Visiting the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, South Africa

Sex-change Women Allowed to Enter Miss Universe

Image courtesy of www.missbonaire.com

Donald Trump's Miss Universe contest on Tuesday threw open its doors to transgender models, allowing men who have had a sex change the chance to be crowned the world's most beautiful woman.

The transgender contestants will be able to strut their stuff in the international beauty championships starting in 2013, while pioneering sex-change model Jenna Talackova will be allowed to take part this year, said gay and transgender rights organization GLAAD.

"The Miss Universe Organization today follows institutions that have taken a stand against discrimination of transgender women including the Olympics," said Herndon Graddick, a spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

"At a time when transgender people are still routinely denied equal opportunities in housing, employment and medical care, today's decision is in line with the growing levels of public support for transgender people across the country."

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said on GLAAD's website: "We have a long history of supporting equality for all women, and this was something we took very seriously."

The reversal of longstanding policy followed a campaign by Talackova, a statuesque, blonde transgender model from Canada, who says she underwent surgery to become a woman because she was born in "the wrong body."

The Miss Universe organization, owned by flamboyant and controversial real estate magnate Trump, cited a rule that contestants, who appear before judges in a variety of gowns and skimpy clothing, must be "naturally born" women.

Backed by GLAAD and celebrity feminist lawyer Gloria Allred, Talackova took on the system, arguing, as Allred said, that "she did not ask Mr Trump to prove that he is a naturally born man. Or to see the photos of his birth to view his anatomy to prove that he was male."

Talackova, 23, underwent her sex change operation when she was 19 and is identified on her Canadian passport as a woman.

Miss Universe gave in last week, saying it would "allow Jenna Talackova to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant provided she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions."

Tuesday's announcement saw that ruling expanded to include all transgender beauty hopefuls.

Miss Universe is "close to finalizing" the wording of the new policy but it "includes transgender women in time for the start of this fall's 2013 pageant season; a time when most of the competitions around the world begin to take place."

The entry of transgender contestants does not actually mean that any woman can vie for the crown. Not only must hopefuls be between 18 and 26 years old, one major taboo remains: motherhood.

"No, contestants may not be married or pregnant," the missuniverse.com/missusa website says.

"They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to, or parented, a child. The titleholders are also required to remain single throughout their reign."

The 2011 Miss Universe winner was 25-year-old Leila Lopes, Miss Angola, who told judges she was so beautiful she "wouldn't change a thing," but her best trait was her "inner beauty."

Source: Yahoo News Philippines

Exploring Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria

Kruger Museum

Voortrekker Monument

A

Andries Pretorius

Union Buildings

The Grouchy Smile

Image courtesy of www.clipartof.com

Despite her huge success, this singer/actress/in-demand endorser (SA) has always been known to be a smiling, sweet and grounded kind of girl. An attitude so rare in the industry where stars behave like Gods and Goddesses at the mere inclusion in a movie or teleserye.

Apart from her fans who are of her age, SA has also a huge following among mothers as they see in her the epitome of a model-daughter - obedient, respectful and devoted to family.

But unknown to most, being a very passionate artist that she is, SA has also her share of "diva mode." In one of her US concerts, a talented and pretty homegrown half-Pinay singer (HS) was one the performers. After knowing that she'll be sharing the stage with HS, SA put her foot down and made her requirement clear that she should not be doing a number with talents like her.

The production people were shocked, yet had no choice but to agree to the whims of suddenly-demanding SA. They soon realized that rumors about her are true after all: that inspite of her big status, SA has unexplained insecurity.

Is SA's behavior brought about by her self-admitted plain looks when put side-by-side with other pretty performers? Your guess is as good as mine.

Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Mean and Maarte

Image Courtesy of www.zazzle.com

The talents of a network were invited to grace the festivities of a province in the south sometime ago. Since they were early for their show, they went around town. They dropped by a patisserie and later, checked out a store selling flip-flops. The onlookers kept their distance and smiled at the talents. When a starlet (S) from the group stepped out, an elderly woman called to her in a friendly way. S did not even bother to respond. The other fans did not bother to call her attention as they saw S was smirking. She walked straight as though no one was around her. Surprisingly, when the bigger star (B) and the beautiful talent (T) stepped out, they greeted and smiled the people waiting for them outside the store. B and T even slowed down to talk to some of the people in the crowd.

A building administrator approached and invited S to show her what else was at the second floor. S walked by and said she did not have money. Then, a woman asked if she could have a picture with her, S rolled her eyes, sighed loudly, and grudgingly agreed. The child of the elderly woman whom S ignored said she and the rest of her town mates used to like S but they have changed their minds after witnessing her rudeness.

Do you know who S, B and T are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Sweet on Cam

Image courtesy of www.crazyloveweddingcake.blogspot.com 

Sometime ago, famous mother (FM) hosted a party for her daughter. Prior to the party, FM invited members of the press. There were prepared messages and a Q&A afterwards. As giveaways, the reporters saw a stack of little boxes that contained small versions of the birthday cake. As the press con was wrapping up, a waiter informed the reporters that they could start getting their boxes and they did. At that point, FM was still seated in another table with senior reporters.

One of the reporters who got a box earlier saw that FM was smirking and figured out that FM was making nasty remarks about their getting of the little cake boxes ahead. That one reporter stood up and returned his box to the stack. He could not take the insinuations coming from the snobbish attitude of FM. When a veteran reporter saw the returned cake, she stood up and brought back the said box to the one who returned it. The veteran reported tried to manage the crisis but it was too late as the reporter already felt insulted and said he would not have taken one if the waiter had not told them. The image of M is indeed contrary to the sweet image her fans adore. It seems that FM would not really let small incidents just pass by.

Can you guess the identity of FM? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Misbehaving Actor

Image courtesy of www.downeu.net

In a province north of Manila, some townsfolk saw this actor (A) buying some drinks at a convenience store late at night. His presence made them think that there might be a shooting nearby. They watched him get into his SUV and since the vehicle was moving slowly, they followed on foot. To their surprise, the SUV stopped next to the Church. They hid as they felt something fishy might be going on. Then, they saw that A had a woman with him in the SUV. Both transferred to the back of the SUV and did it. The townsfolk were so disgusted with the behavior. A did not even bother to get a private room and had to do such an act within the grounds of the Church. 

Can you guess the identity of A? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Stubborn Director

Image courtesy of www.mrmen.wikia.com

Boyish director was asked to direct a commercial for a particular type of food. The client was not satisfied with the last few frames because the product did have a strong-enough brand registration. Hence, the client requested for a reshoot of the last frames. However, the director insisted that the commercial was good enough. The client persisted but the director stood up, left, and ate his meal. The client was appalled because they were still in the midst of brainstorming. Feeling he was treated discourteously, the client left the shoot and vowed never to work with the director again. It’s either the director was purely stubborn or merely wanted to exercise his creative license.

Can you guess the identity of this boyish director? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Correcting a Major Faux Pas

          Image Courtesy of www.designboom.com 

                             
Sometime ago, Aesthetics Specialist (AS) gave an expensive branded bag to a talent manager (TM) out of goodwill. TM has a stable of talents who are/were part of the business of AS. Upon seeing the bag, TM commented that it was a very good replica and soon enough, AS got wind of what TM said. To save face and avoid further embarrassment, AS immediately went to the local store that sold the real thing, bought one, and sent it to TM. Since AS bought the first bag from a flight attendant, AS thought it was genuine. AS, of course, had not yet realized that TM has one of the sharpest eyes when it comes to high-end bags.

Do you know who AS and TM are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Diligent Discovery

Image courtesy of www.lifewayvbs.wordpress.com

This reality show discovery (D) seems to be having a better career these days. Upon transferring, D was immediately fielded into various teleseryes and she was able to gain some following. Her other claim to fame is that of having a relationship that was confirmed only when it ended. For a time, D was never publicly  acknowledged by her matinee idol boyfriend. In contrast, her current relationship with a fellow actor is out in the open. In between takes, D is studying to be a pastor. People in the studio have noticed that D is diligent when it comes to studying the Word. It seems D is into life-long learning. After all, D is one personality who can say that she can fly.

Can you guess the identity of D and the past and present men in her life? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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No Typical Elevator Habit

Image courtesy of www.fotolia .com

This tv host/actress (HA) knows too well that she isn't pretty, as in "movie star" pretty. She had previously gone under the knife but she denies it to death. Being so vain and full of herself, she takes great pain to conceal or at least soften her physical flaws especially before the camera and in front of people she meets daily.

In her weekly tv show, you'll notice how conscious HA is of her looks and constantly checks her camera angle. She maybe a comedian, too, but people who know her vouch for her big attitude problems and a weird habit.

When you happen to share an elevator ride with HA, especially when it is full, she would always hide her face from the other passengers by turning her back and facing the wall. She stays in that position until she reaches her desired floor. After which, she looks straight out as if she's not seeing anything and anyone. Then, she hurriedly heads out and leaves the other passengers bewildered.

Who know who HA is? What could be the reason for her weird elevator habit? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Always Disdainful, Overbearing, and Proud

Image courtesy of www.wordpandit.com

In showbiz, most responsible stars and celebrities know only too well that behaving badly in public is 10 times more magnified, as when they do otherwise. They therefore try as much to remain proper and treat people right, as they owe their status to their viewing public. But this tv host (TH) just wouldn't care - being nice is just not her cup of tea.

At a recent exhibit where TH participated, she turned off some people who witnessed just how snooty she was in person. She was looking at a booth of a co-exhibitor when a pretty staff politely and smilingly approached her to say something related to the exhibit. TH just looked at her, then rudely brushed her aside and walked away. People who witnessed were shocked. The poor girl was so embarrassed.

Do you know who TH is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Stingy Actor

Image courtesy of www.georgewatts.org

A driver of a hunk actor (H) resigned from his entourage citing the extreme thriftiness of H. The driver cited the low pay and the lack of holiday and overtime pay. It seems that the pockets of H might be as stiff as his acting assignments. Incidentally, a relative of the driver does the laundry for the family of H who are residing in a province. Sadly, the laundry woman only gets P300 regardless of the numerous clothes given to her. From the amount, she has to pay for her transportation as the family lives far. 

Can you guess the identity of H? Does his nickname have something to do with his being stingy? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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I Quit

  Image courtesy of www.bobbiemel.com

Veteran host actress (VH) apparently did not leave her show quietly in contrast to the press releases as to why she left. VH got fed up with the way her show was running. She walked out, said she does not want to continue anymore, and declared, “I quit!” The production said that VH was very meticulous with the script and would request rewrites, even of the idiot board. The only thing lacking was her interference in the plugs of the show. VH can be such pain, according to the staff. However, the fact that VH is part of a religious group can have something to do with how she wants the show to flow. Besides, such a show demands so much from the host and very few hosts are cut to deal with such a format. Unlike her other shows that ended when she quit, her show is continuing with the network experimenting with younger actresses as hosts.

Can you guess the identity of VH? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Off to South Africa

Ungraceful Gallops

Image courtesy of www.graffitine.com

In one of the concerts of this host comedian (H), the audience did what was expected. They laughed at his corny jokes and did not mind the repetition. H was able to entertain the audience as usual. Then, the production staff started to sense that H was going to do something different just before the closing number. He insisted on performing a song that was not in the guide flow of the show. Hence, it would affect the coherence of the program. H said he told someone in the production earlier that he wanted to sing a song for his grandmother. Of course, the production people doubted this excuse. They knew he was just being hardheaded and wanted to get his way done. Much to their dismay, H got his way this time.

In another incident, just before the taping of his show, H started vomiting and complained that he was not feeling well. H asked to be rushed to the hospital and the taping was packed up because of his “sickness.” The production team was very upset because the setup cost almost one million and the show had already scheduled a guest artist. One of the higher ups decided to investigate secretly. H has a reputation of going on a gimmick on the eve of a workday and disregarding the call time for his daily show. The investigation revealed that H was indeed out the whole night before the taping. Now, the head wants H to shoulder the cost of the wastage of the resources caused by his irresponsible absence.

It’s not all the time that H can ride into the sunset. Do you know who he is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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The Off Price Show

Guess Who are Wearing Michael Antonio Contest

1. ___________________________

 2. ___________________________

3. ___________________________ 

 4. ___________________________

5. ___________________________

6. ___________________________

 7. ___________________________ 

To join the contest:

1. Guess the names of the 7 celebrities in the photos.

2.  Email your name, mobile number and answers (numbered accordingly) to michaelantoniophils@gmail.com with Michael Antonio as the subject line. Each email address is entitled to one entry.

3. The deadline of submission is on April 7, 2012 at 11:59pm (Manila time).

4. Emails with all 7 answers correct will be raffled to determine the 5 winners.

5. Each winner will receive a P4,000 Michael Antonio gift certificate (good for 1 pair of MA shoes) .

6. Contestants may go to the http://www.facebook.com/mantoniophil for clues.

Eccentric Behavior

Image courtesy of www.city-data.com

In a concert, music icon (M) and girlfriend (G) were spotted in a corner getting physical with one another. M noticed that cameras were pointed at them. He requested the camera people not to show on TV any footage of him and G. M said he did not want other people to know who was with him in the concert. The people found this strange because he and G are publicly acknowledged as a couple. However, they were too chummy that night and onlookers had comments, such as “get a room.” Another angle has it that M is also seeing a fashion personality (P). P has denied any involvement with M but she is known for making denials, anyway. 

Do you know who M, G and P are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Letter from a Reader: Fierce and Fashionable?

Image courtesy of www.diytrade.com

Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am a regular reader of your blog. I find your blog a "complete package" as it is not just about showbiz stuff, but you also write about inspiring stories of ordinary people. And there's social responsibility, too, as you also address consumers' rights by providing them space in your blog. If only for that, I thank you, Fashion Pulis.

Anyway, I would like to relay to you a story about an American clothing retailer in the Philippines (AR) with several branches worldwide. I came to realize that its Philippine branch seems to be duping its local clientelle.

My teenage kids and I are regular shoppers at AR. Aside from the shop's cool interior, we also like the trendy and hip designs of its varied collections. Although prices may not really be cheap, but the thought that we're buying quality is enough to justify the cost. As they say - quality has a price.

But lately, we are often disappointed to find out that quality ceases to be AR's major turn-on anymore. Slowly we are getting suspicious of their products. To be honest about it, we did our own investigation to satisfy our curiosity and disgust. And lo and behold, what did we find out?

Some of AR's merchandise are not originally made in USA. For one, we found out that some of its fashion accessories are just copied/outsourced from a major local retailer, stamped with AR's name and then sold at double, and more often, triple the price. What a big let-down!

The (mal)practice is real. But if not addressed properly, the damage will even be greater. With competition in the industry getting intense, this is the last thing that AR needs. As they say in business - it takes years to build a good reputation, but only minutes to ruin it.

Yours truly,
A. Salvador

Jessica Sanchez: Sweet Dreams

Watch Your Back

Image Courtesy of www.istockphoto.com

Some reporters went on a set-visit. One reporter (R1) saw a friend (R2) in the set and shouted, “Bakla!” to call the attention of his fellow Becky. Coincidentally, this singer (S), who is rumoured to be in the closet, was walking towards another reporter when R1 hollered. R2 looked at where R1 was and to their surprise, even S turned around. When S realized what he did, he glared at R1.

Incidentally, S and a good-looking talent (G), whose tagline includes the city where he grew up, are getting along well. S is so into G that he allows G to bring his straight friends to make their meetings look like a group gimmick. Hence, anyone who sees them would think it is nothing more than an innocent boys’ night out. However, only after everyone has left, does the real date begin. As to where S and G go for their private moment, we can only surmise.

However, there’s more to this. S is still involved with someone who works in an airline (A). It seems that S is dating G on the side. Moreover, there is already some suspicion that S brings G to the house A maintains.

No wonder S can really hit those high notes! Do you know who he is? How about G? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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Shirley Lam on Women's Health

Congratulations to My Thinspiration, Shirley Lam! I posted her inspirational story on Fashion PULIS last November 2011. Since then, she has already been featured on several magazines and TV shows. I hope her story continues to inspire more readers. 

Forgetting His Lines

 Image courtesy of www.clker.com 

This endorser (E) is proud that he is the current image model of the latest product line of a fast food chain. What makes him prouder is that he even sang the jingle of the TV commercial. During the press launch of the TVC, E was asked to sing the jingle. E left the audience speechless because he lip-synched his song! The sad part was that many noticed that E was mouthing off incorrect lyrics. Some were feeling pain in watching E because other than his inability to master the song, the owners of the country’s franchise were in the audience. It was not the best time for E to embarrass himself because people in the industry know that the franchise owner is musically gifted.

After the incident, the audience hoped that E would be better prepared in his next events. He cannot survive in the business only out of his cuteness factor.

Can you guess the identity of E? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

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