Notes from a pageant judge

ALLISON Harvard (left) and Phoemela Baranda

At the Bb. Pilipinas coronation night on Sunday, Korina Sanchez stood out in the panel of judges. I told her that she looked regal in her outfit.  She shared her post-pageant thoughts with me. Rated K for Knockout!

“I enjoyed this, my first time to judge a beauty pageant.  So many contestants this year can compete internationally. Confidence is crucial; sense of humor is a big plus, too.

“We should let the candidates choose what language or dialect to use [in the interview portion]. Intelligence is not measured by the language a person speaks.”

Going organic

Since I’ve always been a night owl, it was a welcome break to attend the soft opening of Detoxify Bar’s new branch in Tuscany, McKinley Hill (Taguig City). A booze-free party, for a change!

It is the first all-organic juice bar in the country. Spotted at the launch were fab couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero (with Aubrey’s son, Hunter), “America’s Next Top Model” finalist Allison Harvard, Phoemela Baranda, Joey Generoso and wife Girlie, Ara Mina and beau Patrick Meneses, Diana Zubiri, Roxanne Barcelo and boyfriend Will Devaughn, Regine Tolentino and hubby Lander Vera-Perez,  Francine Prieto and the Ateneo Blue Eagles volleyball stars.

Husband-and-wife Paul and Joy Torres are behind this venture.  “Detoxing is here to stay,” Joy said.

Summer is here! JUICE do it! (www.detoxifybar.com)

Sidelights

At the party, I teased Aubrey and Troy that they should give Hunter a playmate already. The couple admitted they wanted another baby soon.

Troy loves Hunter like his own. Troy jested that Hunter wanted to have two girlfriends. What a cool family three!

I asked Ara and Patrick about getting hitched. “Maybe next year,” Ara said. “I keep telling Pat na kahit saka na ang engagement ring basta mag-propose na siya,” she said.

YASSI Pressman and Andre Paras in “Diary ng Panget”

“We are in no hurry. I’m sad that I had a miscarriage last December, on my third month then. Maybe it wasn’t time.”

To prepare for married life, she is running her own business, her own line of beauty products dubbed Ara’s Secret (www.arassecret.com).  “When I get married, I still want to have my own income,” she explained. “My products are doing well. I have resellers in Japan and in the Middle East.”

Ara’s glow is courtesy of her products and Patrick as well.

Hard-court cutie

Andre Paras is following in the footsteps of his father, Benjie, who moved from the basketball court to the silver screen. Andre is making his debut in the novel-turned-film “Diary ng Panget.”

Here’s Andre:

What’s your advice to plain-looking guys on wooing a girl?

All guys have their own appeal. But confidence makes a big difference. Believe in yourself and the rest will follow.

Is the movie faithful to the book?

They are both funny. There are some twists and turns in the movie that the audience will surely enjoy.

What’s your dad’s advice about show biz?

Just to be myself, have fun, and not to mind people trying to pull me down.

What will make you fall for a girl?

I like girls who respect their parents and put studies or careers before romance.

Dueling divas

To all my readers in the United Arab Emirates, catch Angeline Quinto and Sheryn Regis in “A Night with the Ultimate Divas Live in Concert” on April 4, 8 p.m. at Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink Oud Metha, Dubai (for tickets: 050-9001897 or [email protected]). It’s mounted by Pro-Live Events. Also, 10 percent of ticket sales will be donated to Larry Castro who will undergo surgery.

Personal

Merci beaucoup to my übercool friend/PLDT’s bright boy, Gary Dujali, and to the pinakaguwapo na  Sotto (move over, Bossing and Tito Sen), Maru, for such a fabulous Saturday night at Buddha Bar.