maricar Balagtas also competed thrice in Bb Pilipinas in 2000 and 2001 before winning the crown in 2004.

This year's MUP winner will represent the country in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant to be held in San Salvador, El Salvador this December.

Aside from the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, MUP organizers have announced that Miss Supranational Philippines and Miss Charm Philippines will also be crowned during the grand coronation night.

We shall be updating fellow Boholanos of  Ms. Amelincx's bid for the crown through a series of blog features that would capture the drama and excitement of her journey.

Good luck Ms. Amelincx!

The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 journey of Pauline Amelinckx

It was supposed to be the most beautiful day of the year for Boholanos. We were looking forward to the grand coronation of Miss Universe Philippines 2020, the first time in 55 years that the Philippine bet for Miss Universe was staged independently from the annual Bb Pilipinas Pageant.

During the preliminary interview 

It was even more anticipated especially that Pauline was installed as the heavy favourite by pageant experts and fans after winning four of the nine special awards at stake during the preliminaries and after a viewing party was organized by Bellevue Resort for Pauline’s parents, friends and supporters at their Lamian Restaurant for the finals.

As the pageant got underway that Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but feel a palpable sense of resignation and a foreboding of gloom in the room even as glimpses of our Miss Bohol elicited applause and whistles from the room. 

I couldn’t pinpoint it exactly even if Pauline kept advancing to the next round. I had the icky feeling that things would not exactly be to our liking. Was it because of the leakage of results? Or was it because of the slow internet connectivity that made it possible for spoilers to start trickling in.

ILONGGA IS MISS U BET. In the end, the biggest upset in national pageantry happened. A relative unknown who was in her first national pageant snatched the crown from the heavy faves and pageant veterans. Rabiya Mateo from Iloilo City who was earlier awarded Best in Swimsuit was named MUP 2020 and will represent the country at the 69th edition of Miss Universe to be staged at a still undisclosed date and venue.

RUNNERS UP. Miss Paranaque City Ysabella Roxas Ysmael, Best in Gown winner was pipped into second place. Third place went to a disappointed Michelle Gumabao of Quezon City. Our very own Pauline was relegated to fourth place and rounding out the final five was Billie Hackenson of Cavite City. 

Pauline to her credit, did everything right but personally, she had a confusing question that goes like this What factors influence you on what to buy or post online?” When she answered the question, I thought she didn't hit the ballpark with her answer but watching the replay, she did and I could even relate with her answer on what to post online but it was not as strong as what we expected from one of the best speakers of the batch. I believe she could have secured a higher placement had she gotten a better-phrased question

As to the 3rd runner up placement, it wasn’t her destiny and the stars didn't align for a Boholana victory. To put it simply, three other girls outperformed her during the final reckoning. Such is the unpredictability of beauty pageants where judging is subjective and dependent on a lot of factors such as picking the right question or even the composition of the panel of judges.

As to the disappointment felt by Boholanos including this writer, it can be attributed to the momentum that Ms. Amelincx had gained going into the finals.

It can also be attributed to the fact that lately we have been so used to sending outstanding Boholanas who perform well at the nationals like Glyssa Perez Miss Philippines Tourism 2019, Catherine Cadayona Tabaniag Miss Philippines Earth 2017 1st RU and at the Golden Edition of Mutyta ng Pilipinas where Pauline herself got one of the five crowns at stake along with Jade Roberts whose mom id from Desamparados, Calape, Bohol that a runner up placement isn't enough. Perhaps, we should lower our expectations and that we have to be ready to accept that there would be winners and there would be girls who wouldn't make it.

At the MUP 2020 Viewing Party
Bellevue Resort

Back then, it wasn’t the case and a countless number of Boholanas who've gone to the nationals failed to bring home the crown especially with the lack of preparation, training and exposure to the big city life.

The 3rd runner up placement of Delia Canda Dela Serna in Miss Philippines 1962 was a cause for celebration for it was the first time since we sent Ascencion Gaviola to the first nationwide Miss Philippines search in 1926  that a Boholana was finally recognized on the national beauty arena. In 1968, Emma Mumar Campbell was the first Boholana to enter the semis of Bb Pilipinas. It would take another decade when a Boholana  would enter the winners’ circle in Binibini. Perla Salig now Mrs. Perla Teves of Loboc was named 1st RU in Bb Pilipinas 1979.

It was only in 2006 when a Boholana in the person of Anna Maris Arcay Igpit finally got a crown as Bb Pilipinas- World.

And it was only last year that a Boholana who was crowned Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018 was recognized as a world- class beauty when Karen Gallmann was crowned Miss Intercontinental.

From the 46 remaining girls in MUP 2020 , the field was trimmed down to the top 16 with Visayas having the most number of semifinalists with seven, namely the girls from Aklan, Biliran, Bohol, Cebu City, Cebu Province, Mandaue City and Iloilo City.

Going back to Pauline, making it as 3rd runner up in Miss Universe Philippines is not to be sneezed at. The inaugural edition of MUP had a competitive batch that attracted quite a number of past titleholders and top regional queens indeed.

But if there is one thing we Boholanos have to be proud of, it was how Pauline was able to unite all Boholanos regardless of political beliefs to rally behind her and how she was able to get people from around the world to realize that we are more than the Chocolate Hills or the endless stretches of white sandy beaches and that yes, Bohol is home to the Quintessential Boholana who is God- fearing, resilient, beautiful and intelligent.

And for that, Pauline deserves a lavish homecoming fit for a triumphant queen.

Long May You Reign, Queen Pauline!

 

Two Boholana winners in the 2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas Golden Edition

The 2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant was a trending topic for Boholanos last year for two reasons; First, the prestigious nationwide pageant was celebrating its golden anniversary and to mark the occasion, 50 lovely Filipinas from all over the Philippines and from overseas communities pitted pulchritude, poise & personality for the top Mutya ng Pilipinas crowns. 

Pauline Amelinckx: Pride of Bohol

Secondly, Bohol was represented by a well- loved and a social media darling, Pauline Cucharo Amelincx.  The 5’ 9” half Filipina & half Belgian stunner from Tubigon who was crowned Miss Bohol 2017 and Miss JCI Philippines 2017 was one of the strongest and among the most prepared Boholana beauties that we have sent to a national pageant.

Pauline Amelinckx scooped most of the special awards

Pauline Amelinckx in her Filipiniana & evening gown

 with Franco Soberano, Mutya 2001 Darlene Carbungco & Anthony Tamayo

She didn’t disappoint and harvested most of the special awards that were at stake. Before the pageant night ended, Pauline clinched the Mutya ng Pilipinas- Global Beauty Queen and will represent the country in the Miss Global Beauty Queen competition, to be held in Seoul, South Korea this May. 

 Two Boholana winners in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018  Pageant

Pauline's dad is Belgian while Jade's dad is Australian

SPECIAL MENTION goes to Jade Roberts of Australia, a flight attendant, a model and stage thespian who won the  Mutya ng Pilipinas- Overseas Communties title during the same pageant. Her mom Venus Roberts is a Boholana who traces her roots in Calape, Bohol, the neighboring town of Tubigon where Pauline comes from. Jade, along with her mom, made a courtesy call to the town officials of Calape led by Mayor Nelson Yu right after the pageant. 

Her mom’s maiden name is Venus Sepe and hails from Desamparados Calape Bohol. She graduated elementary from Calape and studied first year high school in BPI Calape. The rest of her education was in Cebu.  Mrs. Venus Roberts says that every time they have a holiday in the Philippines, they always manage to go home to Calape, her hometown.

She said that Jade loves Bohol so much especially the friendly and warm Boholanos and the kids most especially. Jade loves kids because she used to teach younger kids to read & write when she was in grade school as Sister Mora, her school principal, always requested her to let Jade go with her on weekends to teach reading to kids from a small remote area in Halls Creek Western Australia. Jade’s mom owns a business in Halls Creek Western Australia & Northern Territory.

Technically, Bohol had two winning candidates in Mutya ng Pilipinas, the second longest running beauty search in the country. 

Calape town officials led by Mayor Yu pose with Jade Roberts, mom Venus & relatives

Jade Roberts with Calape Mayor Nelson Yu

Pauline Is a Big Favorite in Tonight’s Mutya Ng Pilipinas Grand Coronation!

Boholano pageant fans & watchers alike keenly await the grand coronation of this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas queens because Bohol’s candidate is being noticed by & getting positive feedback from pageant websites & TV stations covering the event.

Will Lady Luck smile at Pauline tonight?

Bohol’s bet Pauline Cucharo Amelincx has been installed as one of the big favorites to get a crown in tonight’s pageant finals which is extra special because the pageant is marking its Gold Edition.

Fifty beauties coming from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao & from overseas communities will pit looks, brains & personality in a glittering and grand coronation night to be staged at the SM MOA Arena. Delayed telecast at 11:30PM on ABS-CBN. In her modern terno & gold evening gown Designer: Mikee Andrei Tejano 

In her modern terno & gold evening gown Designer: Mikee Andrei Tejano

BOHOLANA BEAUTY. BRAINS. BREEDING. Your Roving Eye has correctly predicted that Pauline Amelincx, Miss Bohol 2017, will make a splash in the national pageant.

Her best assets are her globally appealing beauty, winsome smile, excellent communication skills, towering height and commanding stage presence which have catapulted her into the list of frontrunners.

The 23 year old BS International Studies degree holder from Cebu Doctors University also underwent a rigid training with Aces & Queens and has been mentored and guided by Mikee Andrei Tejano, a Boholano designer to complement the basic training that she had with one of Bohol’s top beauty queen mentors, Tubigon- based William “Yammy” Fortuna. 

Pauline with designer Mikee Andrei & fashion luminary Renee Salud

Pageant Talk Overload Philippines

BEST IN MODERN TERNO. THREE SPECIAL AWARDS. During the swimsuit & evening gown preliminaries, she was one of the few girls who did well in both categories. Before the evening ended, she was selected as Mutya ng Mags Clothing, one of four special sponsor awards. It was at the Modern Terno Competition that she cemented her frontrunner status when she was adjudged as the Best in Modern Terno. She wore a Mikee Andrei creation made from raffia fabric that was handwoven by Tubigon Loomweavers. 

the award- winning terno & a closer look at the intricate details

Adding to the overall impact was the gorgeous headpiece created by Patrick Isorena.  Aside from the Best in Modern Terno award, her designer was also named as one of the Top Five Designers for the Best Modern Terno. 

Top Five Finalists for Best Terno Designs 

L-R Sultan Kudarat, Cainta, Muntinlupa, Bohol & CDO

Pauline was also conferred two important Special Awards from the sponsors : Mutya ng Camera Club of the Philippines and one of the five Sol Y Viento Resort Ambassadors. 

As Mutya ng Mags & Best in Modern Terno 

FOUR MUTYA TITLES AT STAKE Four titles and crowns are at stake tonight; Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Asia Pacific International to be held in Manila, September 14 - October 4 2018, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Tourism International 2018 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 4 to 23, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Global Beauty Queen on May 2019 and Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International to be held in China, November 1 to 18. 

FRONTRUNNERS: # 42 Navotas,# 19 Sultan Kudarat,# 24 Bohol,# 21 Los Angeles & # 48 Muntinlupa

Photo Credits: Raymund Isaac & Queenmaker Philippines

Will Pauline fulfill her date with destiny tonight or will she buckle from the intense scrutiny and pressure? 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran once said “A girl is crowned as the queen not because she is the most beautiful nor the smartest. It's a matter of destiny, luck, and timing”

Whatever the outcome in the Gold Edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Pauline Amelincx has already proven that she is truly worth her measure in gold. Good luck Pauline!

Mikee Andrei's Award- Winning Terno Proudly Made with Raffia Fabric from Tubigon, Bohol

Trina Sumayang, the hardworking & amiable manager of TMPC (Tubigon Loom Weavers Multi- Purpose Cooperative) is super duper happy with the victory of Pauline as Best in Modern Terno. 

You see, Pauline’s Mikee Andrei- designed terno was created from custom-made raffia fabrics made by Tubigon’s famed loom weavers with special mention for Kuya Lindo and Ate Thelma.  

With supervision & inputs also from the very supportive Tubigon First Lady Eden Jao, the team spent nights and days in the execution of the raffia fabric that was envisioned to capture the aquatic resources of the coastal town.

Mikee Andrei's winning terno 

Headress by Patrick Isorena

The loomweavers’ efforts have paid off. I have seen how Trina has reached out and promoted the raffia and Your Roving Eye recalls how Trina with facilitation by Christine Ires & Ronald Lopez approved the request to showcase their raffia dresses & accessories during the Miss Silka Bohol 2014 Press Presentation.

 Pauline with TMPC's Trina Sumayang

The Mutya ng Pilipinas modern terno competition gave the spotlight to local SME’s and cottage industries such as the Tubigon loomweavers who have been making fashionable & wearable ladies’ dresses and accessories like clutch bags & shoulder bags all created out of raffia. 

Tubigon’s First Lady captures Pauline’s winning moment

More than just a show of support for Pauline Amelincx, the award- winning terno is a testament and salute to the artistry and craftsmanship of Boholano designers and loomweavers & the support from the private & public sectors. 

 Raffia cocktail dresses during the 2014 Miss Silka Bohol Press Presentation

  Raffia bags from Tubigon Loomweavers

Bohol's Pauline Amelincx for Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018

Boholano pageant watchers should be following this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas pre- pageant events and all the way to the grand coronation night on September 16 at the MOA Arena with keen interest for two reasons; 

Mutya # 24: Pauline Amelincx

First, the prestigious nationwide pageant is celebrating its golden anniversary and to mark the occasion, 50 lovely Filipinas from all over the Philippines and from overseas communities will be pitting pulchritude, poise & personality for the top Mutya ng Pilipinas crowns. 

Mutya # 24: Pauline Amelincx wearing Mikee Andrei

Secondly, Bohol is represented by a well- loved and a social media darling, Pauline Cucharo Amelincx.  The 5’ 9” half Filipina & half Belgian stunner from Tubigon who was crowned Miss Bohol 2017 is one of the strongest and among the most prepared Boholana beauties that we have sent to a national pageant.  

Gorgeous. Glamorous. Golden Girl

Aside from possessing a beautiful face, she is tall, has a winsome smile, a commanding presence, facility with English and most importantly, in today’s internet age, has a huge social media following.

Behold Bohol’s Beauty

According to Mikee Andrei, Boholano style maven & resident stylist of Aces & Queens, Pauline flew straight to Manila right after she passed on her crown as Miss Bohol 2017 to focus on training - makeup, hairstyling, personality development, walking and posture, styling and Q&A, with Aces and Queens. 

Pauline during Mutya Orientation & Sashing

Pauline’s Mutya ng Pilipinas journey officially began last August 28 when she and the rest of the girls checked in at the pageant’s official residence, The Ascott, Makati. It will be their home until pageant night. Their whirlwind of activities continued with the orientation,sashing ceremony and official number assignment. She is Mutya #24 ( she is one of the tallest girls)

Important Dates to Remember:

September 3  Press Presentation & Poolside Swimsuit Parade

September 10 Evening Gown Competition

September 11 Terno Competition

September 16 Pageant Nigfht

Mutya ng Pilipinas, one of the longest-running beauty contests in the Philippines, will send its winners to international pageant events, such as Miss Tourism International, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year,  and the Miss Asia Pacific International.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization promotes “Beauty Tourism” within the greater Asia Pacific with the direct participation of the Overseas Filipino Communities, this being a distinct component of its National Pageant Event. The Organization is motivated and inspired by its guiding thrust to assist in promoting Tourism, Social Responsibility, Fashion, and Beauty pageantry.

CREDITS:

PHOTOGRAPHER:  Mark Ryan Alvarez

MAKE UP: Raymond Galang

HAIR: Donna Abitira

WARDROBE & STYLING: Mikee Andrei

EARRINGS: Christopher Munar

Here Are the 2018 Miss Bohol Official Candidates

Ninety two years after the first Miss Bohol was crowned, fascination and fixation with the annual quest for the province’s fairest lass hasn’t waned. 

Photo Credits:  TJ Medrana Photography

After it was reinvented and relaunched in 2014 as the search for the Quintessential Boholana, the Miss Bohol Pageant has enjoyed a resurgence in its popularity and is one of the most anticipated highlights of the month- long Sandugo Festival celebration.

Bohol First Lady Pureza Chatto, Project Chair and Ana Loinda Saluan, Project Co- Chair announced that 21 ladies, each representing her town/ city of origin, will be vying to become the successor of Pauline Amelincx for the province’s most prestigious beauty title.

After the girls and the crew wrapped up the Mikee Andrei swimsuit shoot at the sprawling Donatela  Hotel in Tawala, Panglao, the girls posed for one group photo.

Here they are from left to right: 

Group 1  

ALBURQUERQUE Maria Niela Bungabong
VALENCIA Chime Marie Pajo
UBAY Anasela Zarisa Gaviola
TAGBILARAN CITY Raclaire Stephan Trigo
MARIBOJOC Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte

Group 2

BACLAYON Wenna Mae Ali
SIKATUNA Iris May Libres

SEVILLA Faith Lucille Lumosbong

BILAR Jesseth Nez Pasagad

TALIBON Mae Paracuelles

 Group 3

DAUIS Hannah Mae Cimeni
LOBOC Erika Limbago
LOON Charysse Jane Roferos
BALILIHAN Hanjhen Julio

JAGNA Roselle May Acebes

SAN MIGUEL Hazel Abrau

 Group 4

CORELLA Kristine Charisse Enriquez

TUBIGON Ma. Bethel Rose Rosco
CLARIN Liahona Lane Lorzano

DIMIAO Alexi Cahanap 

SAGBAYAN Johanne Benedict Labor

After seeing the girls in their swimwear, Your Roving Eye revised his list of top candidates.

Based on beauty & charm, fitness & confidence, the other girls to watch out for will now include from Group 1 & 2, the girls from Valencia, Tagbilaran City & Bilar with Maribojoc slowly catching up.  From Group 3 & 4, the girls from Dauis, Loon & San Miguel.

Things are indeed heating up as the girls start putting on their game faces. Your Roving Eye however believes that the ultimate game- changer would have to be the press presentation for this is where the ladies would be separated from the girls.  

IMPORTANT DATES:

Press Presentation          : Friday, June 29, KEW Hotel

Talent Night                       : Friday, July 13, 8 pm, Bohol Cultural Center

Coronation Night             : Saturday, July 21, 8 pm, Bohol Wisdom School Gym

Miss Bohol 2018 Independence Day Special Appearance

Last June 12, Boholanos got a glimpse of all 21 ladies who are vying for the Miss Bohol 2018 crown. Patriotism and nationalist fervor pervaded that morning as Bohol joined the rest of the Philippines in commemorating the country’s 120^th Independence Day. 

a ray of sunshine and radiant Boholana beauty

The girls came in their interpretation of the Filipiniana.  And here are my sensational seven who wowed the crowd with their fabulous fashion independence. 

who will be the Quintessential Boholana for 2018?

 This list will not, in any way, affect the official results and is merely reflective of Your Blogger’s preferences. 

MISS LOBOC 

MISS LOBOC wore a modern interpretation of the Filipiniana. Her fresh & light day make up and healthy lustrous hair complemented her outfit. 

MISS LOON

MISS LOON the vibrant orange color complemented her delicate complexion. She exuded beauty, confidence and a good dose of self- assuredness. 

MISS SAGBAYAN

MISS SAGBAYAN green is a very difficult color to pull off but in her case, it highlighted her overall presentation. Most importantly, you just can’t ignore that classic beauty and winsome smile. 

MISS SEVILLA

MISS SEVILLA While I’m no fan of gowns that reveal those tippy tops, the figure- hugging and simple line made her look taller and her legs longer. The modern twist of the butterfly sleeves and the delicately- designed heels gave her extra oomph. 

MISS TALIBON

MISS TALIBON while the dress was quite safe in design, the intricate patterns and her overall styling made her a sight to behold. 

MISS TUBIGON

MISS TUBIGON I love how the gown’s hemline length was just enough to cover those tippy tops. She also knew how to carry and present her Filipiniana in the proper manner. 

MISS UBAY

MISS UBAY everything about her was perfect. The serpentina cut of her gown showcased her hourglass figure and of course, the bun she sported proved to be the crowning glory in her overall presentation.

As the girls get ready in their journey towards the crown, expect the scrutiny from observers and pageant fans to become more intense. There will be pleasant surprises along the way and conversely, there would be frontrunners who will stumble or fall by the wayside. 

reigning Miss Bohol 2017: Pauline Amelincx

No matter what happens, the Miss Bohol Class of 2018 should be proud of being a part of this prestigious event.

WATCH the Grand Coronation on Saturday, July 21, 8 pm, Bohol Wisdom School Gym

Photo Credits: Gerald James Cabal Photography