Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top Stories Philippines 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="759" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" title="Top Stories Philippines 2017" /></a></div><br />Take a look as The Summit Express made a lowdown of the top 10 stories that made headlines this year (in chronological order):<br /><br /><b>1. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/01/list-of-winners-miss-universe-2016-coronation-day-live-updates.html" rel="nofollow">The 65th Miss Universe Pageant held in the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila</a> (JANUARY 2017)</b><br /><br />In a memorable event in the pageant community, the Philippines became the venue of the 65th Miss Universe pageant. It is the third time that the country hosted the event.<br /><br />On January 30, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Manila lit up for a night of glitz and glamour. Beauty queens all over the world gathered to witness the crowning of a new Miss Universe queen.<br /><br />Our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to the new Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France. It had been 63 years since France won in the competition.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" title="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere. Photo Courtesy: Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Philippine bet Maxine Medina had wowed the judges and had the loudest cheers from the crowd. Medina placed in the top 6.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The presenters were Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham. Harvey took the time to make jokes about his last fiasco with our Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" title="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6. Photo Courtesy: Philstar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You can watch the announcement of the 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere,<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4dLlVcrJiFE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>2. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/02/rtc-orders-arrest-of-sen-de-lima-lp-senators-react.html" rel="nofollow">Arrest of Senator Leila de Lima</a> (FEBRUARY 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" title="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords. Photo Courtesy: Inquirer</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A staunch critic of President Duterte, Senator Leila de Lima was allegedly involved in illegal drugs. The senator was allegedly connected and received “protection money” from drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison. It took 5 months of investigation and witnesses including her alleged lover/driver, Ronnie Dayan that eventually led to her arrest.<br /><br />It was on February 17, that the court charged De Lima in violation of Section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the "sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of illegal drugs."<br /><br />De Lima vehemently denied the allegations. The senator claimed that the President is out to get her for her previous call to investigate on extrajudicial killings in Davao City when Duterte was a mayor.<br /><br />Charges were dropped against Bilibid "drug lords” Herbert Colanggo, Engelbert Durano, Vicente Sy, Jojo Baligad, and Peter Co after testifying against De Lima. The Liberal Party called this unacceptable and claimed their testimonies were only made under duress. <br /><br />On February 24, Senator De Lima surrendered to the PNP for her arrest. She made a strong statement that the allegations were lies and she has faith in God. She said, “It's my honor to be jailed for the principles I am fighting for.”<br /><br />Here’s the presscon that Senator De Lima held just before she was arrested:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6xPmJLKNb0?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>3. 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits held in Manila (APRIL AND NOVEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />On April 28-29 and November 10-14, 2017, the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits were held in the Philippines.<br /><br />The Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states pledged to “promote accountability and transparency in civil service in the region and it is agreed that relevant civil service bodies of each member state will cooperate through the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" title="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ASEAN member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. All leaders of the member states attended the summits except for Myanmar which was attended by state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.<br /><br />Several world leaders also joined in cooperation and friendly dialogue including were United States President Donald Trump, China Premier Li Keqiang, Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Union President Donald Tusk, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, South Korea President Moon Jae-in.<br /><br />Here are some highlights from the event:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXZdxiYqIus?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>4. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/10/duterte-declares-marawi-city-liberated-terrorists.html" rel="nofollow">Battle of Marawi</a> (MAY-OCTOBER 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" title="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Battle of Marawi or the Marawi Siege was the longest urban battle in the history of the Philippines. The siege started on May 23, 2017 between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and several groups of Islamic militants who claimed to be connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadists.<br /><br />Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf gathered his group with the Maute group and faced the Philippine army and the local police. <br /><br />The army admitted that it was a struggle to end the battle because the militants seem to have “unlimited” reinforcements. They were heavily armed with sophisticated guns and armaments. The militants have also made use of underground tunnels and mosques for their hideouts. There were even foreign militants joining the group, who allegedly trained them. <br /><br />The battle lasted for 5 months with over 95% of the structures in the city heavily damaged. The government released a report noting that the casualties included 974 militants and 165 government forces were killed. Nearly 1.1 million civilians were displaced.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" title="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The government formally called on the end of the war on October 17, 2017 following the deaths of leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. President Duterte declared Marawi to be “liberated from terrorist influence.”<br /><br />Here’s a quick look at how devastated the city had been after the 5-month long battle:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cWN1V492d8?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>5. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/05/martial-law-declared-mindanao-marawi-clash.html" rel="nofollow">Proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao</a> (MAY 2017-DECEMBER 2018)</b><br /><br />On the verge of escalating conflict in Marawi City, President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law. <br /><br />The President was in Moscow when reports came that militants have attacked Marawi City. On May 23, 2017 at Moscow, President Duterte signed Proclamation 216 that declared a state of martial law and suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus in Mindanao for 60 days.<br /><br />Under the 1987 Constitution, the proclamation is allowed for up an initial period of 60 days and can be extended in cases of “rebellion, invasion or when public safety is required.”<br /><br />The minority bloc and leftist groups argued that the extension was unnecessary and they feared the proclamation might extend nationwide. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" title="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In an effort to stop insurgencies in the region, martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018. Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite hesitation and disapproval from critics, the resolution was extended until December 31, 2017. A special joint session between the House of Representatives and the Senate, voted 261-18 lawmakers in favor of the extension.<br /><br />It only took less than half a day for the lawmakers to approve another extension of the martial law in Mindanao, this time it will last for a full year. On December 13, 2017, a total of 240 lawmakers voted in favor of the extension until December 2018 while 27 lawmakers were against it.<br /><br />President Duterte requested for the year-long extension following the recommendation of <br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana due to rising insurgency in Mindanao.<br /><br />Here is President Duterte’s reaction on the martial law extension in Mindanao until December 2018:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm1eWSyd7fE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>6. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/06/resorts-world-manila-attack-updates.html" rel="nofollow">Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians</a> (JUNE 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" title="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear as a lone gunman started opening fire. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On June 2, 2017, the Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear when a lone gunman started a violent commotion. Around midnight, the gunman started setting casino tables on fire that caused panic and eventually a stampede. He was carrying a bottle of gasoline and armed with an M4 rifle.<br /><br />When the gunman started opening fire, people started running for the exit but several decided to stay and hide. At least 36 were reported dead due to smoke inhalation of toxic fumes. One Korean guest died due to heart attack. Bodies were recovered in the casino room and bathrooms. <br /><br />By 1:30 AM, SWAT team arrived and a gunfire erupted. The gunman, allegedly wounded, locked himself in room 510 of the Maxims Hotel. He lit the room on fire and committed suicide by shooting himself in the head and setting himself on fire. Alongside his burnt body, the bag of gambling chips that he stole, a rifle and a pistol were recovered. <br /><br />A probe was opened on June 7, 2017 by the House of Representatives' Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusement. The Resorts World Manila admitted the lapse on their security but was confident they practiced their emergency protocol.<br /><br />On June 29, Resorts World resumed its gambling operations. They also hired new agency to tighten its security.<br /><br />Here is the footage showing how the armed gunman was able to enter the premises:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjwwuHxCn2U?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>7. The War on Drugs Campaign: The Ozamiz Raid and <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/08/kian-loyd-delos-santos-17-killed-caloocan-latest-update-video.html" rel="nofollow">Killing of Kian delos Santos</a> (JULY-AUGUST 2017)</b><br /><br />Even during the election campaign, President Duterte had been adamant that he will fight to stop illegal drugs in the country. The War on Drugs campaign have been rolled out and several of its stories have captured the nation. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" title="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The President presented his narco-politicians and warned everyone. Photo Courtesy: CNN Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On July 30, 2017 at dawn, a group of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted a raid on the property of Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog. The team was supposed to serve a search warrant after the Parojinogs were named as narco-politicians. Allegedly, Parojinog’s team of securities started to open fire on the authorities prompting a gunfire between the two groups.<br /><br />The raid that turned violent resulted to 15 persons killed including Mayor Parojinog and his wife. The authorities recovered several arms including a rifle, grenades, .45 pistols, about P1.4 million in cash, 500 grams of suspected illegal drugs, two cellphones, and an M16 rifle. Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog-Echavez and her brother, Reynaldo Jr were arrested and brought to Camp Crame.<br /><br />The Parojinogs denied any involvement in illegal drugs and claimed that the recovered arms and illegal drugs were “planted.” They also denied firing at the authorities and claimed that the raid was a “rubout.”<br /><br />A few months after, another controversial case had divided the nation. On August 16, 2017, a 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos was fatally shot by authorities while conducting a drug operation in Caloocan, Manila. <br /><br />A CCTV footage was able to capture two uninformed policemen dragging the minor in a dark alley where Delos Santos’ body would soon be found.<br /><br />Much controversy surrounded the event not only because Delos Santos was a minor but because the involved policemen’s version of events were different from the CCTV footage. The authorities also insisted that while Delos Santos was not on the watch list, he was actually a “runner” of illegal drugs for his uncle. <br /><br />President Duterte reminded the police to not abuse their powers. He was quoted saying to PNP Chief Dela Rosa, “hulihin mo na at kulungin mo ang mga pulis na dawit sa pagkasawi ni Kian.”<br /><br />On August 25, Delos Santos’ family filed murder and torture charges against police officers involved in the drug operation.<br /><br />Here is the meet-up between President Duterte and Delos Santos’ parents at Malacanang: <br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEmKoigUYOs?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>8. Presidential son, Paolo Duterte appears in Senate for P6.4 billion shabu issue (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />During the House of the Representatives’ investigation on the P6.4 billion worth of shabu shipment, Presidential son, Paolo Duterte and brother in-law Mans Carpio were mentioned by drug “fixer” and customs broker Mark Taguba. Taguba claims that Duterte is part of the “Davao group” that uses their influence in Customs to allow the entry of illegal drugs.<br /><br />Photos showing Duterte and other personalities involved in the drug scandal had surfaced on social media. President Duterte denied the allegations and called it mere propaganda. The President even instructed the PNP to kill Paolo if his involvement with illegal drugs is proven.<br /><br />A series of tirade had erupted between the President and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his staunch critics.<br /><br />Watch Paolo Duterte answers allegations hurled by Senator Trillanes:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9PMyXwaPZ2c?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>9. P1,000 Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 2018 budget (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />There was a public uproar when the House of Representatives gave the Commission on Human Right a 2018 budget of P1,000.<br /><br />On September 12, 2017, 119 lawmakers approved the P1,000 CHR budget. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" title="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The CHR with its leader, Chito Gascon had been very vocal of the administration’s alleged human rights abuses in its War on Drugs campaign. The agency had also been criticized for “not doing its job” and focused solely on the administration’s actions and being mum on other abuses.<br /><br />CHR Commissioner Gwen Pimentel Gana confirmed that House Speaker Alvarez had asked Gascon to resign and if not, the P1,000 budget will be approved.<br /><br />On September 20, the CHR along with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) had their 2018 budgets restored. The CHR’s 2018 budget of P508.5 million finally was approved. <br /><br />Here is Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez defending the P1,000 CHR budget:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xLaM0gU1JWU?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>10. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/dengvaxia-update-one-dead-hospitalized.html" rel="nofollow">The Anti-Dengue Vaccine, Dengvaxia Health Scare</a> (DECEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />The world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is in the middle of controversy after its makers admitted several health warnings.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" title="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare. Photo Courtesy: Mims</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The French pharmaceutical Sanofi Pasteur had released a warning about the effects of Dengvaxia to those who have no history of dengue. They admitted that the vaccine would only be beneficial to those who have already been infected with dengue before. But for those who haven’t been exposed to the dengue virus, it could cause severe hospitalisation.<br /><br />This resulted to a public uproar after almost 733,000 school children were part of the Dengvaxia national immunization program. Under the Aquino administration, the government procured P3.5 billion worth of the vaccine.<br /><br />A Senate probe had begun and former Health Secretary Janette Garin denied any anomalies surrounding the procurement of Dengvaxia. She clarified that there was no corruption or “fast-tracking” of negotiations to benefit them. Garin continued that the DOH acted “based on the data available at that.”<br /><br />Senator Richard Gordon had been vocal that the Aquino administration along the Sanofi Pasteur should be held liable for the “health scare.”<br /><br />Aquino appeared before the Senate and vowed that he acted on “good faith.” He clarified that he was not advised of the dangers of the vaccine. He was not even informed about Sanofi Pasteur’s issues of bribery and corruption in some parts of the world.<br /><br />The Senate probe is still ongoing but here is Aquino’s statement:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nIsl-Ug4mbc?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br />Which one were you most affected about?<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017. Tak...

Read more »

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Folks, our new Miss Universe is Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw4QP9CQCBs-gx8uPdK2WSumIu4ZwYsceRqKfWiwcYc30M90vKa6AdvntpsubYl9VHHAFEJGrRo_YYr_Uuq-RR6u2T0KJhjN5dOwWomMwGGF9oCiT7M99JvtJRQ68_b8So5YlaNPU9tDz/s1600/miss-south-africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw4QP9CQCBs-gx8uPdK2WSumIu4ZwYsceRqKfWiwcYc30M90vKa6AdvntpsubYl9VHHAFEJGrRo_YYr_Uuq-RR6u2T0KJhjN5dOwWomMwGGF9oCiT7M99JvtJRQ68_b8So5YlaNPU9tDz/s1600/miss-south-africa.jpg" title="Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe 2017" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW QUEEN.</td></tr></tbody></table>Nel-Peters was crowned by France's Iris Mittenaere during the grand coronation at The AXIS, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on Sunday, November 26 (Monday, November 27 Manila time).<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Miss Colombia Laura González and Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett were the first and second runners-up, respectively.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMissUniverse%2Fvideos%2F10156014362859047%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />Ninety-two ladies from around the globe competed to win the much-coveted crown.<br /><br />Miss Philippines Rachel Peters, among the crowd favorite, <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/rachel-peters-miss-universe-journey-ends.html" rel="nofollow">landed on Top 10</a>, ending her quest for the country's fourth crown in one of the world's largest pageants.<br /><br /><b>Here are the final results of Miss Universe 2017:</b><br /><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-s6z2{text-align:center}.tg .tg-4eph{background-color:#f9f9f9}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"><tbody><tr> <th class="tg-s6z2">Placements</th> <th class="tg-s6z2">Contestant</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph">Miss Universe 2017</td> <td class="tg-4eph">South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e">1st Runner-up</td> <td class="tg-031e">Colombia – Laura González</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph">2nd Runner-up</td> <td class="tg-4eph">Jamaica – Davina Bennett</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e">Top 5</td> <td class="tg-031e">South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters<br />Venezuela – Keysi Sayago<br />Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp<br />Jamaica – Davina Bennett<br />Colombia – Laura González<br /><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph"><b>Top 10</b></td> <td class="tg-4eph">Venezuela – Keysi Sayago<br />United States – Kára McCullough<br />Philippines – Rachel Peters<br />Canada – Lauren Howe<br />South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters<br />Spain – Sofía del Prado<br />Brazil – Monalysa Alcântara<br />Colombia – Laura González<br />Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp<br />Jamaica – Davina Bennett</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e"><b>Top 16</b></td> <td class="tg-031e"><b>Africa and Asia-Pacific Top 4</b><br /><b><br /></b> Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp <br />Sri Lanka – Christina Peiris <br />Ghana – Ruth Quashie <br />South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters<br /><br /><b>Europe Top 4</b><br /><br />Spain – Sofía del Prado<br />Ireland – Cailín Toíbín<br />Croatia – Shanaelle Petty<br />Great Britain – Anna Burdzy<br /><br /><b>Americas Top 4</b><br /><b><br /></b> Colombia – Laura González<br />United States – Kára McCullough<br />Brazil – Monalysa Alcântara<br />Canada – Lauren Howe<br /><br /><b>Wildcard (4 spots)</b><br /><b><br /></b> Philippines – Rachel Peters<br />China – Roxette Qiu<br />Jamaica – Davina Bennett<br />Venezuela – Keysi Sayago</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><br />Miss Universe 2015 from the Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was among the judges of the competition.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe 2017

MANILA, Philippines - Folks, our new Miss Universe is Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW QUEEN. Nel-Peters ...

Read more »

Rachel Peters Miss Universe 2017 journey ends

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA - Miss Philippines Rachel Peters Miss Universe journey is through.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPXhBkAk6Ne8A6Gb6JYMGsOvBJ4q6Ze-BZZiSD2VL41BnzlR52bOupARkVFhePtq2sOXH0U3aga0cD0kNdayvLzPRv93kEq6lNPeJaSXx3u0bWYDINT0uU3oP00j1X-2l_s0n-6OCC7nr/s1600/rachel-peters-top5.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rachel Peters Miss Universe journey ends" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPXhBkAk6Ne8A6Gb6JYMGsOvBJ4q6Ze-BZZiSD2VL41BnzlR52bOupARkVFhePtq2sOXH0U3aga0cD0kNdayvLzPRv93kEq6lNPeJaSXx3u0bWYDINT0uU3oP00j1X-2l_s0n-6OCC7nr/s1600/rachel-peters-top5.jpg" title="Rachel Peters Miss Universe journey ends" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CONGRATULATIONS, Miss Philippines Rachel Peters for advancing Miss Universe Final 10.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite being included in many a favorites list, the 26-year-old did not make it to the Top 5 as announced after the evening gown presentation.<br /><br /><b>LOOK</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/live-results-miss-universe-2017-full-list-winners.html" rel="nofollow">LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners</a><br /><div><br /></div>Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp is the only Asian who will compete in the final round of the pageant.<br /><br /><b>Here's Miss Universe 2017 Top 5:</b><br /><br />1. South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters<br />2. Venezuela – Keysi Sayago<br />3. Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp<br />4. Jamaica – Davina Bennett<br />5. Colombia – Laura González<br /><br />Peters who has entered the Top 16 as wildcard said "Everything happens for a reason."<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The country so far has 3 Miss Universe titlists, the latest being the reigning Queen Pia Wurtzbach.<br /><br />"Whatever happens today, I already feel like a winner. Philippines, it's been such an honor to wear the sash and to represent you. You guys are amazing! I am Rachel Peters, #MissUniverse #Philippines."<br /><br />The 66th Miss Universe pageant is held Monday (Manila time) at The AXIS, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States and is hosted by American television personality and comedian Steve Harvey.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Rachel Peters Miss Universe 2017 journey ends

MANILA - Miss Philippines Rachel Peters Miss Universe journey is through. CONGRATULATIONS, Miss Philippines Rachel Peters for advancing Miss...

Read more »

Miss Philippines Rachel Peters enters Miss Universe Top 16

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' bet Rachel Peters is one step closer to the Miss Universe 2017 crown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Y1ionWV76oIyb134KVYOdwo1jZHcwk8VuXSdkMmVerHzza1nSGiQOi2CR50PPw6BgI2GXgW8KWb3kmyiOj3JO6N-lg0ORGIJU_mtk4xTqnbFbNt7Lx_Zo-fpusBhyphenhyphentxt82sMHcoTxRL/s1600/rachel-peters-philippines.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Philippines Rachel Peters enters Miss Universe Top 16" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="948" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Y1ionWV76oIyb134KVYOdwo1jZHcwk8VuXSdkMmVerHzza1nSGiQOi2CR50PPw6BgI2GXgW8KWb3kmyiOj3JO6N-lg0ORGIJU_mtk4xTqnbFbNt7Lx_Zo-fpusBhyphenhyphentxt82sMHcoTxRL/s1600/rachel-peters-philippines.JPG" title="Miss Philippines Rachel Peters enters Miss Universe Top 16" /></a></div><br />Peters made it to the Top 16 wildcard spots during the beauty pageant’s ongoing coronation at The AXIS, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on Sunday, November 26 (Monday, November 27 Manila time).<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The other contestants who made it to the Top 16 are:<br /><br />Africa and Asia-Pacific<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp</li><li>Sri Lanka – Christina Peiris</li><li>Ghana – Ruth Quashie</li><li>South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters</li></ul><br />Europe<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Spain – Sofía del Prado</li><li>Ireland – Cailín Toíbín</li><li>Croatia – Shanaelle Petty</li><li>Great Britain – Anna Burdzy</li></ul><br />Americas<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Colombia – Laura González</li><li>United States – Kára McCullough</li><li>Brazil – Monalysa Alcântara</li><li>Canada – Lauren Howe</li></ul><br />Wildcard<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Philippines – Rachel Peters</li><li>China – Roxette Qiu</li><li>Jamaica – Davina Bennett</li><li>Venezuela – Keysi Sayago</li></ul><br />Peters is hoping to bring back the crown in the Philippines. The country so far has 3 Miss Universe titlists, the latest being the reigning Queen Pia Wurtzbach.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"Whatever happens today, I already feel like a winner. Philippines, it's been such an honor to wear the sash and to represent you. You guys are amazing! I am Rachel Peters, #MissUniverse #Philippines."</i></blockquote><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/live-results-miss-universe-2017-full-list-winners.html" rel="nofollow">LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/live-stream-miss-universe-2017-grand-coronation-night-video.html" rel="nofollow">LIVE STREAM: Miss Universe 2017 Grand Coronation Night video</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/miss-universe-2017-top-picks-forecast-predictions.html" rel="nofollow">Miss Universe 2017 top picks, fearless forecast by experts and enthusiasts</a></li></ul><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Miss Philippines Rachel Peters enters Miss Universe Top 16

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' bet Rachel Peters is one step closer to the Miss Universe 2017 crown. Peters made it to the Top 1...

Read more »

LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners was announced on Sunday, November 26 (Monday, November 27 Manila time) during the grand coronation night at The AXIS, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The Summit Express updates this page for the live results as the competition happens.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0xq2WbEPwHh5zfAxfoaKoWLkdBVc8eMhT94ea6yHwj0jCBuAgm6YYjwJ9PKvooft3aj2lyDRse3JdE2q9c_BJ7BIEWiQVI9qynDNWVhmCH3Wyh7D0WyRQbBJmtSzEqxwY1N_xbeiy6Lb/s1600/miss-universe-2017-winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0xq2WbEPwHh5zfAxfoaKoWLkdBVc8eMhT94ea6yHwj0jCBuAgm6YYjwJ9PKvooft3aj2lyDRse3JdE2q9c_BJ7BIEWiQVI9qynDNWVhmCH3Wyh7D0WyRQbBJmtSzEqxwY1N_xbeiy6Lb/s1600/miss-universe-2017-winners.jpg" title="LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners" /></a></div><br />Ninety-two ladies from around the globe are vying for the much-coveted crown and the priviledge of being the Miss Universe 2017. Iris Mittenaere from France will crown her successor at the end of the event.<br /><br />The Philippines' bet Rachel Peters will try to get the title and duplicate the success of Pia Wurtzbach, who was crowned in the same venue in 2015.<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/live-stream-miss-universe-2017-grand-coronation-night-video.html" rel="nofollow">LIVE STREAM: Miss Universe 2017 Grand Coronation Night video</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/miss-universe-2017-top-picks-forecast-predictions.html" rel="nofollow">Miss Universe 2017 top picks, fearless forecast by experts and enthusiasts</a></li></ul><div class="post-header-line-1" style="color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, "Roboto Slab", Helvetica, "Open Sans", Tahoma, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="float: right; padding-right: 2px;"><div class="fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-action="like" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/mysummitexpress" data-layout="button_count" data-share="false" data-show-faces="false" fb-iframe-plugin-query="action=like&app_id=388089951236713&container_width=0&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmysummitexpress&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&share=false&show_faces=false" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" style="display: inline-block; position: relative;"><span style="display: inline-block; height: 20px; position: relative; text-align: justify; vertical-align: bottom; width: 80px;"></span></div></div><div style="float: right; padding-right: 2px;"><div class="fb-like fb_iframe_widget" data-action="like" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/mysummitexpress" data-layout="button_count" data-share="false" data-show-faces="false" fb-iframe-plugin-query="action=like&app_id=388089951236713&container_width=0&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmysummitexpress&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&share=false&show_faces=false" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" style="display: inline-block; position: relative;"><br /></div></div></div><br />Miss Universe organization is selecting the top 12 semifinalists per continent. Four candidates from The Americas (North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean), four candidates from Europe, and four candidates from Asia, Africa, and the Oceania.<br /><br />“For the first cut, three candidates from each region will be selected based on scores plus one spot for the girl with the most votes in that region,” said Norman Tinio, of <a href="http://normannorman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">normannorman.com</a>.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Tinio added: “And then, there will be four remaining Wild Card spots from around the world.”<br /><br />“So there will be four girls from the Americas, four girls from Europe, four from girls from Asia, Africa and Pacific; and four wild cards. A total of 16 semi-finalists,” said Tinio.<br /><br /><b>Here are the final results of Miss Universe 2017 </b><i>(refresh page for the updates):</i><br /><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-s6z2{text-align:center}.tg .tg-4eph{background-color:#f9f9f9}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"> <tbody><tr> <th class="tg-s6z2">Placements</th> <th class="tg-s6z2">Contestant</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph">Miss Universe 2017</td> <td class="tg-4eph"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e">1st Runner-up</td> <td class="tg-031e"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph">2nd Runner-up</td> <td class="tg-4eph"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e">Top 5</td> <td class="tg-031e"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-4eph">Top 10</td> <td class="tg-4eph"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-031e">Top 16</td> <td class="tg-031e"><b>Africa and Asia-Pacific (Top 4)</b><br /><b><br /></b>Thailand – Maria Poonlertlarp <br />Sri Lanka – Christina Peiris <br />Ghana – Ruth Quashie <br />South Africa – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters<br /><br /><b>Europe (Top 4)</b><br /><br />Spain – Sofía del Prado<br />Ireland – Cailín Toíbín<br />Croatia – Shanaelle Petty<br />Great Britain – Anna Burdzy</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><br />Here's the live updates of the pageant night.<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-height="800" href="https://twitter.com/MissUniverse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweets by MissUniverse</a> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Ross Matthews, Jay Manuel, Lele Pons, Megan Olivi, Wendy Fitzwilliam, and the Philippines’ very own queen, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach are among this year's judges.<br /><br />Five-time Emmy award winner Steve Harvey together with Ashley Graham hosted the pageant night.<br /><br />ABS-CBN Channel 2 airs exclusively on free television the live broadcast of the competition at 8:00 in the morning.<br /><br />Catch the Miss Universe 2017 primetime replay on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best on December 3 and on Lifestyle on December 4.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIVE RESULTS: Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners

MANILA, Philippines - The Miss Universe 2017 full list of winners was announced on Sunday, November 26 (Monday, November 27 Manila time) dur...

Read more »

LIVE STREAM: Miss Universe 2017 Grand Coronation Night video

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The grand coronation night for the 66th edition of Miss Universe pageant is happening on Sunday, November 26, 2017 (Monday, November 27 Manila time) at The AXIS, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The livestreaming video of the "most beautiful day in the universe" is available on this page.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZhQvR0CZ8CfieqmAqO43hR2piq4z_cPfHnUOz2mEHM3N7DU9ZLqL1re8v9XDZwAYmOrS-4lqUeKVn90bekuip71lhnbzvtQ7iZ0HMaYlZxrzmwe2fdKubxpTi5GTk68GjE9i9T9HopgV/s1600/miss-universe-rachel-peters-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss Universe 2017 - Philippines Rachel Peters." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZhQvR0CZ8CfieqmAqO43hR2piq4z_cPfHnUOz2mEHM3N7DU9ZLqL1re8v9XDZwAYmOrS-4lqUeKVn90bekuip71lhnbzvtQ7iZ0HMaYlZxrzmwe2fdKubxpTi5GTk68GjE9i9T9HopgV/s1600/miss-universe-rachel-peters-2017.jpg" title="Miss Universe 2017 - Philippines Rachel Peters." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Universe - Philippines Rachel Peters. Photo Credit/Instagram Rachel Peters</td></tr></tbody></table>Ninety-two candidates are vying for the most coveted crown and the priviledge of being the Miss Universe 2017.<br /><br />Iris Mittenaere from France will crown her successor at the end of the competition.<br /><br />The event is hosted by five-time Emmy award winner Steve Harvey together with Ashley Graham, and will be graced by judges Ross Matthews, Jay Manuel, Lele Pons, Megan Olivi, Wendy Fitzwilliam, and the Philippines’ very own queen, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.<br /><br />International stars Fergy and Rachel Patten are also set to perform their top hits.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The three-hour special programming event aired live on FOX in the United States.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Miss Universe 2017 livestreaming video</b><br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMissUniverse%2Fvideos%2F10156012716894047%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />Here's the live updates of the pageant night.<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-height="800" href="https://twitter.com/MissUniverse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweets by MissUniverse</a> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><br /><b>How to watch Miss Universe in the Philippines?</b><br /><br />ABS-CBN Channel 2 airs exclusively on free television the live broadcast of the competition at 8:00 in the morning.<br /><br />The Philippines' bet Rachel Peters will try to get the title and duplicate the success of Pia Wurtzbach, who was crowned in the same venue in 2015 (READ: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/miss-universe-2017-top-picks-forecast-predictions.html" rel="nofollow">Miss Universe 2017 top picks, fearless forecast by experts and enthusiasts</a>).<br /><br />In the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competition, Rachel owned the stage in her Yamamay swimsuit and elegant form-fitting gold gown.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xad8Ll28wZ4?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br />She also surprised Filipino pageant fans in the national costume show when she wore a Val Taguba creation that features a modern twist on the legendary Sarimanok, a symbol of good fortune for Maranaos.<br /><br />As always, Pinoys show support online by voting for her via the official Miss Universe website and tweeting using the hashtags #MissUniverse and #Philippines.<br /><br />Catch the Miss Universe 2017 primetime replay on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best on December 3 and on Lifestyle on December 4.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIVE STREAM: Miss Universe 2017 Grand Coronation Night video

MANILA, Philippines - The grand coronation night for the 66th edition of Miss Universe pageant is happening on Sunday, November 26, 2017 (Mo...

Read more »

Will Philippines host Miss Universe 2016 pageant?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- After the controversial and highly talked about victory of Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe president Paula Shugart has revealed that now is the perfect time to hold the prestigious Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SbrszWlDmIy8t2FGH14H8_10be9ISZcJjjbv_RESjPNXgiXa19ko15iZG5N4d48futPUjH-P-xXVZ4JrRFLXQg0adVM_54kDenCOk6GFyJMc2F8rxdgk6WO5DxzcfihEwKCqW6hDPSbI/s1600/miss-universe-2016-ph.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Philippines to host the 2016 Miss Universe pageant?" border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SbrszWlDmIy8t2FGH14H8_10be9ISZcJjjbv_RESjPNXgiXa19ko15iZG5N4d48futPUjH-P-xXVZ4JrRFLXQg0adVM_54kDenCOk6GFyJMc2F8rxdgk6WO5DxzcfihEwKCqW6hDPSbI/s640/miss-universe-2016-ph.jpg" title="Philippines to host the 2016 Miss Universe pageant?" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is 2016 the perfect year for the Philippines to host the prestigious beauty pageant? <br />PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table>The world-renowned beauty competition was first hosted by the country in 1974. It was last held in the Philippines twenty years later, in 1994.<br /><br />Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Shugart said: “For years, I’ve talked about someday having the pageant here. I do know with Pia (Wurtzbach) right now, the entire worldwide focus is on the Philippines. I think it’s a great opportunity. I would love to be able to make it work. We’ll see.”<br /><br />During the homecoming press conference for Wurtzbach on Sunday, January 24, Shugart commended the Miss Universe title holder for being graceful and philosophical. Emphasizing that Wurtzbach has a way of seeing things, Shugart believes she will be a better person by the end of the year by listening to the Pinay beauty queen.<br /><br />Shugart also revealed that Wurtzbach will be doing a lot of travelling worldwide as well as in the United States. Wurtzbach, who will be an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, will have the opportunity to speak to young women to make sure that they make educated decisions. <br /><br /><b>Steve Harvey to Host this Year’s Miss Universe Pageant?</b><br /><br />Addressing reports that Steve Harvey will host this year’s Miss Universe competition, Shugart admitted that Harvey would love to come to the Philippines and host the pageant.<br /><br />“I think he’s the one person that’s really feeling this more than anybody, what happened. I know he really wants to and I know we would like him back so I’m sure he probably will,” she said.<br /><br />Harvey, who hosted the Miss Universe Pageant last year, made headlines after mistakenly announcing Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner. In the most jaw-dropping moment on TV in 2015, Harvey apologized and owned up his mistake forcing Gutierrez to give up the crown to Wurtzbach, the rightful owner. <b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

Will Philippines host Miss Universe 2016 pageant?

MANILA, Philippines- After the controversial and highly talked about victory of Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe president Paula Shugart has rev...

Read more »

IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino pride and the queen is finally home!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXcFkLL0BAtB2z37BLft2lv4L5kCY3XtMzA_QIK3ZRcc_KTIEizP7ekkVYIOZ7XXxjW6ZvAql-oorvMG9wepP7nbHYzYZSbxTpXkYTS5js99P2fO3Jq0vX2JjvjMHHyj2YZqH5PiZkYJJ/s1600/pia-wurtzbach-manila-homecoming.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila for grand homecoming. " border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXcFkLL0BAtB2z37BLft2lv4L5kCY3XtMzA_QIK3ZRcc_KTIEizP7ekkVYIOZ7XXxjW6ZvAql-oorvMG9wepP7nbHYzYZSbxTpXkYTS5js99P2fO3Jq0vX2JjvjMHHyj2YZqH5PiZkYJJ/s640/pia-wurtzbach-manila-homecoming.JPG" title="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila for grand homecoming. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila for grand homecoming. <br />Photo Credit: missphilippines2015/Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table>Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has arrived in Manila early Saturday, January 23 for her grand homecoming.<br /><br />This is the first time Pia has visited the country after the controversial win at the Miss Universe pageant late last year- wrong announcement of winner by Steve Harvey, uncalled statements of her fellow beauty queens, and condemnation of her fans over the rusty pots at her New York apartment.<br /><br />The reigning Miss Universe gave a short message to the Filipinos during the mini press conference at NAIA.<br /><br />"Napaka saya ko po, 'di po ako nakatulog kagabi dahil sobrang excited po akong finally maka-uwi na. Ayoko po sanang magreveal muna ng mga experiences ko, dahi ise-save ko po ito sa press conference na mangyayari bukas. Kaya sana po pumunta kayo doon. Napakasaya ko po na nakauwi na ako dito sa Pilipinas. Grabe, parang akong lalaban ulit."<br /><br />After a day of rest, Pia will embark on a tight four-day schedule beginning on Monday (January 25) in which she will pay a courtesy call to President Aquino in Malacañan and in the Senate then heading later in the afternoon for the Grand Homecoming Parade traversing the three cities of Manila, Makati and Quezon City. The activity for that day will end as she will grace the Araneta Center Parade. Motorists and commuters are advised to take alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience on their journey in which the parade will take place.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/01/miss-universe-2015-pia-wurtzbach-to-arrive-manila-homecoming.html" rel="nofollow">Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s schedule of activities for her homecoming</a><br /><br />On Tuesday (January 26), the pageant queen will visit the Offices of the City Mayors as well as the House of the Representatives as a courtesy call to them. The Wednesday (January 27) was alloted as a Charity Day for the Miss Universe to payback the Filipino community with their support on her. <br /><br />On the last day of her visit (January 28), supporters will be treated to another chance to savor the Miss Universe crown with her at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in which the Miss Universe Homecoming Special will be held.<br /><br />Wurtzbach then will continue on her preparation for her responsibilities as Miss Universe for a year after her homecoming.<br /><br />Here are some of the photos and videos on Pia Wurtzbach arrival in Manila:<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 45.5696202532% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3ChXPivG7/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Miss Universe 2015 arrives at Novotel Araneta Center. #missuniverse2015 #piawurtzbach #homecoming #sashfactor #repost #confidentlybeautiful #mostbeautifulday</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Sash Factor (@sash_factor) on <time datetime="2016-01-22T23:36:30+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2016 at 3:36pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3Ae7nQFkm/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">welcome back home queen p👑😍💖</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by pia wurtzbach fan account💖 (@piaawurtzbacch) on <time datetime="2016-01-22T23:18:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2016 at 3:18pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3FcCor7Q3/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Pía ya se encuentra en Filipinas! Estos próximos días tendremos bastante contenido por mostrar! @Regrann from @missphilippines2015 - Our Queen is already home! Mabuhay Pia! 👑 #missuniverse #missuniverse2015 #missuniverso #missphilippines #philippines #nyc #piawurtzbach #confidentlybeautiful #missuniversephilippines #missphilippines2015 #welcomehome #mabuhay #worldclassfilipina #shinepinay #queen #bbpilipinas @missuniverse @piawurtzbach #👑 #💙 #❤️ #Regrann</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by @missuniversein on <time datetime="2016-01-23T00:02:00+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2016 at 4:02pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3cDyoy4QolcYa_iKK5Kv0zyHJjYmHsI66pVKDu45Qb2cGBQnGAwS-e4AAx78RNxdFo5NnlF0yisfttSHOynrWPrcOzHxjuZ8UgR0lE25lHuzp0dO7exssM4W8QbLDfGI9cELRS7wGJN0/s1600/pia-stella-araneta.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pia with stella araneta" border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3cDyoy4QolcYa_iKK5Kv0zyHJjYmHsI66pVKDu45Qb2cGBQnGAwS-e4AAx78RNxdFo5NnlF0yisfttSHOynrWPrcOzHxjuZ8UgR0lE25lHuzp0dO7exssM4W8QbLDfGI9cELRS7wGJN0/s640/pia-stella-araneta.JPG" title="pia with stella araneta" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pia Wurtzbach with the head of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities (BPC) Stella Marquez Araneta. <br />Photo Credit: iamkirby75/Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3D8JxnQ-2/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Pia shares she wasn't able to sleep out of excitement. #welcomehomePia #piaWurtzbach #frontrow #coverage</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Joseph Conrad Rubio (@josephconrad26) on <time datetime="2016-01-22T23:48:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2016 at 3:48pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA3GTPntT3g/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The Queen is Home! #ConfidentlyBeautiful #MissUniverse2015 #PiaWurtzbach #WelcomeHomePia #MostBeautifulDay</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Zhaun Barry Agabe (@zhaunbarryagabe) on <time datetime="2016-01-23T00:09:32+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2016 at 4:09pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/PiaWurtzbach" rel="nofollow">@PiaWurtzbach</a> arrives in PHL | via <a href="https://twitter.com/AthenaImperial_" rel="nofollow">@AthenaImperial_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeHomePia?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#WelcomeHomePia</a> <a href="https://t.co/2dwNluMrOl" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/2dwNluMrOl</a></div>— GMA News Breaking (@gmanewsbreaking) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmanewsbreaking/status/690661813084512256" rel="nofollow">January 22, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center></div>

IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino pride and the queen is finally home! Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrives in Manila for grand homeco...

Read more »

LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros transforms into Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Few days before the grand homecoming of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Eat Bulaga host Paolo Ballesteros made the much-awaited 'makeup transformation' of the Filipino pride.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskK8-I8Bf3jMMEAlOhh3PwNlmTAc9Jxe_Pr5hlYlMJJcEQtavtr4fiWmJPsQZGEDc_LgWFNufv-dD31elyukbIMKf_O9NTlJddR2Z0LwGJhf5O2eHN-x9DWsl8tt2YMbuJRqwJvrHeruX/s1600/paolo-pia-makeup-transformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paolo Balleteros morphed into Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach." border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskK8-I8Bf3jMMEAlOhh3PwNlmTAc9Jxe_Pr5hlYlMJJcEQtavtr4fiWmJPsQZGEDc_LgWFNufv-dD31elyukbIMKf_O9NTlJddR2Z0LwGJhf5O2eHN-x9DWsl8tt2YMbuJRqwJvrHeruX/s640/paolo-pia-makeup-transformation.jpg" title="Paolo Balleteros morphed into Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paolo Balleteros morphed into Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach. <br />Photo Credit: Paolo Ballesteros and <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Pia Wurtzbach</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Instagram</span></td></tr></tbody></table>On his Instagram account Wednesday night, Paolo shared his latest piece, which captioned: "PIA ALONZO NYURTZBACH 26, PHILIPPINES."<br /><br />The photo went viral online amassing over 25,000 Likes and 600 comments on image sharing site as of press time.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAw11u3GO5S/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">PIA ALONZO NYURTZBACH 26, PHILIPPINES 👑👍🏼❤️😁☝🏼️#TransformLangNangTransform #MakeUpTransformation #MissUniverse2016Edition #MissUniverse2016 #PiaWurtzbach @piawurtzbach</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Paolo Ballesteros (@pochoy_29) on <time datetime="2016-01-20T13:50:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 20, 2016 at 5:50am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />Some netizens commented that Paolo was able to copy the Filipina-German's complexion and cheekbones while the others said the opposite.<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORY</b><br /><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/01/look-paolo-ballesteros-morphs-into-miss-colombia.html" rel="nofollow">LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros morphs into Miss Colombia</a><br /><br />In the past years, Ballesteros has impressed the world for his impersonation of different local and international personalities. Being the great grandson of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Paolo exhibits artistry using make-up.<br /><br />He has also copied the look of Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, Mariah Carey, Audrey Hepburn, Tyra Banks, Nicole Kidman, Megan Young, Ariella Arida, and Nora Aunor, among others.</div>

LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros transforms into Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach

MANILA, Philippines - Few days before the grand homecoming of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Eat Bulaga host Paolo Ballesteros made the ...

Read more »

VIDEO: Jamie Foxx mocks Steve Harvey at Golden Globes 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - American actor Jamie Foxx mocked Steve Harvey’s Miss Universe gaffe at the 2016 Golden Globes happened on Sunday, January 10 (Monday on Philippine Time), announcing the wrong winner for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoSN4S4EMXr7LzYvChj4ToYngltzGHNjRbGMmW7M1Byeq4nxaHJJCBwWBAFIN7ijNZfwz2qWcII6d3XmjS-IdIArjpL02v7gPBWckQn3F5QHaUFTJOYCcsdNZDSj28lDucwMyV25Tx6uv/s1600/jamie-foxx-lily-james.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lily James and Jamie Foxx onstage during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoSN4S4EMXr7LzYvChj4ToYngltzGHNjRbGMmW7M1Byeq4nxaHJJCBwWBAFIN7ijNZfwz2qWcII6d3XmjS-IdIArjpL02v7gPBWckQn3F5QHaUFTJOYCcsdNZDSj28lDucwMyV25Tx6uv/s640/jamie-foxx-lily-james.jpg" title="Lily James and Jamie Foxx onstage during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily James and Jamie Foxx onstage during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. <br />Screengrab from Youtube</td></tr></tbody></table>The Sleepless Night actor together with Lily James presented the winner for the category. Without reading from the envelope, Foxx announced the "winner" - Straight Outta Compton. The audience was surprised as the film wasn't even nominated.<br /><br />"“And the winner is … Straight Outta Compton. But immediately he said: “I’m sorry folks, I made a mistake. It’s right here on the card. I take full responsibility. It was right here on the card. I apologize to everyone in Compton. I apologize to Ice Cube.”<br /><br />James, then took over to announce the real winner in the category: Ennio Morricone, for The Hateful Eight.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qMtOF-e8XMI" width="560"></iframe></center><br />In December 21, Harvey became controversial after the announcement fiasco at the 2015 Miss Universe competition — Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, over the actual victor, Filipina Pia Wurtzbach.<br /><br /><b>Golden Globes 2016 Winners and Highlights</b><br /><br />The Revenant has triumphed at this year's Golden Globes, winning the most coveted awards for best dramatic film. Leading man Leonardo DiCaprio finally won best actor in a drama, while Alejandro G Inarritu won for its direction.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here are the major winners at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards.<br /><br /><b>Film </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Best Picture, Drama: The Revenant</li><li>Best Picture, Musical or Comedy: The Martian</li><li>Best Actress, Drama: Brie Larson – Room</li><li>Best Actor, Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant</li><li>Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence – Joy</li><li>Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon - The Martian</li><li>Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet – Steve Jobs</li><li>Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone – Creed</li><li>Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu – The Revenant</li><li>Best Original Song - Motion Picture: Sam Smith & Jimmy Napes for Writing's On The Wall (Spectre)</li></ul><br /><b>TV</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Best Series, Drama: Mr Robot</li><li>Best Series, Musical or Comedy: Mozart in the Jungle</li><li>Best Actress, Drama: Taraji P. Henson – Empire</li><li>Best Actor, Drama: Jon Hamm - Mad Men</li><li>Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: Rachel Bloom – Crazy Ex-Girlfriend</li><li>Best Actor, Musical or Comedy: Gael García Bernal – Mozart in the Jungle</li><li>Best Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie: Lady Gaga – American Horror Story</li><li>Best Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie: Oscar Isaac – Show Me a Hero</li><li>Best Supporting Actress: Maura Tierney – The Affair</li><li>Best Supporting Actor: Christian Slater – Mr. Robot</li></ul><br /><br />Check out the highlights of this year's Golden Globes in 4-minute!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aWLKK9VNFc8" width="560"></iframe></center></div>

VIDEO: Jamie Foxx mocks Steve Harvey at Golden Globes 2016

MANILA, Philippines - American actor Jamie Foxx mocked Steve Harvey’s Miss Universe gaffe at the 2016 Golden Globes happened on Sunday, Jan...

Read more »

LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros morphs into Miss Colombia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Eat Bulaga host Paolo Ballesteros has showcased his 'makeup transformation' skills once again as he morphed himself into Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, who was mistakenly named Miss Universe 2015 winner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv1OCa_AoiJ7zgz1o4z_q0nT_8p4fkn0bWAr9UdrAGx6fYKyEiqAthqfzFYQtpjJ0YL4rzkZrZduVXlvJESMSz1rmK1519xcEMHXBN22KoCjuvq0Sc-Foqdym3-T1dfYq-J08bjUYkBx/s1600/paolo-ballesteros-miss-colombia.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paolo Ballesteros morphs into Miss Colombia" border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv1OCa_AoiJ7zgz1o4z_q0nT_8p4fkn0bWAr9UdrAGx6fYKyEiqAthqfzFYQtpjJ0YL4rzkZrZduVXlvJESMSz1rmK1519xcEMHXBN22KoCjuvq0Sc-Foqdym3-T1dfYq-J08bjUYkBx/s640/paolo-ballesteros-miss-colombia.jpg" title="Paolo Ballesteros morphs into Miss Colombia" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Ballesteros on Saturday shared the photo on Instagram, which was captioned: "ARIADNA GUCHENEZ 22, COLOMBIA #transformlangnangtransform #makeuptransformation #AriadnaGutierrez #MissUniverse2016edition."<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAURQyCmO74/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Paolo Ballesteros (@pochoy_29)</a> on <time datetime="2016-01-09T11:31:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 9, 2016 at 3:31am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />Gutierrez commented to Ballesteros post and expressed her admiration, she said: “Omg.. love it.”<br /><br />The photo went viral online amassing over 48,000 Likes and 1,600 comments on Instagram.<br /><br />In the Miss Universe announcement fiasco, host Steve Harvey misread his cue card and initially announced Gutierrez as the winner instead of Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach. <br /><br />In the past years, Ballesteros has impressed the world for his impersonation of different local and international personalities. Being the great grandson of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Paolo exhibits artistry using make-up.<br /><br />He has also copied the look of Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, Mariah Carey, Audrey Hepburn, Tyra Banks, Nicole Kidman, Megan Young, Ariella Arida, and Nora Aunor, among others.</div>

LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros morphs into Miss Colombia

MANILA, Philippines - Eat Bulaga host Paolo Ballesteros has showcased his 'makeup transformation' skills once again as he morphed h...

Read more »

PHOTO: Ethel Booba bounces back, burns Colombian effigy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - "Kalma lang guys. Ako bahala. Babawi tayo sa sunugan ng effigy. Charot!"<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcRutoCa89w7aPh_fGNypg240xZYzm3sLJKQ6nIKIIwnBTmL5yfXjCqKTkgxiSgeKs2DekuQXUeD-D7fp5sokAlbopwWboXv5stc40B-dNyb_kZYyL7MtKbYMiQmKOqmL51XV3ccStKfr/s1600/Ethel-booba-tweet-effigy.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ethel Booba bounces back, burns Colombian effigy" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcRutoCa89w7aPh_fGNypg240xZYzm3sLJKQ6nIKIIwnBTmL5yfXjCqKTkgxiSgeKs2DekuQXUeD-D7fp5sokAlbopwWboXv5stc40B-dNyb_kZYyL7MtKbYMiQmKOqmL51XV3ccStKfr/s640/Ethel-booba-tweet-effigy.jpg" title="Ethel Booba bounces back, burns Colombian effigy" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Twitter/Ethel Booba</td></tr></tbody></table>These were the words of comedienne Ethel Booba as she posted <a href="https://twitter.com/IamEthylGabison/status/683263878407430144/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photo of Colombian effigy 'burned'</a> in front of the people.<br /><br />In the photo, Booba is holding a lighted torch with the effigy featuring the body of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach but with the face of the controversial Colombian who burned the effigy of the Pinay beauty queen in time for the new year's eve celebration.<br /><br />The tweet seems to be an answer after a video showing a Colombian burning an effigy of Wurtzbach earned ire from Filipinos online.(Read: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/01/video-colombian-burns-pia-wurtzbach-effigy-new-year-eve.html" rel="nofollow">VIDEO: Colombian burns Pia Wurtzbach effigy on New Year’s eve</a>)<br /><br />The man identified as Noider Almanza Barraza from Barranquilla, Colombia posted the minute-long video clip on Facebook.<br /><br />It is believed that the malicious act of the Colombian was committed as a result of the mistake made by Harvey during the live telecast of the prestigious beauty pageant held last December 20 in Las Vegas, United States. <br /><br />Harvey mistakenly crowned Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as Miss Universe 2015. Minutes after the announcement, Harvey came forward to apologize for the gaffe and pronounced Wurtzbach as the real winner.</div>

PHOTO: Ethel Booba bounces back, burns Colombian effigy

MANILA, Philippines - "Kalma lang guys. Ako bahala. Babawi tayo sa sunugan ng effigy. Charot!" Photo Credit: Twitter/Ethel Booba ...

Read more »

10 best netizens reactions on Steve Harvey’s botched Miss Universe 2015 announcement

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Earlier today, American TV host Steve Harvey made an epic mistake on live TV as he crowned the wrong girl in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. Apparently, the Family Feud host and comedian misread the card on which the winners were listed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jX7YOGoq8El8bGCGc8qJSTbNq8Us15fDqx5ZQQyRSHQyf1JNsWdLfCJa9ScCwLC37kbKjbgekyECzdtJLBWMTEcaOHavP9w0jvmdu0acgB5E6fL2RcVfMGbDGGzwos2DNrYiYrhnUBMF/s1600/harvey-miss-colombia-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Steve Harvey crowned the wrong girl at the Miss Universe pageant" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jX7YOGoq8El8bGCGc8qJSTbNq8Us15fDqx5ZQQyRSHQyf1JNsWdLfCJa9ScCwLC37kbKjbgekyECzdtJLBWMTEcaOHavP9w0jvmdu0acgB5E6fL2RcVfMGbDGGzwos2DNrYiYrhnUBMF/s640/harvey-miss-colombia-2015.jpg" title="Steve Harvey crowned the wrong girl at the Miss Universe pageant" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Harvey crowned the wrong girl at the Miss Universe pageant. PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter/CNN</td></tr></tbody></table>Harvey had no choice but to own up his terrible mistake and interrupt Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arévalo who was already crowned and waving at the audience inside the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. In probably the most awkward moment in pageant history, Harvey had no choice but to do the right thing and announce the rightful winner: Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQfYT0gNgKr5PYi-Ej-LuM5ANvcFMwbmRktukpnOYMuoxq9coO4yiNvvNBtmiFgoXU0cje0UoBwz19CIChOcF7Erl823Gv4B5h9EhYVTloxVP8_6hK0pLz_We-RHDZzJv2nNpNht7-N2q/s1600/MISS-UNIverse-pia.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cringe-worthy moment at the Miss Universe pageant" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQfYT0gNgKr5PYi-Ej-LuM5ANvcFMwbmRktukpnOYMuoxq9coO4yiNvvNBtmiFgoXU0cje0UoBwz19CIChOcF7Erl823Gv4B5h9EhYVTloxVP8_6hK0pLz_We-RHDZzJv2nNpNht7-N2q/s640/MISS-UNIverse-pia.jpg" title="Cringe-worthy moment at the Miss Universe pageant" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cringe-worthy moment at the Miss Universe pageant. PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter/JenandTimShow</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In an instant, the Internet exploded with various reactions on Harvey’s legendary error. In just a matter of minutes, Harvey was reduced into hilarious memes and tweets by disappointed viewers and equally crazy and creative people in social media. Indeed, the Internet is one cruel place for imperfect people like Harvey.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/12/Miss-Philippines-crowned-Miss-Universe-2015.html" rel="nofollow">After an announcement fiasco, Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown</a><br /><br /><b>Here are the 10 funniest reactions to Colombia’s most hated man today.</b><br /><br />1. Certainly, there is someone to blame…<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Harvey is the reason why I have trust issues</div>— FREDDY (@FreddyAmazin) <a href="https://twitter.com/FreddyAmazin/status/678790223694721024" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />2. A bit harsh…<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Steve Harvey. Jan. 17, 1957-Dec. 20, 2015. He ain't really dead, yall just won't let him live after his mistake. <a href="https://t.co/VDrSyOy24T" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/VDrSyOy24T</a></div>— S(leigh)ydney Bells (@Sydneyluera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sydneyluera/status/678783113032372226" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />3. Definitely…<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Harvey's mistake is causing more than just a family feud...</div>— Merry Micah (@Bballer8888) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bballer8888/status/678780066537594880" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />4. The man has gone down in Miss Universe pageant history.<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">The Steve Harvey thing is the biggest thing to happen at pageant since Sandra Bullock saved everyone from that bomb</div>— Bill Buchanan (@BigActionBill) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigActionBill/status/678789707979956224" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />5. Does anyone need an interpreter?<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Harvey getting roasted in 5 different dialects of Spanish that he can’t even understand</div>— Rev. Eric Dunn (@ericvdunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ericvdunn/status/678796637075054592" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />6. It was tough day for Harvey.<br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="6" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 37.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_ijAT8q8-z/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">😂😂😂</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Mikey Bustos (@mikey_bustos) on <time datetime="2015-12-21T04:04:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 20, 2015 at 8:04pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="“//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> </center><br />7. You gotta give Leo his shining moment!<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">So Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia as the winner of Miss Universe... <a href="https://t.co/Inn9R5xblQ" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/Inn9R5xblQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/xDalv7Bu4c" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/xDalv7Bu4c</a></div>— 9GAG (@9GAG) <a href="https://twitter.com/9GAG/status/678811386848354305" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />8. Guess who’s not invited?<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Name Someone who's not invited to Miss universe next year? <a href="https://twitter.com/charleneyarema" rel="nofollow">@charleneyarema</a> <a href="https://t.co/CqP27IrKY2" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/CqP27IrKY2</a></div>— holly, jolly, jamie (@jamieciacico) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamieciacico/status/678779942025437184" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br />9. You only had one job.<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">This message sponsored by <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump" rel="nofollow">@realDonaldTrump</a> campaign to Steve Harvey <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissUniverse2015?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#MissUniverse2015</a> <a href="https://t.co/XhhUU1KmEp" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/XhhUU1KmEp</a></div>— Myteks Media Labs (@myteks) <a href="https://twitter.com/myteks/status/678785912252317696" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><br /><br />10. Not really…<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Is it too late now to say sorry? - Steve Harvey <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissUniverse?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#MissUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/2WsVypFPIi" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/2WsVypFPIi</a></div>— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnlyInBOS/status/678779459034619904" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </center><b><i>-Mini/TheSummitExpress</i></b></div>

10 best netizens reactions on Steve Harvey’s botched Miss Universe 2015 announcement

Earlier today, American TV host Steve Harvey made an epic mistake on live TV as he crowned the wrong girl in the prestigious Miss Universe p...

Read more »

After an announcement fiasco, Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- Following a “horrible” mistake committed by host Steve Harvey, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 on Monday, December 21 (Manila time) at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOeW4c7KnRBUgfy1bksTO1StSk1sR5dDgCDdP-ISod1NUh9MCUM-eY5w2nsvA3RUTu5q08ubsX6xx8SnH5rY0WCG0twuCdiZAv24UANgR-SlLt4vgnHEiLfl2Uc7doKEJLBjpWrFjMju7/s1600/Pia-Miss-Universe-2015-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOeW4c7KnRBUgfy1bksTO1StSk1sR5dDgCDdP-ISod1NUh9MCUM-eY5w2nsvA3RUTu5q08ubsX6xx8SnH5rY0WCG0twuCdiZAv24UANgR-SlLt4vgnHEiLfl2Uc7doKEJLBjpWrFjMju7/s640/Pia-Miss-Universe-2015-1.jpg" title="Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach wins Miss Universe 2015. Photo Credit: Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A moment of awkwardness enveloped the pageant venue as Harvey mistakenly named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner of the prestigious beauty contest and Wurtzbach as the first runner-up. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6vG1TmBfN2htx2WicEw_lYBKctIeQ3kryZodGyJUW-XLj2x2CSFTDQ31k5usNdU2OG1GMBy0OVwT1b5CjNuHk_sxPnH7Mk2Lp0s7A3rlUxM4GV18GQWV2Oq6DVHNY5GwR82v1m5t05tK/s1600/Pia-Miss-Universe-2015-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6vG1TmBfN2htx2WicEw_lYBKctIeQ3kryZodGyJUW-XLj2x2CSFTDQ31k5usNdU2OG1GMBy0OVwT1b5CjNuHk_sxPnH7Mk2Lp0s7A3rlUxM4GV18GQWV2Oq6DVHNY5GwR82v1m5t05tK/s640/Pia-Miss-Universe-2015-2.jpg" title="Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Harvey, an American comedian and an Emmy award-winning TV personality quickly apologized for his mistake. The organizers of the pageant even showed the result card from Ernst and Young to the audience.<br /><br /><b>Watch the video.</b><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/missosology.info/videos/vb.138158146200458/1225490347467227/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/missosology.info/videos/1225490347467227/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/missosology.info/videos/1225490347467227/" rel="nofollow">Miss Universe 2015 Crowning Moment of Miss Philippines, Pia Wu...</a><br />Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach is the new Miss Universe. A moment of awkwardness enveloped the arena as the crown was already put in the head of Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutiérrez. But the card shows it's Miss Philippines who won. View more videos @ www.missosology.info<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missosology.info/" rel="nofollow">Missosology</a> on Sunday, December 20, 2015</blockquote></div></div></center><br />Hailing from Cagayan de Oro, Wurtzbach is the third Filipina to take home the Miss Universe title. <b><i>-Mini/TheSummitExpress</i></b></div>

After an announcement fiasco, Miss Philippines takes home Miss Universe crown

MANILA, Philippines- Following a “horrible” mistake committed by host Steve Harvey, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe...

Read more »