Jill Knapp discovered she had Diabetes Type 2 when she was 37 years old and pregnant with her third child. After giving birth, doctors put her on a diet and exercise plan. Her husband even set up a mini-gym in their garage so she wouldn’t miss out on any exercise time. She stuck to the game plan and in spite of an accident that broke her ankle, she was able to lose 100 lbs and join the Mrs. Idaho 2009 placing in the Top 5.

Her BattleCry: Get Up and Get Moving!!!

Jill Knapp BEFORE and AFTER!!!

I stumbled upon the story of Jill Knapp online and was so amazed by her story! I wanted to learn more about her weight loss and pageant experience, so I contacted her asking for an interview via email and she responded!

I hope I asked the right questions; I’m so much better at LIVE interviews… anyway, she answered my questions late at night after she put her three little darlings to bed…  here goes -

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1.    Tell us about the day you discovered you had diabetes Type 2.
It was a very depressing day! Feelings of doom were present.

2. What type of lifestyle changes followed your diagnosis?
I really got my head on and started with small but important changes. Eating smaller portions, cutting out sugar.

I do really believe change of this magnitude can only come from a lifestyle change. A diet seems to be temporary and so many times when we are done with our diet we resume  bad habits. A lifestyle change is for good.

3. You had an accident in January 2008. What happened and how did it affect your weight loss campaign?
I slipped and fell on black Ice on my way to my mail box.  I   twisted both  sides of my ankle on the way down. OUCH!!  I broke my fibula and my tibia. I went in to surgery that night and had a plate with six screws put on the  fibula  and the tibia  was left to heal the whole way on it’s own.   It took a total of 9 months to heal.  I did not let my broken ankle stand in my way of losing weight. I continued to eat 6 small meals a day and took off my last 45 pounds. About 80% of weight loss is from how we eat.

Jill's LEG!!!

4. They say the hardest weight to lose is the last 10 lbs. Was this true in your case?
No because I don’t own a scale. I think they sabatosh you. We as woman obsess with the numbers on the scale.
I was not aiming for a number on the scale I was aiming to look and feel better.

5. Please share your TOP 3 eating tips and TOP 3 exercise tips…

Eating:

a. Six small meals a day
b. Cut back on white breads, white rice, white flour
c. Keep a food journal so you are aware of what you eat
Exercise:

a. Exercise regularly
b. Weight lifting.  The more muscle you have the more fat you burn
c. Find joy with your time in the gym or exercising.  It helps you want to go back and workout again! LOL!!

Can I also add I had a person trainer named Rebecca Carington sponsor me.  She helped me get in my best shape. Knowledge is power and getting a personal trainer is great because you learn how to exercise properly so you get more out of your work out.
5. When did you start to think of joining Ms. Idaho? What made you join?
I had a few friends who put some pressure on me to compete for Mrs. Idaho.  I was already publicly speaking and sharing my story about living with type 2 diabetes.  I thought it would be great to compete and if I won I could share my message to a broader audience.  I made the top 5!  :-)
I may have not won but I have had so many doors open and ways to share my story I am so glad I did the pageant. It was a great experience for me and my family.  In the past I always was putting everyone else first. Doing the pageant allowed me to take some time for myself. Now I know the difference and can give more of myself because I give time to myself also!

Jill and her handsome pageant escort and HUSBAND!

6. Did you ever dream of joining a pageant when you were a little girl?
NO! I actually was a professional dancer for many years; I also did some modeling and loved it. My mom talked me into competing in 2 beauty pageants one as a teen and I won! One as a Miss and I placed in the Top 10.  Back then I felt that people were judging me so much on my looks and not for who I was on inside.  Doing a pageant as a Mrs. is a much different feeling. I love that 50% of the  score is in interview.

A precious photo of a young Jill toe dancing...

7. What was your height, weight and vital stats when you joined the pageant?
5’8 ,137 pounds , BP 115/60

I Can't Believe Jill Used to be 237 Pounds!!!

8. What was your platform as a candidate?
Type 2 diabetes.

9. Tell us about the Q&A portion. What was the question and what was your answer?

What would you do as a example to woman if you were to win Mrs. Idaho

I said I would be an example to woman to go out of your comfort zone and try something new. I also said that I recently hit the marker of losing 100 pounds and that being a good example of health was important.

10. What are some of your best pageant memories?
The wonderful woman I met and still have as friends.

Setting and accomplishing each goal that I made for myself.  Getting to know my inner strengths.  You tend to do allot of soul searching when you run in a pageant and it forces you to dig deep and get to know yourself so much better.

Can you spot JILL???

Mrs. Eagle Deborah Viehweg, Mrs. Treasure Valley Sonya Hoadley, Mandi the director, MRS. NAMPA JILL KNAPP and Mrs. Idaho America 2008 Jackie Walker

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11. Any thoughts on the Carrie Prejean issue? We promise not to bite your head off if your opinion doesn’t jive with ours…

Her answer came from her heart.  Her feelings are her feelings and she has the right to her own feelings. Everyone does.

Jill became a motivational speaker after her phenomenal lifestyle change and weight loss. She travels around Idaho sharing her story to young and old and those in between. When she’s not busy doing that, she’s taking care of her adorable three children and her ONE handsome husband who happens to share the same first name as my hubby RON. Jill is also an active blogger – please check out her website, Get Up and Get Moving for information on Type-2 Diabetes, weight-loss, healthy eating, exercise and achieving your DREAMS!!!

The Knapp Family: Ron, Mason. Bryson, Madison and JILL!!!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

thanks to Jill Knapp for all the photos!!!

Jomar Hilario is an Internet Marketing Wizard and consultant for author and motivational speaker Bo Sanchez. He has been my good friend for over 10 years and we share the same passion for Contemporary Christian Music and Science Fiction. He has a beautiful little boy named Sean Riker and his lovely wife Clarisse is currently expecting.

For those NOT in the Philippines, you can attend Jomar Hilario’s online workshops, just read the article for more information…

Jomar Hilario

I spent TWO days at the INTERNET MARKETING WORKSHOP of Jomar Hilario and by the end of it all my nose was bleeding with the information overload – a good thing, as far as I’m concerned, because I got more than I expected from Jomar!!!

I began my love affair with blogging at the tail end of January 2009 when I set up Adventures of a Beauty Queen.  So far, I have been promoting it instinctively (albeit haphazardly) and my efforts seem to be working with an average of 250 views a day. Not bad…  but there’s got to be a way to get more views and maybe even EARN a little moolah since I spend so much time working on it.

So when I heard about Jomar’s workshop on MARKETING YOUR BLOG AND EARNING MONEY WHILE YOU’RE AT IT, I said – save me a seat DARLING!!!

Venue: Genex Gaming Center, Farmer's Market, Cubao

Now sometimes, you attend a seminar or a workshop and you don’t get what you want. You go there for hard information and all you get is an extended pep-talk. Or you attend to get inspired and you end up with all this techno-babble that’s way beyond your mental capacities.

I wanted, NUMBER 1 – Step-by-step information on exactly what to do TO EARN MONEY THROUGH BLOGGING and NUMBER 2 – A little bit of motivational talking – Just a LITTLE BIT okay? Because I  AM SO inspired, I feel like lump of kryptonite – GLOWING to the max but sitting there and not knowing what to do next.

Well, I got BOTH from Jomar’s workshop: Step-by-step HARD information peppered with cool pep talk moments.

But for the most part, the stuff he talked about were things companies paid hundreds of thousands of pesos for. Yes, I will say that again – THE STUFF HE TALKED ABOUT WERE THINGS COMPANIES PAID HUNDREDS OF THOUSAND OF PESOS FOR.  But there we were, 44 attendees who paid ONLY a FEW THOUSAND PESOS each to learn how to blog and turn our blogs into 24/7 taxi meters…  WOW!!!

Jomar "pep-talking"

My BFF Jomar & I making pa-cute!

Stretching TIIIMMME!!!

The things I learned in a nutshell:

- setting up your money-earning blog

- how to use keywords to get the highest paying ads on my blog

- the difference between a passion blog and a money blog

- how to blog A LOT without spending too much time at it

- how to sell my product online, promote it and collect my cash

- ideas on how to make my own e-course or e-book

- all the websites I need to get my online career going ka-ching ka-ching!!!

Bo Sanchez's Book corner...

The BEST THINGS about his workshops:

- the venue is in Farmer’s Market Cubao and EASY to get to!

- it’s really a HANDS-ON workshop

- all attendees will have a computer to work with

- all attendees recieve a copy of his step-by-step presentation

- all attendees recieve a step-by-step manual

- he has at least 10 computer geek facilitators assisting

- he gives pre-workshop homework and information so everyone can go faster during class

AND….

HE OFFERS POST-WORKSHOP HELP. You can ask him questions online (free), you can join his online club (he charges for this) or attend his one-on-one classes or small group sessions (he also charges for these).

He also offers a 90-Day Free Online Course as well as a couple of longer in-depth courses, including a ONE YEAR INTENSIVE ONLINE MARKETING COURSE that costs 3 times less than what it’s worth!

I took a day off from work just to attend Jomar’s Online Marketing Workshop AND I DID NOT REGRET IT! I know that this sounds like a sales-letter and IT IS – from a VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER.

Jomar’s next Internet Marketing Workshop is on July 3 and 4, 2009, 10:30am to 5:00 pm at the Genex Gaming Center in Farmer’s Market Cubao.  Visit his website http://www.jomarhilario.com to register and to get updates and freebies!!!

For those of you NOT in the Philippines, visit the website above and sign up for his Online Worshop Club!!!

review by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen…

See you at the next workshop!!!!

I'm fourth from the left...

I’ve learned many lessons in the years after winning the Ms. Young Philippines and the Bb. Pilipinas Universe in the 80s; lessons that I wish I had known in those days. But it’s not too late to pass on the wisdom, if wisdom can be treated as such.

If you are dreaming of wearing that Miss Earth tiara or wielding that Miss Bikini Scepter don’t just count on your looks and curves. And you definitely DON’T want to be another pretty girl on stage giving clueless answers. Not when there’s You Tube around!

So here are some solid suggestions to get you on your way to the Beauty Queen path. I wish you the BEST!

Step up to it GRRRRL!!!

1)    Platform –  Yes, you need a platform. Not shoes, but a battlecry. You need to take a stand about something that means a lot to you. Take for instance, me – my battlecry is “Saving the World in a Swimsuit!!!” Although, lately, I’ve been thinking of changing it to “Saving the Universe in a Swimsuit” because that sounds more cosmic and I like to think BIG.

Anywhoo, if you feel strongly about penguins or orphans or the walang kamatayang world peace, then build a platform around that, research about it on the internet and then talk about it non-stop before and during the pageant. ESPECIALLY when the judges are around.

And if you win, then you can keep talking about it AFTER the pageant.

Volunteer!!! Once you’ve decided on your platform, the next step is to set time aside every week to volunteer at the nearest Save the Penguins center or whatever and make sure to chronicle it for PROOF. You’ve got to get outside of your world and see the pain and suffering going on around you or else you’ll never get outside your world and see the pain and  suffering going on around you!

Get out of your comfort room, gurrrl!!!

Always BE PREPARED!

2)    Preparation –The girl scouts said it and I will say it again: Always be prepared. That means, if you speak lousy English then study it for a year before you even attempt to fill out that Bb. Pilipinas registration form. Or… if you are DARING enough, speak in your native tongue. Filipino is one of the most beautiful languages in town and I’m just waiting for the first brave soul-ette who will answer her Q&A question na walang pakundangan at punong-puno ng pagmamahal para sa inang bayan at sa mga kawawang ulianin— este ulila... or whatever…

(correction from Ditas Pangilinan – Anthea Robles competed in Bb. Pilipinas and won one of the titles, and she replied to the final question in Tagalog. We went to the same high school, and I was so proud when she didn’t attempt to answer in English when she knew she could express herself better in Tagalog (Batanguena po kami). I think she competed in the late 80s (we graduated HS in 84).

Practice Answering Questions. One of my most interesting experiences as a Trainer at the Berlitz Language Center was teaching this Korean guy named Paul how to deal with Qs&As. It wasn’t for a beauty pageant, (to my utter regret because that would’ve been MORE fun) but for him to answer test questions. He was going to take a verbal exam that had a Q&A format and he had to move from Level 3 up to Level 2. To my horror, the boss put ME in charge of him. Being a babe of little faith I had doubts as big as giant bowling balls but I took on the challenge and for one month, 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday, I DRILLED Paul on how to:

- stall while answering

- snake around questions he didn’t understand

- and how to sound 100% sure of what he was saying even if he was totally lost.

I believe in the saying – if you can’t be smart, then be BOLD (or beautiful, depending on whether you can be seen or not.)

I clearly remember my last class with Paul – I was the total cheerleader on the outside but blue as Eeyore on the inside. Please, no accusations of being such a faker, but I just didn’t have the heart to tell the guy he was going to fail. So, as we were doing our final tactical review, I was mentally drafting my resignation letter.

Um... what was the question again?

To cut the long story short, Paul returned the following week to tell me he passed; HE MADE IT TO LEVEL 2!!! All my fears were for naught, so we did the dance of joy and had breakfast at my favorite café, Segafredo’s.

See what preparation can do for you?

Other points of preparation – your smile, your fitness and weight, your beauty queen wave, your tan (sorry guys, tans look better on stage), your walk, your teeth, oh drat, I should’ve talked about these things more than the Q&A!!! These are FAR more important!!! We’re talking about BEAUTY PAGEANTS HERE!!!

3)    Purpose. Yes, grrrrl, who cares about life? Go get a purpose!!! Rick Warren hit the nail on the cuticle when he wrote that book Purpose Driven Life a few years ago. There is nothing like a woman with purpose – except maybe a woman with an ax to grind (which is a type of purpose if you realllly think about it.)

I strongly believe that the best way to start discovering your purpose in life is to answer the question: What is my purpose in life?

It doesn’t get any easier than that. (Secret tip: Read/re-read the book I mentioned above Joan of Axe). When you can actually get past that with a decent answer then maybe… just maybe, you’re ready to wear that swimsuit and save the world!!!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

photos found on the ff websites:

http://www.made-in-china.com

http://www.superstock.com

http://www.carriehoffman.com

http://moviedearest.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html

Marie Razel Eguia wins Ms Phils Earth Air 2008!

Photo from Masrapido’s Flickr

NOTE: RUSSIA WINS MS TOURISM QUEEN INTERNATIONAL 2009. RAZEL EGUIA OF THE PHILIPPINES RECIEVES 2ND RUNNER UP IN THE EVENING GOWN COMPETITION.

Adventures of a Beauty Queen says BON VOYAGE to Marie Razel Eguia who left yesterday (Friday, Aug. 7, 2009) to represent the Philippines in the Ms Tourism Queen International 2009 in China.

Thanks to her manager John dela Vega, I had the chance to have a loooong late night chat with her on the phone, 2 days before her departure.

Razel took my call at past 10pm, even if she was totally exhausted with preparations for the Tourism Queen pageant. She was also nursing a sore foot after a painful fall the day before while shopping for groceries but insisted she was okay and that there was no need to worry.

A BACKGROUNDER ON MARIE RAZEL EGUIA:

Razel is the middle child of 5 siblings who were all born and raised in the lovely fishing port of Dipolog City. Her Father is a seaman and her mother, a businesswoman. Although she finished Accounting in college, she has set aside plans to take the CPA exam because it seems like God has taken her down another road…

She was first discovered while hosting an event in her college by none other than Dipolog Mayor Evelyn Uy who was very impressed by Marie Razel Eguia’s beauty and bright personality. Soon after, Razel received an endorsement from Mayor Uy to represent Dipolog in the Ms Earth Philippines Pageant 2008. According to Razel, a mayor’s endorsement is one of the ways to clinch a berth in the pageant.

Razel says it was never her dream to join a national beauty pageant, much less win one, so when she was proclaimed Ms. Philippines Earth Air 2008, her life CHANGED.  Instead of working towards becoming a CPA, she started working as an Account Executive for Carousel Productions, the group behind the Ms Earth pageant. Of course, she’s on leave at the moment to focus on the Ms Tourism Queen International 2009.

Stripey Razel Eguia

Photo from missosology.info

PAGEANT PREPS:

Marie Razel Eguia says her training and preparations for the pageant include Walking and Posing classes under Mommy Gee. Make-up and hair styling lessons from John de la Vega (just in case the stylists at the international pageant suck) and lots of fitting sessions with designers for her daily wear, evening wear and pageant costumes. According to Razel, her National Costume is a Renee Salud creation studded with bamboo sticks and skirted with banig material. Hmm… great combination – deadly weapons and a sleeping mat rolled into a gown; everything a pretty girl needs in battle!

As for Q&A practice, Razel says she’s going to wing it – she’s quite the talkative one and doesn’t seem to be worried by the dreaded Q&A segment which can make or break the career of any beauty contestant hopeful. But she does have a platform – proper waste management. An advocacy she picked up during her Ms Earth Philippines pageant.

I asked her if she was on a diet or exercise regimen and she laughed and said that there was no need for any diet as she is naturally slim. In fact, she NEEDS to eat and does A LOT of eating just to keep her curves from turning into straight bony lines. (Sigh… life just ISN’T FAIR!!!)

Marie Razel Eguia, stunning in a white bikini!

BRINGING DIPOLOG TO CHINA:

I wondered if Marie Razel Eguia would be taking anything special with her to the Ms. Tourism Queen 2009 pageant and she said yes; she’s bringing along a beautiful collection of jewelry made out of fish scales – a Dipolog specialty – for the pageant’s charity auction. She should’ve brought some of those spicy bottled sardines that Dipolog is famous for. Nothing like having your sardines while decked out in classy fishscale bling-bling. Wear what you eat, I always say!

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

Marie Razel Eguia is quick to point out that her bright personality is her strength. She describes herself as being very natural with a touch of naughtiness. Razel admits that her perkiness makes people think she is hard to control; she also tends to be a little bull-headed about doing things she doesn’t want to do. But she’s learning to cooperate: in the world of beauty pageants, hard-headed girls normally lose the prize.

One surprising admission from Razel is lack of confidence. For all her bubbliness and charm, she feels unsure of herself. In spite of that, Marie Razel Eguia doesn’t back down from challenges and is looking forward to giving her best at the Ms Tourism Queen 2009 where she will square off with 70 plus other lovelies from all over the world.

THE LOVE OF HER LIFE:

Most beauty queens prefer to keep thier private lives….  uhrm…  private.

But Marie Razel Eguia is refreshingly candid about her boyfriend Aldon Chris Uy (not related to Dipolog Mayor Evelyn Uy who discovered Razel) and says she is VERY proud of him (I’m kilig as I write, LOL!!!) He’s a San Beda graduate who finished an international finance course with a name so long that Razel couldn’t remember it!

Aldon courted her for two years, which is an eternity if you go by the standards of this generation. But poor Razel couldn’t say yes even if she had wanted to: they were in one barkada and she desperately wanted to avoid the complications of friends who couldn’t or wouldn’t understand. (Boooy, do I know what that’s like!) The wait paid off -  as you can see in this Friendster photo, Aldon and Razel are as happy as peas in a pod.

Want some icecream?

And although she’s going to miss Aldon a lot in the coming weeks, Maria Razel Eguia is totally focused and primed for the “funnest” battle of her life – The Ms Tourism Queen 2009.

We wish you the best Razel, may the FISHSCALES be with you!!!

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

VOTE FOR RAZEL HERE!!! The winner of the internet popularity contest automatically enters the semi-finals in the Ms Tourism Queen 2009!

The Official Ms Tourism Queen Website here!

NOTE: VENEZUELA WINS MISS UNIVERSE 2009. CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS…

Miss Universe 2009, the 58th Ms Universe Pageant will be held at the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas on Sunday, August 23, 2009. The reigning Ms Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela will crown her successor on that night. The Philippines will be able to watch the presentation of Ms Universe 2009 LIVE on Monday, August 24, 2009 on ABS-CBN Channel 2. The nation has high hopes for it’s candidate Bb Pilipinas Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo to bring home the crown this year.

This batch of candidates to the Ms Universe 2009 pageant have literally given me HIGH BLOOD because it’s just so hard to choose between so many beautiful ladies. As I was going through all the web interviews, I started feeling strange all over my nape, upper back and the back of my head. After a pitstop at the Marikina General Hospital, I was told my blood pressure was 130/90 which considered normal. But I think that that’s high for me because my usual BP is 110 over 70.

Well, there. Beauty can kill you. LOL!

And now for my TOP 21:

Philippines - Pamela Bianca Manalo

1) MS PHILIPPINES UNIVERSE 2009 – PAMELA BIANCA MANALO

After watching her video and seeing her on the catwalk I know we have a WINNER here. I love the way she speaks – with a very pleasant Filipino accent and I love it that she showed her heart during the web interview. She has vowed to bring the crown home to the Philippines but not without our prayers and faith.

Ms USA Universe - Kristen Dalton

2) MS USA KRISTEN DALTON

Kristen Dalton is wonderfully NOT irritating. She is a burst of sunshine, very natural and is very sweet to want to repay her parents for all the support they gave her. That’s SOOO Pinoy!!! Ms USA a shoo-in for the Top 15.

Ms Venezuela Universe 2009 - Stefania Fernandez

3) MS VENEZUELA STEFANIA FERNANDEZ

Because Venezuela is a Beauty Queen powerhouse I’m including Ms Venezuela Stefania Fernandez in my Top 21 but I was not satisfied with her web interview where she was super-likot. Her hands were flippin’ and floppin’ all over the place. If I were a fly, I would keep AWAY from her. But she’s a gorgeous babe so I’m more than willing to give her a chance.

Ms Vietnam Universe 2009 - Hoang Yen Vo

4) MS VIETNAM HOANG YEN VO

Ms Vietnam Hoang Yen Vo is a killer model. She can STAND STILL and it’d make your blood pressure rise. Although she doesn’t have that regal queenly look, I think she’s caught the eye of judges with her ability to look good on camera and on stage. I was expecting a bit more though with her web interview; she kept making this funny frown while speaking. But overall, I truly believe this Vietnamese chick is going to shine on August 23.

Ms Hungary Universe 2009 - Suzan Budai

5) MS HUNGARY SUZAN BUDAI

OMGoooolay, she just wore a t-shirt to her web interview (nearly all the girls wore snazzy outfits) and YET she was gorgeous. Sophia Loren to the MAX and even if I think her web interview was a bit lame I’m putting her on my list because she has the most beautiful laugh – something I have not yet been able to develop. I laugh like a deranged hyena.

Ms Iceland Universe 2009 - Ingibjorg Egilsdottir

6) MS ICELAND INGIBJORG EGILSDOTTIR

Ms Iceland is NO ice queen! She’s RED HOT LAVA!!  I much prefer her with her hair drawn back although I know that that’s not so fashionable nowadays. In my day, Filipinas confidently wore ‘pusods’ but the look has unfortunately grown old. Ms Iceland here looks so queenly with her hair pulled back; in her web interview she has this swirl of hair over her head and down her shoulders which kind of makes her look older than the photo above.  Pero winner pa rin!

Ms Ireland Universe 2009 Diana Donnely

7) MS IRELAND DIANA DONNELY

Oh this girl must have kissed the Blarney STONE!!!  And maybe even FRENCH KISSED it to death! She speaks naturally, with a lot of grace and is funny – as you can only expect from an Irish gal. Her photos are pretty but it’s something else to watch her in motion. I think the bookies who said she’d most likely win this year’s Ms Universe are on the ball with their predictions!

Ms Mexico Universe 2009 - Karla Carrillo

8) MS MEXICO KARLA CARRILLO

I mean, just look at her! Look at that SMILE! Those eyes that mesmerize…  Who cares if she needs to lower that high-pitched voice? Who cares if we’re allergic to bubbly? Who cares if she acts like she’s swallowed 5 cups of coffee? If she wins (and she might) then the first order of the day would be voice modulation classes.

Ms Nicaragua Universe 2009 - Indiana Sanchez

9) MS NICARAGUA INDIANA SANCHEZ

I’m hoping that she makes it into the Top 15 finalists but I think it will be a struggle to get into the Magic 5 with the competition she’s got in this year’s batch of Ms Universe candidates. Hoping I’m wrong because I believe this girl would make a perfect ambassadress.

Ms Albania Universe 2009 - Hasna Xhukici

10) MS ALBANIA HASNA XHUKICI

Do you like gummy smiles? I don’t. But Ms Albania Hasna Xhukici makes gummy smiles look fashionable!!! Check out her web interview on the official Ms Universe 2009 site and see for yourself!

Ms Australia Universe 2009 - Rachel Finch

11) MS AUSTRALIA RACHEL FINCH

Her beauty is SO Pinoy-friendly. Maamo ang face, and her Aussie accent is not over-the-top. I sense no airs in this lady who speaks so naturally. If I’m right, this one’s got a sunny disposition 24/7. Another lady who can carry that Ms Universe crown.

Ms China Universe 2009 - Jingyao Wang

12) MS CHINA JINGYAO WANG

Okay, I know she’s got too much forehead happening above her brow but it’s only because she’s got a lot happening up there. She is a wonderful speaker and in my book, she’s got one of the best web interviews among the Ms Universe 2009 candidates. I wouldn’t mind it at all if China finally won the crown after years of zero. They sent a KICKBUTT KUNGFU CHICK this time around!

Ms France Universe 2009 - Chloe Mortaud

13) MS FRANCE CHLOE MORTAUD

This lady is a political choice for me as she is half-black and a victim of racism in her own country. Obama won this year, so it would be awesome to have a lady who symbolizes change to win the Ms Universe title this year. But ‘world politics’ aside, Ms France Chloe Mortaud is a deserving candidate; her smile can melt the heart of the abominable snowman. She can talk his ears off too!

Ms Mauritius Universe 2009 - Anais Veerapatren

14) MS MAURITIUS ANAIS VEERAPATREN

I’d really like this lady to win for several reasons: she’s beautiful, she’s got a conscience (read my short article of her here) and she was the only candidate who started her web interview with a quotation. From Mark Twain pa! You can’t expect any less from someone who qualified for law school!!! Unfortunately, she looked years older in her web interview compared to the photo above; I’m hoping that it was just bad lighting and not so nice make-up because if there is anyone who can dispel the common belief that Beauty Queens are airheads, it would be Ms Mauritius Anais Veerapatren

Ms Bahamas Universe 2009 - Kiara Sherman

15) MS BAHAMAS KIARA SHERMAN

It would be unthinkable not to include the candidate of the host country in the Top 15. And I would harass Donald Trump online  for extreme ‘rudity’ if Ms Bahamas Kiara Sherman is left out of the semi-final circle. And even if the Ms Universe weren’t being held in the Bahamas, Kiara would still deserve a Top 15 spot because of her sparkling personality and her skill at playing hostess to the 82 other contestants in the Ms Universe 2009…   Okay… that entire last sentence was totally conflicting but you get my drift right?

Ms Colombia Universe 2009 - Michelle Rouillard

16) MS COLOMBIA MICHELLE ROUILLARD

She wasn’t in my original list of Top Picks because I was horrified at her decision to cut her looong lover-ly locks in January this year. I thought, naku, she won’t have that beauty queen look anymore so forget it. But when I saw her web interview I was saying, this girl could very well be the next Ms Universe! She’s just like Marilyn Monroe – able to carry short hair and make it look elegant and queenly. Her web interview was phenominal and I would’ve listed it as one of the best except that I just felt a little put off with her 3 wishes – they were all for herself. Hmmmmm….

Ms Honduras Universe 2009 - Belgica Suarez

17) MS HONDURAS BELGICA SUAREZ

This picture does NOT do justice to this DROP DEAD gorgeous girl. You MUST see her web interview to see what I’m talking about. In the photo above, she looks like a stiff with pretty make-up or a pretty stiff with make-up, whateva. I tried searching for nicer photos but no luck. Maybe she’s not photogenic in stills, but she shines like the sun when you see her move and talk and smile. The temptation is to just watch her interview and forget to listen. LOL!!!

Ms Nigeria Universe 2009 - Sandra Otohwo

18) MS NIGERIA SANDRA OTOHWO

I love to look at this dark brown beauty who is so honest about the one thing she wants most in the world: The Ms Universe crown! Although medyo kuripot siya sa smile in her web interview, when she DOES smile, what a transformation!!!  I love her eyes too, they are huge dark pools of African spirit.

Ms Switzerland Univerese 2009 - Whitney Toyloy

19) MS SWITZERLAND WHITNEY TOYLOY

Ooooolala! This one is half-black but AND 100% gorgeous. (SORRY GUYS, THE BUT WORD MADE IT SOUND RACIST, MY APOLOGIES, CHECK OUT THE COMMENTS SECTION.) Ms Switzerland Whitney Toyloy is young though – not even 20 years old; inspite of that, she’s got enough maturity to carry the Ms Universe crown and answers questions with the exuberance of youth tempered with the grace she has learned over the past several months as Ms Switzerland.

Ms Puerto Rico Universe 2009 - Mayra Matos Perez

20) MS PUERTO RICO MAYRA MATOS

Sweet. Bubbly. Boob-acious. And bright. I don’t know why, I just love her.

Ms Sweden Universe 2009 - Renate Cerljen

21) MS SWEDEN RENATE CERLJEN

Ms Sweden Renate Cerljen wasn’t in my original list of Top Picks. Maybe I  just had to watch her web interview which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was going to keep my list at 20 but something kept saying, add Ms Sweden…  add Ms Sweden…   add Ms Sweden.  J’en sais pas! But she is perky, pretty and…  um…    pulchritudinous. O, di va!??!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND NOW HERE IS MY LIST OF 11 12 DARK HORSE LADIES:

Ms Dominican Republic

(added Dom Rep after a few people chided me for not including her. She was originally in my shortlist but I wasn’t too happy with her web interview and so she dropped out. But I must have been so exhausted by the time I finished ‘studying’ all 84 ladies and overlooked her for my Dark Horse list. So I’m putting her in. She is GORGEOUS ha!)

Ms Belgium

Ms Thailand

Ms South Africa

Ms Norway

Ms New Zealand

Ms Malaysia

Ms Jamaica

Ms India

Ms Great Britain

Ms Estonia

Ms Czech

Haaaaaaay naku, I’m SO glad this whole picking and choosing is over. My apologies to all the other ladies for not picking them kahit maganda naman silang lahat. Sa heaven, lahat tayo Ms Universe. Dito sa earth, one Ms Universe once a year LANG!

Ayun.

And NOW, best wishes to our girl Pamela Bianca Manalo, may the Lord bless you mightily and may you live up to your NAME!!!

-by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

This FRINGE-Y Top by Lyle Ibanez is CLASSY!

Serendipity led me to today’s Philippine Daily Inquirer which features a LOVELY photo of me on the CATWALK!

It happened this way. We were up at the crack of dawn, a rare occurence for night owls like us, to bring my daughter to the meeting place for her college retreat. I brought some of my favorites from my harem of pillows and my mini-comforter and settled into the car for the long ride to UST.

On the way back home, we decided to break our fast (and our diet as well, hohoho) at a MacDo drive through. I have determined that the least unhealthy option on the breakfast menu is the Egg McMuffin minus the meat. So I had that AND a cappucino (thank God for McCafe, you can upsize the regular blah coffee to a cappucino or a latte, etc.) while the hubby got some pancakes.

As the lady at the drive-through counter handed us our orders, she gave us a complimentary copy of the PDI. After wading through the stories on the Hillary Clinton visit and Father Sinnot’s release from abduction, I saw my beautiful self in the Lifestyle section, page E1. The photo was part of a great article by Larry Leviste where he gives Tips on Plus Size Couture for the Holidays.

If you’re a Size 12 and above, you’ll pick up a LOT of pointers, so check the article out!!!

Here are a few more photos of my and my daughter’s plus-size modeling stint at the last Fashion Week:

Fringe CITY!!!

Diandra Zach, my one and only daughter, models for the first time together with me!

Wild ZebraWOOOMAN on the LOOOOOSE!!!

Joyce Burton Titular (me on the left) with my News Director and co-anchor Marigold Haber Dunca in Red. This is a sneak peek of our new set!

Please join us as we kick off the new RPN Newswatch today, Heroes Day, November 30, 2009 at 5:30pm

featuring special guest CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida!!!

Working as a TV presenter for Newswatch on Channel 9 IS A JOY!!!  Although I hate the daily battle through traffic just to get to Broadcast City, once I’m there all powdered up for the camera, I thank God for the privelege of being part of Newswatch, the longest-running TV newscast in the Philippines!

When I auditioned and got the job early this year, it was unbelievable – I did not think that I would ever return to TV newscasting after an 8-year stint with ANC and a 5 year hiatus from TV news. (Oh no! I’m hoping you’re not doing the math!!!) But the MORE exciting thing is that, under the leadership of our new CEO Tonypet Albano, NEWSWATCH is getting a big shot of caffiene in the arm so you can expect things to be ELECTRIFYING!

The new and revitalized Newswatch airs today, Heroes Day: November 30 at 5:30pm!!!

Here are just some of the changes:

1) The new program name: RPN Newswatch.

2)  The RPN Newswatch set design looks like something out of fashion week!

3) We have the lovely Reema Chanco who will dish out the Entertainment news. TRIVIA: Reema doesn’t know this, but I happen to be the voice of the CreamSilk Summer Shine TV ad that features HER and a couple other sporty grrrrls!

Reema Chanco, RPN Newswatch's newest member!

4) The program will no longer be a 30-minute newscast! It will be a one-hour gig starting at 5:30pm.

5) Our graphics are updated and flasheeee!

6) RPN Newswatch will now feature a segment called TeenWatch where we feature our Teen Reporters!!!

7) We will be less formal at certain points.

8) RPN Newswatch will now feature a live guest during the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night programs.

*****Basketball fans, worry not – we will continue to show your favorite games on Wednesday and Friday nights!!!

Efren Penaflorida CNN Hero of the Year 2009

Please join us as we kick off the new RPN Newswatch today, Heroes Day, November 30, 2009 at 5:30pm

featuring special guest CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida!!!

Left to Right - CEO and President of Globe Ernest L. Cu, Joyce Burton Titular (that's me) and one of the models at the Globe Lucky 0917 Party

Just a few weeks ago, I got invited to be the host at the Globe Lucky 0917 Party at the NBC Tent at the Fort. They gave away over 200 white Blackberry phones to show their gratitude to loyal subscribers who signed up with Globe from the very start and are still with them today!

Now hosting is something I both hate and love – I hate it because it stresses me out to be on stage in front of lots of people and I love it because it thrills me to be on stage in front of lots of people, LOLOL!

Anyway, this particular hosting job at the Globe Lucky 0917 Party was extra-special because I got to meet the lovely ibay Litonjua, a make-up artist who was kind enough to doll me up even if I wasn’t on her list of people to fix.

Make-up Artist Ibay Litonjua fixes up the blogging beauty queen! I love it when my make-up artist is pretty

Ibay Litonjua says creating is a great passion for her which she expresses through the artisty of make-up. She has always had a flair for it so while she was working as a flight attendant she found time to study make-up under Clinique. Ibay Litonjua developed her make-up skills further via personal expert training from a pro make-up artist from the London Make-up School during her long stays in London between flights. Add to this another course at the Make-Up Design Academy in Manila.

Ibay Litonjua now does make-up for weddings, fashion shoots, live events and the like.

Here are the things I liked about this make-up artist – she works REALLY FAST, she has this amazing way of being like a sister who cares, she looks like a model herself and she is verrry patient with questions about make-up techniques!

Joyce Burton Titular with make-up by Ibay Litonjua

And, you have to admit, Ibay Litonjua made me look uber-gorgeous in the Globe Lucky 0917 party!

I strongly recommend Ibay Litonjua for whatever make-up needs you’ve got! You can contact her at 0917.871.3498

And of course, if you need a gorgeous and smart host for a big party like Globe’s Lucky 0917 Party, leave a comment downstairs or email me at jaedeelight@yahoo.com!

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a DJ or newscaster but just didn’t know how to get that break? Maybe you already are in the world of broadcast but you just want to improve your skills. Or perhaps you’ve got the looks and talent to become a courtside reporter!

Well, here’s a great workshop to help you get stared on the right path this New Year’s: Noel Zarate’s Broadcast Performance Career in Broadcasting Workshop, a 5-day offering from January 26 to 30 at Fully Booked on Bonifacio Hi-Street.

The lecturers include:

Sports commentator Noel Zarate, Anchorman Sev Sarmenta, Sports Journalist Quinito Henson, ABS-CBN reporter Gretchen Malalad (who was Bb. Pilipinas Miss Talent 2002), The Good Night Show host Jojo Alejar, Sports Anchor Bill Velasco, ABS-CBN and Studio 23 Sportscaster TJ Manotoc (who is the son of Miss International 1970 Aurora Pijuan), and me – Joyce Burton Titular Anchor of RPN Newswatch aka the blogging beauty queen!

Middle - Noel Zarate... Clockwise from top left corner - Gretchen Malalad, Sev Sarmenta, Bill Velasco, Quinito Henson, Joyce Burton Titular and Jojo Alejar

I, myself, got into ANC after attending a newscasting workshop under Kata Inocencio who taught at Trumpets for many years. That was my first break into TV news and taking that workshop was one of the best decisions I ever made because it took my career to a higher level!

If you want attend Noel Zarate’s Workshop contact 0927.606.33.88 NOW! Check the poster below for more details:

Trix Yumul a.k.a Claude 9 chatting with me on Tomsilog, one of the programs on UST's Tiger Radio!

I had the honor of guesting this morning on Tomsilog, the A.M. show of UST’s Tiger Radio. What made this guesting EXTRA-SPECIAL for me was that the main host of the show Trix Yumul, AKA Claude 9 grew up listening to me and the gang at the now-defunct NU107. He says we inspired him so much that he pursued broadcast journalism!

Still can’t believe that we crazy DJs and newscasters at NU107 could actually affect one person so much that today he is in college radio and getting ready for a career in media when he graduates this March. Makes me love my job even more!

Click here to listen to Tiger Radio. But you’ll need Windows Media Player to hear it properly!

Anyway, let me publish parts of a letter Trix Yumul sent to me last year when NU107 closed shop; it’s one of the best letters I have ever recieved as a broadcaster…

Hi Miss Joyce,

I’ve been a follower of your blog for while now, and I’ve wanting to post/write this ever since, it’s just that I haven’t really found this much courage to do so, until I saw your post on NU 107′s closing.

I was introduced by my cousin to the station back when I was in 5th grade. You can say it was, well, a break from the typical fanfare I would hear on radio on the way to school. And because our bus driver didn’t want to tune in to NU early in the morning (maingay daw kasi), I actually resorted to bringing my old Walkman, just so I could listen to you guys.

Joey (of Zach and Joey in the Morning) and me. This was taken during one of the Rock Awards...

Then, time eventually took its toll and somewhere along the way I lost that zeal I had for listening to the radio, only to be revived in college, about 2 years ago when I joined my school’s media org. We started what is now UST Tiger Radio, and by God’s grace, I was appointed radio production head in its pilot year, and I’m ending my term with our programming going live just last sem.

Seeing your blog entry on the NU107 made me remember what it was like to be a kid, waking up really early just so I’d be able to catch all 3 hours of Zack and Joey, sleeping late Monday nights just to listen to Against the Flow, tuning in Friday afternoons to hear you, Ron T, and Tabitha wrap things up for the New Music Challenge, waiting for Francis Brew to play either a Razorback or a Barenaked Ladies song all week, all that stuff that made my NU-listening days the best part of my childhood.

What I’m trying to say in this message, really, is that it’s because of you, Ron T, Zack, Joey, and the NU airstaff I grew up listening to that I dreamed of doing it as a profession. You guys are the reason why I want to be in the industry so badly, and being able to practice it in school, as well as being an intern for an actual FM radio station, are steps that are leading me closer to the dream. Thank you so much for being the inspiration, and for being part of my childhood, too!

With respect and lots of admiration,

Trix Yumul

Trix Yumul (aka Claude 9), Me and Jordan Escusa my co-host on Against the Flow. This was taken in front of NU107 minutes before the station played it's Huling El Bimbo

I survived.

Even if my character, Queen Jocasta hung herself, I survived!

My debut as Queen Jocasta in Mel Magno’s stage presentation of Oedipus the King (starring Vince Ferraren as Oedipus) was a brave first-time-attempt at classical theater on my part. And if I can pat my own back, I think I did a decent enough job not to get fired, LOL!

It was an extra-special show since students from my Alma Mater Benedictine Abbey (now known as San Beda Alabang) were in the house to watch. Some of them came up on stage after the curtain call to have photos taken with the cast – a shoutout to all you Bedans from Alabang! Other university students in attendance were CEU, Arellano and a couple others. They were there as part of their English Lit class.

Here are a few photos of what transpired during my opening day as Queen Jocasta:

Bench Model Vince Ferraren as King Oedipus

The story begins with King Oedipus desperate to find the murderer of Laius, the previous king. He needs to find the culprit to avert a curse on his city of Thebes.

Playing the role of Oedipus, Vince Ferraren proves that he’s far more than just a pretty face and body. The guy CAN ACT. He acts so well that in the early stages of our rehearsals, his fierceness would stun me into forgetting my lines.

The Chorus which takes on the role of Narrator

These young men keep the story going, helping the actors tell the story and warning the audience that King Oedipus and his wife Queen Jocasta are on a dangerous path to doom. They alternate between chanting and singing their lines. Classic.

Loving this shot of one of the chorus members.

The cuties that make up the Chorus have their own fair share of fangirls.  During the curtain call, giggling girls in the audience swarm around them (not just Vince Ferraren) for photos. Ah, to be young and free!

Tiresias, the blind prophet, is played by accomplished stage actor Francis Cruz

Tiresias the prophet brings bad news. He says it was Oedipus himself who killed Laius! Oedipus is suddenly reminded of a wealthy stranger he killed on the road years ago due to an altercation – could this man truly be Lauis? Or is this blind prophet lying as part of a plot to remove Oedipus from the throne?

Actor Francis Cruz plays Tiresias (he alternates with Direk Mel Magno). FYI, Francis also played Queen Jocasta before I stepped in. And I imagine that my arrival is to his relief. It is not easy for a man to don a gown and heels, sport a head full of curls and wear false lashes with a tiara on his head but Francis is an excellent actor who can do all that AND make you forget that he’s a dude.

Mehran Khaledi plays Creon (in green), the brother-in-law of Oedipus and brother of Queen Jocasta

Creon is the one who brought in Tiresias the blind prophet in an effort to help his brother-in-law, King Oedipus discover the murderer of the former King Lauis. But Creon ends up being accused by the King of devising a plot to unseat him. They fight, and shout and do more fighting and shouting. And then they fight and shout some more, hehehe…

Mehran, the Persian actor who plays Creon might not physically measure up to Vince Ferraren’s 6’4″ frame but he delivers on stage with his powerful voice and presence. He has nice legs too. :)

Queen Jocasta (played by Joyce Burton Titular) shows up and tries to reconcile Creon and the King

Queen Jocasta shows up in the midst of their fighting and tries to patch up Creon (her brother) and Oedipus (her hubby). But to no avail. The two dearest men in her life continue to fight and shout even more. As you can see below:

Queen Jocasta, as if to protect the hulking King Oedipus from her shorter brother Creon…

It is a joy and honor to be playing Queen Jocasta in this particular offering of Oedipus the King! And working with these two actors – Vince Ferraren (in blue) and Mehran Khaledi (green) is a thrill. And a pain in the neck as well, hahaha! I have to keep these two angry beasts away from in each other at the height of their quarrel!! I did not realize that I’d be getting quite a workout in this play…

Queen Jocasta tries to soothe the anger of her King

Queen Jocasta: In God’s name, explain to me my Lord… what was it that made you so angry?

King Oedipus: Creon and his conspiracy against me, that’s what made me angry!

Queen Jocasta can’t take her hands off her handsome young King who is years her junior, LOL!

To you Vince Ferraren fans who are curious about how he works, here is what I have to say. First of all, he’s very thoughtful of his co-actors; when I came in midstream, taking the place of another actress who had to back out, he went out of his way to attend extra rehearsals for my sake. On stage, he allows others to shine, never trying to steal the spotlight.

Second, he makes me feel very safe even during the scenes when we are physically close. I am leery of male actors who try to ‘take advantage’ of their feminine counterparts but Vince does not fall into that category. He might look like a sexy demi-god in his Bench billboards but when he’s backstage with the cast, he’s like a kid having fun!

Thirdly, though he throws me around on stage once or twice, he is quite the gentle giant about it. He is quite good at making it seem like he hurled me violently on the ground. Love it!

I get to do my own monologue! Joyce Burton Titular as Queen Jocasta…

Queen Jocasta to the King: There is no human being born endowed with prophetic power. I can prove it to you — and in a few words…

Queen Jocasta tries to comfort the King who, after some investigation, begins to believe that the blind prophet was right. She urges him to ignore prophecies because they don’t necessarily come true. Jocasta revealed that an old prophecy once said that she and her former husband King Laius were to have a child who would kill the king and marry her. But it never came true, she claimed, because King Lauis had the child killed right after his birth.

I see the shadow of King Oedipus shadow behind Jocasta, but where is he?

My dear hubby Ron T. was in the front row taking photos of my debut as Queen Jocasta and he started taking interesting shots based on the shadows. In this photo above, it is as if King Oedipus has turned into a ghost; or perhaps his shadow ran off to be with mine?

Vince Ferraren does one of his many monologues as I emote-emote in the background, LOL!

King Oedipus is not comforted by the assurances of Queen Jocasta and continues to seek proof that he is not the killer of Lauis. He also divulges to her an old strange prophecy saying he is fated to kill his own father and marry his mother. Jocasta is stunned because it is the same prophecy given to her son years ago. Except in Jocasta’s case, they killed the baby boy… or so she thought…

One of the hardest things to do as an actress (at least in this particular play) is to stand in the background and react to whatever your co-actor is saying and doing. Someone should come up with an acting workshop devoted to just emoting!

Oh yeah, we all do our fair share of rolling on the ground…

King Oedipus, tormented by the blind prophet’s words refuses to be consoled or comforted. He begs Jocasta to send for a shepherd who may have information on how Laius died and who his killer was. The Queen, who reluctantly gives in, seems to sense the tragedy that is about to come.

King Oedipus finally interrogates the shepherd.

The truth finally comes out in bits and pieces as the shepherd tells Oedipus his true identity.

The slave and the shepherd reveal the painful truth to King Oedipus

These are the two oldest members of the cast above and they are simply amazing. They truly look like slaves when on stage (off-stage they look like wise men) and have turned the act of cowering-against-the-wall into an art form. I have NEVER seen anyone cower and quake as professionally as these two men.

As King Oedipus learns the horrible truth about his legacy, Queen Jocasta’s world starts to crumble around her.

Queen Jocasta cannot come to terms with the horrific truth that Oedipus is her son with King Laius. That Oedipus is the son they thought they had killed at birth. As she staggers away in tears, she makes up her mind that a quick death is the only way out of their shameful situation.

Oedipus tears off his clothes as he realizes just how pitiable he is…

After Oedipus realizes that Jocasta  is his mother, he finally realizes another terrible truth – that he is the killer of Laius. The prophecy was true! But it is too late; he finds his dear Jocasta dead by her own hand. Unable to handle losing her and the painful truth of who he is, Oedipus gouges out his eyes, doomed to be as blind as Tiresias and exiled from the city of Thebes forever.

Oedipus gouges out his eyes!

What a sad story, sniff, sniff. But at least it ends with Vince Ferraren tearing off his clothes. This moment never fails to get the loudest cheers from a shocked audience. Good-shocked, I mean. The female members give the loudest screams, I must add! For a moment, a verrry long moment, everyone forgets that Jocasta just hung herself as they all moon over Vince’s abs. AAHAAAHAH!

If you think that sitting through a 2-hour classical tragedy is like penance, this scene makes it all worth it. Vince strips down to his barest minimum and rages all over the stage as he recites his final monologue. He is in his full bloom in his final minutes on stage.

Though the story of Oedipus is depressing, seeing this beautiful half-naked man pour out his soul on stage helps lessen the sting of this most unhappy ending. And I say that with the same respect I give to all the beauty contestants I scrutinize in my blog.

Now that I have your attention, come and watch the next showing of Oedipus the King by Mel Magno in BAGUIO! On February 5, 2014, Wednesday, 2pm at the Baguio Convention Center. See you there!!!

The Baguio show is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances but the show will push thru on Friday, 7, 2014 in Bulacan, will be giving more details on that so stay tune!