Marian Rivera at Miss Philippines-Universe 2008!

The 2008 Miss Philippines (Binibining Pilipinas) Pageant was held tonight at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, and aired live simultaneously on GMA7, to choose who will represent the Philippines in the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2008 Pageant to be held this summer in Vietnam, as well as Miss World and Miss International 2008. It was a fantastic event hosted by Miss Philippines-Universe 1994 Charlene Gonzalez and Paolo Bediones. Marimar star Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo were the two celebrity judges at the pageant, who both received a thunderous applause when their names were called to ask the contestants their questions during the question and answer portion. We here at Filipino Cultured would like to congratulate the winners of the pageant:

Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - Universe: Jennifer Barrientos ( #7 )
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - World: Janina San Miguel ( #15 )
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - International: Patricia Fernandez ( #2 )
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - 1st Runner Up: Danielle Castano ( #8 )
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - 2nd Runner Up: Elizabeth Jacqueline Nacuspag (#18)

Mabuhay!Marimar star Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo
were the two celebrity judges at the pageant.

Chika Minute: Binibining Pilipinas 2008

Chika Minute: Bb. Pilipinas 2008 Preliminary Screening

Jennifer Barrientos, a 22 year old tourism student at the University of Santo Tomas, was crowned Miss Philippines-Universe and will represent our country this year at the international Miss Universe Pageant. The Binibining Pilipinas 2008 titleholders: (from left) Patricia Fernandez, Bb. Pilipinas-International; Jennifer Barrientos, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe; and Janina San Miguel, Bb. Pilipinas-World.

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Angel Locsin, Rubí telenovela remake!

ABS-CBN has bought the rights to remake Betty La Fea, and GMA7 bought Marimar and Rosalinda, and Filipino fans want
Angel Locsin to star in Rubí
Philippine TV shows and telenovelas are generally about a poor, impoverished girl who falls in love with a rich prince, and the poor, sweet girl suffers until she ends up with the prince in the end. But Rubí was different. You remember, Rubi the telenovela that showed on ABS-CBN on weekdays just 2 years ago and gained #1 ratings in it's timeslot, it was the worldwide hit that instead of the lead character being a sweet, virginal girl, was instead a busty, driven social climber. The reason why it captivated the world was because the lead character was not a bida, but a contrabida, in other words, the main character of the story is the villian, and she was Rubí. It was the first telenovela to have the entire story revolve around the villian instead of the "good girl". And the weird thing was, it made you feel like you were sinning just watching the show because you ended up rooting for Rubi and all the evil things she did to rise to the top, but that's also what made it so exhilirating to watch, and it was really provocative and erotic, hehe, especially in a conservative culture ruled by Catholic norms, to see a woman be so cunningly evil and sexy and to have that character be the lead role in a TV show instead of the typical virginal sweet girl that's usually the lead role, that was startling for most people, but it's also what made people watch, and also what garnered it the Best Telenovela of the Year Award for the 2004 TV y Novelas Awards, the most important awards show for the worldwide telenovela industry. The telenovela was deliciously evil, and it was amazingly fun to watch, I bought the official DVD pack, which is 6 double-sided dvds of the entire show. And speaking of which, for you Pinoys in the US, they're gonna start airing it at 12pm two weeks from now on Univision, which I'm also gonna record to DVD.
So I just saw this idea that someone had for Angel Locsin to star in a Rubi remake, and I have to say that that is an INGENIUS IDEA, and one of the best Philippine TV ideas I've ever heard in my entire life. Because Angel Locsin fits that role perfectly, I've always liked her in her movies when she played a kikay social climber, and that would be a fantastic role for her. Watch this video they made of the idea of Angel Locsin starring in Rubí:

But I was just thinking, it would be even more fantastic to see Kristine Hermosa or Marian Rivera doing Rubí as well. My God, that would be amazing and a guaranteed hit. But I doubt it will be made because Filipino TV is about fitting molds, and fitting actresses to "type", like an actress has a good girl image, they always make her the good girl in the shows, and if she has a bad girl image, they make her bad in the shows, which is BORING, and what makes people nasawa na of Filipino TV shows. Filipino TV networks should be innovative and try new things, so it's just an idea... But if it ever comes to fruition, you saw it here first on Filipino Cultured, and from the girl who made the video above.Marian Rivera on the cover of Manual magazine

By the way, RED is the hot color of the season in Hollywood that all of the celebs, from Tom Cruise to Paula Abdul to Katherine Heigl are wearing right now, and wore at the recent Oscars and in recent music videos, hence the abundance of red today on our page, because of course, our page is always up to date on what's hot at the moment, cause we know how to work it. So all you kikays, that's what you ought to be wearing now.

Sexy Pinay Cheska Garcia

Filipina actress Chesca Garcia is on the cover of 24/7 magazine, available for FREE at all newsstands in Metro Manila!
Chesca Garcia
Love is all around

If you're one of the thousands of men out there who have this big crush on this month's 24/7 cover girl, Chesca Garcia, the big news must have hit you like a tsunami not too long ago. Yes, it's true, she's engaged and all set to walk down the aisle this year. This petite beauty, who has been charming viewers on Studio 23's Us Girls, has been meticulously planning her wedding amidst the frenetic pace of her television work plus a new business she has set up with a friend. "So far, so good," she shares, adding, "It's so hectic and crazy!"

The 27-year-old did not just decide to take the plunge so heedlessly. Chesca smiles confidently, secure that she's got her man, "Doug's a really, really nice guy, " she says, of her fiance Doug Kramer, ex-Ateneo Blue Eagle heartthrob and now a mainstay at Air 21 in the PBA. Kramer has been Chesca's boyfriend for four years now.

“It's nice to have someone with whom I have the same wavelength but doesn't completely agree with everything I say, because that's boring if he always agrees with you and he's just be like a pet that follows me around. We were able to tell that we're very compatible. We encourage each other. More importantly, it's not so hard for me to picture or imagine a life with him. And I guess that matters, because sometimes, you tend to go out with someone—even if you love the person,, you still can't picture yourself giving up things for them, giving up certain aspects in your life. With him, I know that it's worth it.”

She explains further, “Ever since I got engaged, I've tried to stay home and try to be considerate to my partner. Doug doesn't like going out so much because his lifestyle's very different from mine. He's a basketball player so he needs sleep, a lot of rest, and healthy living. I, on the other hand, have an erratic schedule. I have late hours at work, then events where I like staying for a while and have a few glasses of wine. So ever since I got engaged, I try to shy away from things like that—just a bit,” she adds with a laugh. “I can just have wine at home.”

As much as we'd all like to think that love is enough, she continues, it's not enough to make everything right. “There are other things that come with it. You can love someone but if you're not ready in some aspects, it's not enough. You can't live on just love—you have to use your head. You have to be ready to give up things, and ready for a lot of changes coming your way. It's a lot of giving and a lot of taking.” One has to be prepared for a lot of things. And it seems like she is ready for the next step.

“Honestly, I just want to get it over and done with.” Chesca exclaims, “Can I just wake up and married already?” She laughs, and shrugs. There will be time for that soon, but until then she'll just keep herself busy--and in love.

Chesca's Top Picks:
Artist: Gwen Stefani
Getaway: Baguio
Drink: Chardonay white wine
Restaurant: People's Palace, Sala, Mcdonald's
Bar/Club: Martini's, Steady
Favorite Dish: Salmon

Marian Rivera , despite reports in the Philippine media that Dyesebel will be her next project, is still not talking to the public about her next project after Marimar. She just said, "Kung nagustuhan nila si Marimar, mas magugustuhan nila yung susunod dahil pambata nga yung gagawin ko."

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Quentin Tarantino Barong Tagalog

Here in L.A., I was watching the Live Golden Globe Nomination Awards Announcement TV special this Sunday morning on the E! Entertainment channel taking place just a few miles from my house, and I saw Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed director of a million Hollywood hits including Pulp Fiction starring John Travolta, announcing in what I thought was a barong tagalog (the national costume for men in the Philippines). But I wasn't sure, until I came across the Inquirer, and it was a barong, good God, Quentin, you rock my world.

Here he is wearing it previously during his trip to the Philippines, and in Ireland:

Quentin Tarantino wears barong in Ireland

09/26/07

DIRECTOR Quentin Tarantino must like the barong given to him on his recent visit to the Philippines.

The innovative filmmaker wore the barong at the premiere of his film, “Death Proof,” in Dublin, Ireland. He paired the Philippines’ national shirt with black and white athletic pants, the unusual combo he came up with when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Cinemanila Film Festival from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang, as shown in this file photo.

Quentin’s pants were drenched when he was forced to ditch his flood-struck limo and ride a pedicab to Malacañang amid heavy rain. So he had to change into athletic pants before receiving the award from GMA.

The ensemble must be comfortable — and he must have enjoyed his stay in the Philippines so much (he is a walking encyclopedia of the films of such Pinoy directors as Cirio H. Santiago and Eddie Romero) that he decided to bring a touch of Pinas all the way to Ireland.

Editor’s note: File photo showing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Quentin Tarantino at the Malacañang Palace in Manila courtesy of Agence France-Presse/Malacañang-PCPO

A ‘fun’ experience for Tarantino aboard a ‘pedicab

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 08:58pm (Mla time) 08/15/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) It was one “fun” experience famed American director Quentin Tarantino would take with him when he goes back to Hollywood: Riding aboard the only transportation that took him across the flooded streets of Manila Wednesday to Malacañang -- a “pedicab.”

"We were stuck out there," Tarantino told reporters later of his experience, referring to the downpour that stranded other vehicles on the road for hours.

Tarantino was with Filipino director Amable Aguiluz, who invited Tarantino to the Cinemanila International Film Festival.

Aguiluz said he and Tarantino got caught in traffic some two kilometers (1.2 miles) away from Malacañang where they were due to meet President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Tarantino, who was clad in a Barong Tagalog and a pair of pants that had stripes on the sides, said they were forced to take the pedicab -- "-- chauffeured bicycles with sidecars attached -- from a mall in Sta. Mesa up to the Palace sentry gate in Nagtahan where they managed to hitch a ride with a car that was headed for Malacañang.

The director of such movies as "Pulp Fiction" and the "Kill Bill" series apparently enjoyed the novelty of travelling on the pedicabs, which are normally used by Filipinos unable to afford other modes of transport.

"It was lots of fun, it took a long time but it was not bad at all," said Tarantino who waded through the flood wearing sandals.

Aguiluz, who arrived in a separate pedicab, said he had to buy shoes for Tarantino for the formal event scheduled at 2 p.m. but which started an hour late as Arroyo herself got stuck in traffic coming from two engagements in the morning.

Tarantino and European director Robert Malengreau were awarded by President Arroyo with lifetime achievement awards for their contribution to the film industry and for their support of Philippine cinema.

The sudden downpour flooded a number of areas in Metro Manila and caused heavy traffic in major thoroughfares.

Tarantino said it was his first time to ride a pedicab and to go through such flood.

Asked how he felt about it, Tarantino said, "That's the way it is." With Agence France-Presse

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/vi_443118.html

Protagoniza Tarantino tifón Sepat durante su presencia en Manila

EFE El Universal Manila Martes 30 de noviembre de 1999

Acudió a Filipinas a la novena edición del Festival de Cine Internacional Cinemanila, para recibir un reconocimiento durante la realización de ese evento cinematográfico

El director estadounidense Quentin Tarantino fue hoy el protagonista de la película que vivió en Manila como consecuencia del aguacero diluviano y el viento huracanado que originó el tifón Sepat. Mientras que los colegios permanecían cerrados y sólo los más valientes o despreocupados osaban a salir a las calles de la capital filipina, Tarantino tenía hoy un acto oficial en el Palacio de Malacañang con la asistencia de la presidenta del país, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Acompañado por el director de la novena edición del Festival de Cine Internacional Cinemanila, Amable Tikoy Aguiluz, Tarantino, vestido con el "barong" tradicional filipino, viajaba en un vehículo con aire acondicionado a la cita. Según la emisora de radio DZBB, las inundaciones provocadas por Sepat transformaron el tráfico en la capital en un caos insuperable para el vehículo preparado para carreteras adecuadas y recepciones oficiales que transportaba al director de Pulp Fiction (1994). Viendo que llegaba tarde, Tarantino y Aguiluz abandonaron el coche y se montaron en la "carroza" de los pobres filipinos: el "pedicab", una bicicleta con sidecar a la que no le entra agua en el cárter y que puede trepar a las aceras si llega el caso. Unas veces velocípedo y otras canoa, los dejó en el Palacio de Malacñang tarde y empapados, pero con la suerte de que la mandataria todavía no había comparecido. Así, Tarantino se presentó con el "barong" de vestir, unos pantalones de chándal, con los que sustituyó a los negros calados con los que había salido, y unos zapatos oscuros, según la citada emisora de radio. El director de Grind House: Death Prof. (2007), declarado un fan del cine asiático, llegó la semana pasada a Filipinas para recibir un premio en Cinemanila. mzr http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/fotos_gente/2007/08/16/index_1.html

TARANTINO CONTRA EL TIFÓN. El director estadounidense Quentin Tarantino fue este miércoles el protagonista de la película que vivió en Manila como consecuencia del aguacero diluviano y el viento huracanado que originó el tifón 'Sepat'. El cineasta tuvo que llegar empapado a una entrega de premios en una bicicleta con sidecar, el único vehículo que podía circular sin que le entrara agua en el cárter. Así, Tarantino se presentó con el 'barong' tradicional filipino, unos pantalones de chándal —con los que sustituyó a los negros calados con los que había salido— y unos zapatos oscuros. (Foto: AFP)

http://www.abc.es/hemeroteca/historico-15-08-2007/abc/Gente/el-tifon-sepat-monta-la-pelicula-a-tarantino_164393355104.html

El tifón «Sepat» monta la película a Tarantino

EFE/Manila

15-8-2007 17:10:17

El director estadounidense Quentin Tarantino fue hoy el protagonista de la película que vivió en Manila como consecuencia del aguacero diluviano y el viento huracanado que originó el tifón "Sepat".

Mientras que los colegios permanecían cerrados y sólo los más valientes o despreocupados osaban a salir a las calles de la capital filipina, Tarantino tenía hoy un acto oficial en el Palacio de Malacañang con la asistencia de la presidenta del país, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Acompañado por el director de la novena edición del Festival de Cine Internacional "Cinemanila", Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz, Tarantino, vestido con el "barong" tradicional filipino, viajaba en un vehículo con aire acondicionado a la cita.

Según la emisora de radio DZBB, las inundaciones provocadas por "Sepat" transformaron el tráfico en la capital en un caos insuperable para el vehículo preparado para carreteras adecuadas y recepciones oficiales que transportaba al director de "Pulp Fiction" (1994).

Viendo que llegaba tarde, Tarantino y Aguiluz abandonaron el coche y se montaron en la "carroza" de los pobres filipinos: el "pedicab", una bicicleta con sidecar a la que no le entra agua en el cárter y que puede trepar a las aceras si llega el caso.

Unas veces velocípedo y otras canoa, los dejó en el Palacio de Malacñang tarde y empapados, pero con la suerte de que la mandataria todavía no había comparecido.

Así, Tarantino se presentó con el "barong" de vestir, unos pantalones de chándal, con los que sustituyó a los negros calados con los que había salido, y unos zapatos oscuros, según la citada emisora de radio.

Assunta de Rossi Advertisement

Award winning Filipina actress Assunta de Rossi and actor Jon Hall together in underwear ad.

Richard Gutierrez Bench Pics

Richard Gutierrez, Shaina Magdayao, Gerald Anderson, and Rayver Cruz for Bench.

19th Century Filipino Fashion: Principalía

Costume typical of a family belonging to the Principalía during the late 19th century. Photo of exhibits in Villa Escudero Museum in San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines. Author: Sulbud.

Isabel Preysler returns to Philippines

Filipina journalist Isabel Preysler, better known to younger Filipinos as Enrique Iglesias' mother, featured in Hola magazine as she hosts and funds an Inno Sotto-designed fashion show at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel in the Philippines with proceeds going to homeless Filipino children in her home country via the Virlanie Foundation, for which she also got a large donation from the Amade Foundation headed by Princess Carolina of Monaco. Isabel is seated below next to Imelda Cojuangco.

Filipino Treasures Part 9: Tinikling

I used to be in a group that danced Tinikling, and it was the greatest experience of my life, and this traditional Filipino folk dance is so beautiful and at the same time so fun to dance to, and just fills you up with happiness and pride inside for your own Filipino culture. Tinikling is a Filipino treasure.

Tamara Falcó Hola Cover October 2007

Filipina fashion designer Tamara Falcó Preysler, daughter of Isabel Preysler, is on the cover of Hola Magazine for October 2007. The headline says: "Tamara Falcó Preysler, like a princess in Paris, exclusive photos and interview."

She was also recently on the cover a few months ago with her sister Ana Boyer, with the caption saying "The daughters of Isabel Preysler, Tamara and Ana, have inherited their mother's glamour, exclusive photos and interviews."

Tamara and Ana have visited the Philippines many times before during their childhood with their mother of course to visit their grandmother and other family members who still live there, one time was right after Miriam Quiambao's wedding when there was some social party or something like that in Manila, but I remember hearing it from Maurice Arcache, who is one of Isabel Preysler's friends from the Philippines. Isabel was introduced to Miriam Quiambo, who showed off her wedding ring to Isabel. And Isabel jokingly said, "See Tamara, if you get married, make sure your boyfriend gets you a ring like that."

Tamara is the 26-year-old CEO of the 2nd Skin Company, her own line of clothing and fashion for young women.
I don't know why none of the TV networks in the Philippines ever do interviews with these girls or at least cover them in the media, they do stories with WWE wrestlers like Bautista (who I like and respect cause he's a nice guy) and simple contestants of some stupid dance show like ABC's Dancing with the Stars like that annoying Cheryl Burke with her hideous hairstyle, and interviews with Filipino contestants of reality shows like American Idol or So You Wanna Dance, but a Filipina CEO of her own clothing company, and she's only 26, doesn't even faze them. I guess a wrestler and dance/talent show contestants are more important than a Filipina CEO of her own company. Hmm...

Kapamilya Pics

Digital photographing around with those ABS-CBN stars Anne Curtis, Shaina Magdayao, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Sam Milby, and Say Alonzo of Pinoy Big Brother fame.

Gerald karaoking around with Mikki.

Sexy poses from Anne Curtis and Sam Milby.

Shaina Magdayao's self portrait.

Kim Chiu and Sam Milby.

Filipino showbiz is kind of shallow sometimes, it's kinda sad really, how you can be hot one second, and a few seconds later, your career is over, the people forgot you, your contract isn't renewed, and everybody's moved on to the next new young star.