MISS World Megan Lynne Young learned the Maranao dance “singkil” in five hours. ROMEO GACAD/AFP
Megan Young’s victory as Miss World 2013 could not have come at a better time. It’s a welcome adrenaline shot for the image of our beleaguered country abroad.
Never mind that CNN flashed a report saying Megan “hails from the United States.” Megan is more Pinay than American. The last time I saw her was on a location shoot in Albay for TV5’s recently concluded miniseries, “Misibis Bay.” We teased her about rumored boyfriend Mikael Daez. She neither confirmed nor denied anything. But her girlish blush and giggles said it all.
Here are some Bali anecdotes about Megan shared by her mentor Jonas Gaffud, head of Aces and Queens, with the Inquirer. Jonas also mentored beauty queens Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Venus Raj, among others. (He really has an eye for winners!)
Megan was one of the last candidates to arrive in Bali, Indonesia, where the competition was held last Saturday. Her arrival was not covered by media because she planed in at around 2 a.m.
Before her flight, she got to practice her “singkil” dance for only five hours, yet she was able to join the “Dances of the World” number.
She did not go on a strict diet in Bali. She simply picked the right kinds of food. Her close friends during the pageant were Malene from Denmark and Michiko from Japan. The three of them are called “3M.” She also became close to Miss Guyana.
As her first Miss World function, Megan had a photo shoot with Garuda Indonesia (counterpart of Philippine Airlines).
She was pulled out halfway through the ceremonial ball because the UK press wanted to interview her.
Congrats, Megan! Change everyone’s “world” for the better!
Primetime King
DINGDONG Dantes
GMA 7’s Primetime King Dingdong Dantes will enthrall viewers once again via his coming serye “Genesis,” premiering on Oct. 7. It’s drama, sci-fi and action rolled into one engaging series. The versatile actor can definitely pull it off seamlessly.
What’s “Genesis” about?
It’s the story of mankind pushed to the wall because all that we have will be gone soon. What makes it more compelling is how it proves that love endures till the end of time—love for family, for one another, and for the country. Just like my love for Marian, my colleagues, my family and mga Kapuso.
Describe your relationship with Marian at this point.
In a world where the demand for our individual commitment to the arts is high, I am grateful that we complement and inspire each other.
What would you do if you were in the shoes of the actors/politicians implicated in the pork barrel scam?
I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.
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PERSONAL: Thanks from the bottom of my heart to Ryan, Dustin and Patrick Chan—the “Dynamic Brothers” behind my fave sanctuary, The Bellevue Manila and Bohol, for a heavenly birthday weekend in their hotel in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang (www.thebellevue.com.ph). Thanks also to their efficient manager, Jose Mari Ouano, for his kind assistance. Check out their 10th anniversary promo packages and see what I mean.