Singapore’s First International Plus Size Beauty Pageant Crowns A New Queen

• 15 delegates from around the world stepped into the spotlight to promote body positivity, challenge size stereotypes and empower women everywhere of all shapes and sizes
• Miss Philippines Jodel Padao Mesina crowned Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017, with Miss Singapore Priscilla Boh coming in a close second to take home first runner up

SINGAPORE, 13 November 2017 – Singapore’s first international plus size pageant Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017 reached a spectacular conclusion at its grand finale on Sunday, as a new beauty queen was crowned. Over an intense five-day competition, 15 delegates from all around the world – including India, Ukraine, Thailand, Myanmar and Belarus, came together to challenge size stereotypes and champion body positivity.

Instead of being assessed by conventional beauty standards, contestants went through a multi-faceted judging process designed to bring out their poise, intelligence and talents. Pageant activities comprised of personal profile interviews, a national costume showcase, a series of photoshoots, as well as a talent show.

        

It was a close call between the contestants, as all 15 ladies were distinguished and inspiring personalities with remarkable talent to boot. After much deliberation, the judges finally reached the decision to crown Miss Philippines Jodel Padao Mesina as the winner of Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017.

Ms Mesina, whose national costume was made using rattan, impressed judges with the tremendous effort that she had put into the competition, as well as her generous personality. “I joined this competition because I wanted to empower, inspire and motivate all plus size women in this world to never stop pursuing their dream and to make it come true,” said Ms Mesina. “This process has been so amazing, and I truly learned a lot from the whole experience.”

Miss Singapore, celebrity makeup artist Priscilla Boh, also captivated the judges with her friendly charm and eventually won the place of first runner up. “Body positivity is a journey that I’ve been on for 10 years. Personally, I’ve struggled through several ups and downs, so I am extremely humbled by this opportunity to stand here as an advocate for body positivity and to challenge our conventional stereotypes of beauty.”

Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017 was helmed and organised by Singapore’s first plus size beauty queen, Ms. Fiona Tan. Winner of Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2016 and Miss Plus Size of the World 2016. She is also the first and only Asian and Singaporean woman to win two global beauty pageants.

“Our goal is to empower women everywhere, and I feel that we really achieved that in this pageant. Our audience was full of enthusiastic supporters beyond plus size girls,” said Fiona. “My message of confidence is not just for plus size girls, but for everyone: Every woman out there is beautiful, and you should be confident, regardless of your size or number.”

About Miss Top of the World Plus Size:

Miss/ Mrs Top of the World (Miss TOTW) is an international beauty pageant based in Latvia, in its 7^th year running and in its 2^nd year running for the same title in Plus Size (Miss TOTW PS), launched in 2010 by founder Kristine Lindenblate. Held annually to inspire and empower women across the world of all shapes and sizes, the pageant aims to provide a platform for beautiful, intelligent and talented ladies who have braved the odds of body shaming and have the courage to celebrate their bodies. The grand finale of Miss TOTW PS 2016 was held in Cristal Club Lounge, Latvia with 10 global finalists and over 200 supporters in attendance where they crowned the winner of Miss TOTW PS 2016, Fiona Tan, the first Singaporean plus size pageant queen.

World's Best Models Search

By Bench Bello

Last November 14, Decisive Edge Integrated Media, Inc. launched the first search for "World's Best Models Philippines at St. Francis Shangrila Place. 

A mini fashion show was organized to present the 45 aspiring models and was introduced to the members of the press. The candidates sashayed down the runway in their freestyle looks and swimwear. The event was hosted by Ms. Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee delos Reyes. 

The winner will be the official representative of the Philippines in Bulgaria next year (2018). They will compete for the following: 

Top International Model of the World (Senior Category)
Mr. and Ms. Teen Globe
Mr. and Ms. Teen Youth Globe (Juniors Category)

Checkout some of the photos during the mini fashion show and press presentations:

Checkout more photos: https://www.facebook.com/pg/HollywoodWeeklyMagazineAsia/photos/?tab=album&album_id=693521344183933

About Decisive Edge Integrated Media, Inc.

Decisive Edge Integrated Media, Inc. is an emerging events management team specializing in public relations, corporate communication, as well as organizing beauty pageants and events for the fashion industry.

Famous Celebrity and Pageant Gown designer Edwin Uy is the Project Executive Director while Dave Ocampo is in-charge in fashion related events. 

The grand finals will be on November 24, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at Chaos Night Club at the City of Dreams Manila.

It's time to chill out: Geláre ice cream has landed in the Philippines

Grand launching of Gelare Philippines last November 9, 2017

Dessert enthusiast will definitely in love with Gelare ice cream! Finally Geláre has landed in the Philippines with its flagship store in Uptown, BGC with its serene interior perfect for relaxation. A place where you can just leave all your stress behind and savor some guilty pleasures.

Geláre is an Italian word that means “to freeze” or “congeal”, which is the final step in the ice cream making process. Geláre offers 24 staple ice cream flavors to choose from with notable flavors like: Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup and Honey Malt.

They also have 5 flavors of Vegan and Halal certified ice cream such as Banana

Caramel Swirl, Lychee Lane Sorbet, Mango Passion Sorbet, Lemon Lime Sorbet and hang on matcha lovers out there, Matcha Green Tea.

Dra. Joyce Pilarsky and Congressman Yul Servo

Making it more exciting is Gelare’s waffle which can be enjoyed both sweet and savory. It comes with a perfect crisp on the outside yet light and fluffy on the inside. For simple pleasures, it can be enjoyed with its rich buttercream topping or add a little excitement with a scoop of any ice cream flavor of your choice to make it à la mode. Or better yet, pair your waffles with Egg benedicts for those ovum lovers.

Those who crave for more tangible protein can go for their Waffle with Buttermilk Chicken; Juicy chicken fillet that’s battered and deep fried to perfection. They also have waffle with Sliced Beef & Gravy; richly flavored and tender, this thinly sliced sirloin is a sure bet. Craving for java? Fret not, as Geláre offers a robust coffee experience whether hot or cold. They also offer to-die- for Affogato customizable with your choice of ice cream flavor.

For non-coffee drinkers, you will definitely thirst for their smoothies such as Mango Mango and Merry Berries. And hey if you want to go all-out, why not try their Rich Milk shakes with your choice of ice cream.

At Geláre, there is no limit to your imagination. Head on to Geláre at the 3rd level, Uptown BGC and be creative. A branch in Nuvali is opening soon!

Watch out for more updates on Geláre on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GelarePH/.

Singapore’s First Two-Time Plus Size Beauty Queen Pageant

Singapore’s First Two-Time Plus Size Beauty Queen is Launching Singapore’s First International Plus Size Beauty Pageant – Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017

• Singapore's Fiona Tan, crowned Miss Top of the World Plus Size (Miss TOTW PS) 2016 in Latvia, is launching the first plus size pageant in Singapore this year
• With Asian delegates from Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, Miss TOTW PS 2017 aims to promote positive body confidence, challenge Asian size stereotypes and empower women everywhere of all shapes and sizes.

SINGAPORE, 31 October 2017 – For the first time ever, international plus size pageant Miss Top of the World Plus Size (Miss TOTW PS) will be held in Singapore, marking the launch of the republic’s first plus size beauty pageant. Helming the pageant is Singapore’s first plus size beauty queen Fiona Tan, who was crowned both Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2016 and Miss Plus Size of the World 2016, emerging as the first and only Asian and Singaporean woman to win two global beauty pageants.

This year, and for the 2^nd year running, Miss TOTW PS will see 15 delegates representing countries from around the world, hailing from India, Ukraine, Thailand, Myanmar and Belarus, to name a few. This year’s pageant looks set to be a dazzling affair once more as all contestants are distinguished and inspiring personalities in their own rights. Miss Singapore this year is Priscilla Boh, Singapore’s first plus size model and Miss Netherlands is a disability rights activist, having lost feeling in both her legs previously due to transverse myelitis.

          

Contestants will arrive in Singapore to compete for the Miss TOTW PS crown over 6 days from 8 to 13 November 2017, culminating in a spectacular grand finale night on 12 November 2017. Contestants will not be assessed by conventional beauty standards but rather by their poise, intelligence and talents, through a series of photo shoots, cultural events and personal profile interviews. Sponsors include Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, HapGlobal, Hygeia TCM Wellness and Ashleigh Ivory.

Held annually to inspire and empower women across the world of all shapes and sizes, the pageant aims to provide a platform for beautiful, intelligent and talented ladies who have braved the odds of body shaming and have the courage to celebrate their bodies. With several Asian representatives in the competition, Miss TOTW PS also seeks to challenge typical Asian stereotypes of beauty and celebrate women’s curves while promoting health and fitness.

Programme Highlights:

Date	Activities
Nov 8, 2017	Arrival of Delegates Opening Dinner – “Welcome to Singapore”
Nov 9, 2017	International Cultural Showcase & Talent Show at Skyline Lounge
Nov 10, 2017	Swimwear Photoshoot City Tour Excursion
Nov 11, 2017	Personal Profile Interview at Paulaner
Nov 12, 2017	Grand Finale & Awards Ceremony at Legacy Centre
Nov 13, 2017	Closing Ceremony

As an Asian minority in last year’s competition, Fiona Tan, reigning Miss TOTW PS 2016 and director of the Singapore pageant this year stood out from the line-up of full-figured beauty queens with her charisma and effectively debunked the notion that Asians must be slim and petite to be considered beautiful, sending local and international media into a frenzy.

“Bringing Miss TOTW PS into Singapore was a dream come true for me,” said Fiona. “With the competition this year, I hope to inspire Asian women of all shapes and sizes to celebrate their bodies, while combating body image issues, eating disorders and body dysmorphia. We are here to defy societal norms and overcome limiting beliefs about what constitutes beauty.”

- END -

About Miss Top of the World Plus Size:

Miss/ Mrs Top of the World (Miss TOTW) is an international beauty pageant based in Latvia, in its 7^th year running and in its 2^nd year running for the same title in Plus Size (Miss TOTW PS), launched in 2010 by founder Kristine Lindenblate. Held annually to inspire and empower women across the world of all shapes and sizes, the pageant aims to provide a platform for beautiful, intelligent and talented ladies who have braved the odds of body shaming and have the courage to celebrate their bodies. The grand finale of Miss TOTW PS 2016 was held in Cristal Club Lounge, Latvia with 10 global finalists and over 200 supporters in attendance where they crowned the winner of Miss TOTW PS 2016, Fiona Tan, the first Singaporean plus size pageant queen.

For more information on Miss TOTW PS:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctb6tqRSbOw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrsTopOfTheWorld/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_mrs.top_of_the_world/

Spotlight: Dra. Helen Abayon Mano

Dra. Helen Abayon Mano

Dra. Helen is a pediatrician from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, 2016 Manila Best Dressed Awardee, Awarded as Outstanding Woman of Style and Community Service. Grand Champion in a dance competition for the Philippine Medical Association. She also support and extends her help to less fortunate people through JCI Philippines and the Philippine Foundation of the Brotherhood of Christian and Professionals (BCBP).

1. Tell us about your personal opinion about empowered women?

Empowered women are women of integrity and principle whose lives are dedicated to the service of people and making an impact on the lives of many. They embody the true essence of being a woman, a leader and a change maker.

2. What inspires you?

My family has always been and will always be my biggest inspiration in life. They are my reason for living – my fuel in everything I do.

3. How do you take care of yourself or what are your beauty regimens?

Sleep is essential to staying beautiful but being a pediatrician, it is extremely difficult to have adequate time for sleep. Numerous referrals and emergency hospital calls at night would wake me up in the middle of my sleep. I think my biological rhythm has adapted quite well to this set up over the years. I also make sure that I wash my face and get a refreshing hot shower before going to sleep. I love to eat and I am particularly a voracious fruit eater and I just can’t resist seafoods and veggies. I have a passion for dancing and I go to the gym with my husband if time allows but I do light lifts everyday just to tone my arms. I take daily supplements and these help me lot with my daily physical and mental demands as a doctor.

4. How do you define success?

Success is when I get to achieve my goals in life. Success is when I see happy faces of my family for what I do. Success is when I am able to save lives of ailing children. Success is when I please God in everything single thing that I do and every thought that I make.

5. What is your secret of being fabulous?

A good disposition is life is reflection in anything you show on the outside and what you feel on the inside. I love dress, shoes and bags. It has become my passion to always look good at all times even during emergency hospital calls. Looking good gives me a different mood and confidence.

6. What is your advice or suggestions to all women?

We only live once and life is relatively short, so make the most of it. Every woman should feel good and look good whenever possible. Think positively but always learn from the negative side of life.  Be proud of being a woman and be an agent of change. Make your family as your fortress and refuge and put God in the middle of it and everything good will spring from it.

Check out the behind the scenes video at City Garden Hotel Makati

Spotlight: Ms. Marge Palacios

Ms. Marge Palacios

Businesswoman, President and Owner of B&W Omni Media, HWM previous cover, Manila Loveliest Awardee, Manila best dressed awardee, she was also included in Rupert jacinto’s “Faaabvlous VII” coffee table book on its 7th series and active member of Rotary Club of Makati.

1.       Tell us your opinion about empowered women?

The phrase of the decade: Women Empowerment. So cliché. But being an empowered woman I believe is as simple as having the strength of character within. And it shows. You need not be a dragon lady or a CEO of a huge firm to be empowered. You can be a housewife, a woman who has dedicated her life to raising her kids and serving her husband only because SHE CHOOSES TO and stands firm on the choices she makes. A woman who is brave to face whatever challenge stands before her and is able to think for herself, and not because it is expected of her. I am glad that many women in this time and age, have become bolder, more creative, more passionate and opinionated; and wiser. Just as long as they don’t get drunk with all this empowerment and take it out of context.

2. What inspires you?

LOVE. When you love, and feel loved, everything changes. You want to do more. To give more. Dreams shape up. Love is the greatest feeling of all.

3. Beauty regimens and how do you take care of yourself?

I visit the parlor 4 times a year. I do my own nails since I just like them short and clean and if I have to go to a nail spa for that alone, I feel it’s a waste of time for me. I have monthly facials. My daily facial regimen is a facial wash and moisturizer. Then I’m fine with just loose powder. But what I cannot leave without is LIPSTICK! In fact I will not leave the house without it. But more than all these beauty regimen, what keeps me feeling good is having to attend dance sessions (fusion, hiphop, funky, modern jazz etc.) at the gym I go to 3 times a week. Ever since I started my dance workout over 6 years ago, I feel younger now than I did 10 years ago!

  4.     How do you define success?

Success is a mindset. One may see success as wealth. Others as having the perfect family. Or for many, fame. Success is personal. If one is able to achieve their dreams, and is happy and content with its outcome, and still be able to sleep at night, then for me, that is success.

5. What is your secret to being fabulous?

Frankly speaking, I never really did see myself as fabulous. In fact, I believe I’m far from being that and it’s actually kind of funny that some people think that I am. I may look it in pictures because I’m required to dress a certain way in some occasions or at least for the camera. But I don’t really like to fuss over what I’m going to wear or what makeup or hairstyle am I going to apply. For those who really know me, I’m actually very simple. A nice dressed watch will suffice as a daily accessory. Signature bags that are grossly priced are immaterial to me. If it looks good, I’ll carry it. As for clothes, if it looks and feels good, I’ll wear it. I never let brands define who I am. Fabulosity is superficial.

6. Advice to all women?

Enjoy your womanhood. Love and pamper yourself. Fulfill your passions. Never let yourself go, not just for your partner, but because you deserve better. If you find value in yourself, only then will others learn to value you.

Ms. Jessie Maloles @ 40 - Grand Birthday Celebrations

Jessie Maloles at 40

Grand Birthday Celebration

August 14, 2016

Manila Polo Club

Beauty queen, catwalk diva and a woman in action celebrated her 40th birthday at Manila Polo Club last August 14, 2016. The guests arrived with their stunning outfits, some are wearing casual look and  evening gowns and black ties for men which had been required that evening.

Life Begins at 40... Rain or shine ... Typhoon signal 1-5...the party must on.Thank you all ...for your time and effort for joining me on my Birthday celebration...I really appreciate it. Jessie Maloles

Here are some of the scenes on her grand birthday celebrations