The 62nd Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre has already ended but the gowns that the Hollywood female celebrities worn during the event are still enthralling me even in my dreams.

Listed below are my absolute favorites:

Who says that you need to reveal too much flesh to look sexy in the red carpet? Kim Kardashian proved it wrong when she went to the Primetime Emmy Awards wearing a classic goddess inspired gown designed by Marchesa. The Lorraine Schwartz cuff also added elegance to her flowwy white dress.

Kyra Sedgwick looked elegant in a bloody red gown designed by Monique Lhuillier. Sedgwick completed the glamour look with Ofira jewels.

‘Glee’ star Lea Michele appeared on the red carpet with a ruffled navy gown designed by Oscar de la Renta. She wore the gorgeous gown together with multi-colored diamond Lorraine Schwartz necklace and bracelet. Love it…love it…love it…

Sofia Vergara truly sparkled in a Carolina Herrera gown at the 2010 Emmy Awards. The Latina bombshell completed the look with a Brian Atwood heels and jewels from the Lorraine Schwartz collection.

Eva Longoria Parker was a show stopper in her Robert Rodriguez gown. The textured gown looked elegant with a black belted corset on the upper half and tiny rosette embellishment on the lower half. The hot pink chandelier earrings from Lorean jewels accentuated her chic look for the event.

Major…major…disappointments!

The Yigal Azrouel gown worn by Lauren Graham did not give justice to her gorgeous features. Hmmm, looks like the “Parenthood” star was not very eager to show off her curves during that event.

“Mad Men” star Christina Hendricks went to the red carpet wearing a lavender gown by Zac Posen. To be honest, the lavender gown complemented her skin tone very well but I am quite distracted with the fringe embellishment all over her dress. Oh well…

And lastly…

I have an absolute respect for Tom Hanks because I am a fan of his movies since elementary days. However, I am not sure why he let his wife Rita Wilson wear that disco ball inspired dress in the 62nd Emmys. Although Rita looked facially gorgeous during the event, the Prada dress looked incredibly off as the outfit was too fashion forward and too young for her.

Oh please, Tom Hanks please bring back the elegant Rita Wilson we used to love in fashion events!

Cheers,

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty via Socialite Life

Cheng Yijia of China crowned as the Asian Supermodel Contest 2010 winner at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Guilin, China on September 2, 2010. She bested 35 contestants from different Asian countries. Jeong You Sun from Korea got the 1st runner-up spot while Mariana del Rio from the Philippines captured the 2nd runner-up title.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Asian Supermodel Contest 2010: Cheng Yijia (China)
1st runner up: Jeong You Sun (Korea)
2nd runner up: Mariana del Rio (Philippines)

Cheng Yijia (China) – Winner

Jeong You Sun (Korea) – 1st runner up

Mariana del Rio (Philippines) – 2nd runner up

SPECIAL AWARDS Best Energy Award: Malaysia Best Body Award: Burma Best in Catwalk Award: Gwendoline Ruais (Philippines), Most Photogenic Award: Bianca Cruz (Philippines)

Best in Catwalk (Gwendoline Ruias)

Interestingly, the contest is now on its fifth edition and allows multiple representatives from each country to participate in the annual event. The Asian model search first started in 2005. Congratulations to the winners! Cheers, Photo Credits: Missosology and CNSP Photo

Looks like I have been mesmerized again by the Delifrance café so, while waiting for my husband to fetch me in Makati (after going shopping again, of course!:P), I opted to stop by to relish one of their Tray Couture Collection as a treat.

Here’s my review on the Cherie French Gourmet Set:

Bread Knots. Eating bread knots is simply a great way to start a meal. The crunchy bread was a great appetizer together with the potato soup.

Potato Soup. I just love how their potato soup was served! Drinking a creamy soup through a shot glass was certainly fun experience for a change.

Garlic Pesto Pasta. This probably one of the best that I have ever tasted around Metro Manila. The pesto pasta served was well seasoned with the right amount of extra virgin oil, parmesan cheese and of course with my favorite fresh basil leaves.

California Chicken Club House. I find eating this sandwich a delight as I have never thought that a mango would bring some ‘oomph’ to the sandwich! Moreover, I also find it refreshing.

Chocolate Praline. The little chocolate was just a little too sweet for my tastes, but they’re not bad. In fact, eating it at the end of the meal was just right for me as the pasta has a strong herb in it.

So, what’s my verdict?

Overall, I find the Cherie Tray Couture an excellent feast and also a great value for money. Finishing my meal with a choice drink (Four Seasons Juice) also made this tray couture special because it made the dining experience more customized for someone like me.

Craving for a pasta pesto? Check out this video below:

Cheers,

Photo Credit: My Nokia E71 Camera Phone

Anastasia Sidiropoulou, a 17 year old teenager from Greece wins the title of Miss Teen World 2010 on August 13, 2010. She bested 23 contestants from around the globe which was held on August 9-14, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in Houston, Texas, USA. Miss Teen World 2009 Tayla Robinson crowned Sidiropoulou at the conclusion of the competition.

Sidiropoulou is a highschool graduate from Thrauomakedones Mountains in Athens and plans to become a dentist in the near future. Miss Teen World won a prize package valued over $30,000 including a $5,000 educational scholarship, a crown, sash, wardrobe, jewelry, media training and travel opportunities.

FINAL RESULTS:
Miss Teen World 2010: Anastasia Sidiropoulou (Greece)
1st runner-up: Channing Smendziuk (Canada)
2nd runner-up: Amore’ Fourie (South Africa)
3rd runner-up: Candace Charles (Guyana)
4th runner-up: Cassie Sumimoto (South Pacific)

TOP 12
Shreya Ishita (India)
Chane Berghorst (New Zealand)
Osodoeva Oyuna (Siberia)
Dora Molina (Mexico)
Belle Owen (United States)
Sara Thorton (Aruba)
Marisa Maloney (Namibia)

SPECIAL AWARDS
Miss Congeniality: Dora Molina (Mexico)
Most Photogenic: Channing Smendziuk (Canada)
Best in Swimsuit: An Yeonseon (Korea)
Best in Evening Gown: Martha Montero (Dominican Republic)
Best in Interview: Natasha Dinwoody (Scotland)
Best in National Costume: Candace Charles (Guyana)

Cheers,

Photo Credist: Beauty World Cup

Jennika Selina Margareetta Hannusaari, a 24-year-old mother from Finland has been crowned Mrs. Universe 2010. The Finnish beauty queen bested 22 other married from different countries who took part in the competition which was held in Vilniun, Lithuania. Delegates were judged on the traditional evening gown, swimsuit and interview competitions and also how they behaved on various situations such as official receptions and comprehension of the human trafficking problems in the society.

Hannusaari is a student of business administration and a mother of a 3-year-old kid named Storm. She also volunteers in her city helping immigrants to adapt new culture and also planning to lead a Finnish language club for immigrants. Interestingly, Jennika’s sister is married to her husband’s brother! A surprising fact indeed which revealed she is also sister-in-law to her biological sister.

Listed below is the official result of the pageant:

Mrs. Universe 2010: Jennika Hannussari (Finland)
1st runner-up: Nileny Dippton (Dominican Republic)
2nd runner-up: Diana Pothitou (Greece)
3rd runner-up: Yesenia Rodriquez (Venezuela)
4th runner-up: Alla Grigoryan (Armenia)

Mrs. Philippines Universe 2010

Special Awards
Mrs. European Union 2010: Elena Karakoleva (Bulgaria)
Mrs. Intelligence Award: Maria Muriel ‘Lala’ Moral (Philippines)

The coronation ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Vilnius University last August 11, 2010.

Next years’ pageant will be held in Finland.

Cheers,

Photo Credits: Mrs. Universe

The Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization crowned the three newest Filipina beauty queens last August 28, 2010 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, Philippines.

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific: Ashley McGarry (East Coast USA)

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International: Barbara “Barbie” Salvador (Pangasinan)

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental: Carla Lizardo (Bicol)

FINAL RESULTS

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific: Ashley McGarry (East Coast USA)
Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International: Barbie Salvador (Pangasinan)
Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental: Carla Lizardo (Bicol)
1st runner-up: Suzette Hernandez (Batangas)
2nd runner-up:Sharon Grace Angel (Lapu-Lapu City)

THE REST OF THE TOP 10
Ma. Tanchellie Lobete (Mutya ng Bogo City)
Aileen Ella Dango (Mutya ng Bohol)
Carolyn Ty (Mutya ng Manila)
Cindy Madduma (Mutya ng Puerto Princesa)
Gabby Estimada (Mutya ng Vigan)

SPECIAL AWARDS AND TITLES
Top Model of the World Philippines 2010: Sharon Grace Angel (Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu City).
*Sharon will automatically earns the right to represent the Philippines in the Top Model of the World international beauty pageant this year.
Best in Figure:Ashley McGarry (East Coast, USA).
*Winner of Best in Figure will also automatically earn the title Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2010.
Best in Long Gown: Carla Lizardo ( Mutya ng Bicol)
Miss Photogenic: Sarah Grace Angel (Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu City)
Best in Cultural Photo: Carolyn Ty (Mutya ng Manila)
OPMB People’s Choice: Gabby Estimada (Mutya ng Vigan)
Miss Congeniality: Ayie Tanqueco (Mutya ng Pampanga)
L’Oreal Paris Award: Barbie Salvador (Mutya ng Pangasinan)
Maybelline New York Award – Ma. Tanchellie Lobete (Mutya ng Bogo City)
Discovery Suites Award: Ashley McGarry (Mutya ng East Coast, USA)
Resorts World Winners: Carolyn Ty (Mutya ng Manila), Ashley McGarry (Mutya ng East Coast, USA) and Barbie Salvador (Mutya ng Pangasinan)

NON-WINNING CANDIDATES
Katherine Tapang (Bulacan)
Shihan Go (Caloocan City)
Fatima Montañez (Cebu City)
Christine Marasigan (Guiginto City)
Rochelle Cadiente (Rochelle Cadiente)
Dominique Ignacio (Makati City)
Cheenie Sy (Malolos City)
Ronalyn Raymundo (Marilao)
April Mendoza (Mid-West USA)
Jhayne Anne Mundo (Olongapo)
Cheysen Capuno (Palawan)
Marianne Camille Raconawa (Quezon City)
Kim De Guzman (Subic Bay)

The Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2010 Coronation Night will be telecast this September 5 on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best.

Congratulations to the winners!

Cheers,

Photo Credit: Mutya ng Pilipinas and OPMB

Karina Pinilla of Panama was chosen as Miss Supranational 2010 in the pageant finale in Poland last August 28, 2010. She is the 2nd winner of the annual beauty pageant.  She was crowned by the very first winner, Miss Supranational 2009 Oksana Moria from Ukraine.

FINAL RESULTS

Miss Supranational 2010: Karina Pinilla (Panama)
First runner-up: Hana Verna (Czech Republic)
Second runner-up: Sandra Marinovic (Slovenia)
Third third runner-up:  Claudia Villafuerte (Peru)
The fourth runner-up: Maythavee Buraparing (Thailand)

Cheers,

Photo Credit: Missosology

Below is the Full Transcript (Text) of President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Coquangco Aquino III National Heroes Day Speech [English translation]:

His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
In celebration of National Heroes Day
[August 29, 2010, Libingan ng mga Bayani]

Good morning.

Allow me to lead, along with my family, our celebration of the National Heroes Day. Each year, we remember the greatness of all Filipinos who offered their sweat, blood and life to attain the freedom we are all enjoying now.

There is no greater testament of courage than sacrificing your life for our country. Rizal, Bonifacio and Gomburza demonstrated relentless bravery when they opposed the Spaniards. When our ancestors resisted Japanese oppression, their strength of will was incomparable. Despite threats to his life, my father Ninoy fearlessly came home to demonstrate his opposition to dictatorship.

But today is not just for those who had to give up their lives for democracy. We also commemorate those who faithfully served our flag, whether recognized or not by history, and continued living with dignity and patriotism for the sake of our country.

They realized that the country could be in a better shape, so they gave up all their comforts and quiet lives, participated in armed movements, and submitted to danger, to fight for the rights of Filipinos. They are the epitome of patriotism, and in our solemn remembrance of their sacrifice, may we also practice the ideals they fought for.

It is only fitting that we offer prayers and flowers, and remember all their efforts. This is a proof that we accept the challenge of carrying on what our forefathers have started and bequeathed us.  I believe that the blood flowing in every Filipino is that of a patriot: we are a nation of heroes.

There are numerous ways of being a hero today, and we can become one without wielding a gun or a spear. Blood need not be spilled. We are no longer colonized by Spain or Japan, and Martial Law is over. Our current time calls for our cooperation and selfless service to our fellowmen without expecting anything in return. In fact, becoming a good and responsible citizen is heroic enough.

It is sad, however, that many of our countrymen seem to disregard the greatness of our past. I believe that their worst enemy is no other than themselves. They prefer to be consumed by selfishness and egotism. They remain shackled to a culture of indifference and finger-pointing. This is the very root of corruption and theft, for it puts their personal interests ahead of the well-being of the majority. Surely this is the biggest obstacle in our path towards change.

Remaining silent does nothing to change things, it makes progress impossible and condemns our people to even greater poverty.

We revere our heroes because they are the exemplars of love and devotion to our homeland. Let their nobility to end suffering in our country.

May we learn from them on how to overcome the obstacles to a better future. Let us never hesitate to stand up and overcome ingrained practices that inhibit progress. Let us all aspire to a prosperous life, and never stop until we achieve it.

For the sake of our posterity, I encourage you to spread the true meaning of heroism: to find the strength to remain vigilant, to serve as watchdogs of our government, to allot time to helping the poor, and to strengthen our collective sense of the richness of our unique Filipino culture. This is heroism through bayanihan.

Let us emulate the courage of our heroes. There is no greater commemoration of their lives than for us to commit to caring for, and treasuring, the liberty they fought for. As we pay tribute to them, let their story guide our hearts and minds towards constantly protecting and preserving our freedom. Let us ensure that the democracy they have watered with their blood will forever bloom, so we can bequeath a bountiful future to coming generations.

Let us all help each other: the strength of one, becomes the strength of everyone. Now that democracy is our birthright, may we further deepen the spirit of patriotism in each of us.

Thank you very much.

Photo Credit: Google Image

Latin pop icon Julio Iglesias (66) married Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger (45), his girlfriend of 20 years. The couple got tied a knot in a private ceremony in Marbella, Spain on Tuesday, August 24.  

The couple were married in the Virgen del Carmen parish church in Marbella in the presence of just the five children, Miguel Alejandro, Rodrigo, the twins (Victoria and Cristina), Guillermo and two witnesses. The ceremony was followed by a thanksgiving mass at a family property near the city of Malaga.

This is the second wedding for Julio Iglesias. The crooner was previously married to Filipina socialite and journalist Isabel Preysler, with whom he has three children, Chabeli, Julio Iglesias Jr. and Enrique Iglesias. Julio and Isabel’s marriage was annulled in 1979.

Congrats to the newlyweds!

Cheers,

Photo Credit: WDW

CNBC’s TV Show ‘American Greed’ goes behind bars to take a look at the life of Bernard ‘Bernie’ Madoff , a former non-executive chairman of the Nasdaq stock market and once known as the King of Wall Street. The fallen American stock broker is now serving 150 years at Butner Prison in North Carolina for stealing billions of dollars from innocent clients and for orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in the history.

The show will take a look into the life of  Madoff inside the bars in North Carolina nicknamed “Camp Fluffy”, for its spacious environment and soundproof prison cell. Interestingly, the prison also provides periodic ‘special treat’ like popcorn and cotton candy for the prisoners.

The documentary show also have an exclusive interview from the point of view of a former prisoner, a current inmate and victims’ attorney.

The episode, titled ‘Madoff Behind Bars’ will premier tonight in the US at 9pm Eastern time. The episode will also be shown in other continents on the following dates below:

ASIA TIME
Saturday, August 28th 9p (SIN/HK)
Sunday, August 29th 3a, 8p (SIN/HK)
Monday, August 30th 2a (SIN/HK)

AUSTRALIA TIME
Saturday, August 28th 2p, 11p (AEST)
Sunday, August 29th 6a, 3p, 9p (AEST)
Monday, August 30th 5a (AEST)

Photo Credit: Ebookwisdom