Shock as Pinay frontrunner eliminated from 'X Factor USA'

Abs-cbnnews: MANILA -- Shocked and speechless -- these were the reactions of judges, and Filipino-American Ellona Santiago herself, when she was eliminated Friday (Manila time) from "The X Factor USA" after a stellar showing on the reality talent search.

Santiago, who was among the last six finalists on the Fox show, was the first of two acts to be eliminated based on public votes during the program's December 5 episode.

The announcement of the 17-year-old singer's elimination was met with boos from the audience. Her mentor, judge Demi Lovato, was heard saying, "This is ridiculous!"

Judge Kelly Rowland also appeared shocked at the announcement.

"This is a real shock here on the stage and in the audience," host Mario Lopez said as he called on both Santiago and Lovato to take center stage.

Asked for her thoughts on being sent home, Santiago said, "A lot's going through my mind and... I don't know, I guess I didn't give the strongest performance last night, and I just hope I can have another change again, but..."

"I'm actually pretty speechless and disappointed," said Lovato, who was standing beside Santiago. "I feel like a lot of really amazing people have been sent home that didn't deserve to go home so soon, and Ellona is definitely one of them."

"She could have won this competition," Lovato added.

Stellar run

Santiago, who became known in the competition for her "diva" performances, was seen as one of the frontrunners on "The X Factor USA" after consecutive raves from judges until reaching the top 6.

The Pinay's last numbers on the show were "unplugged" renditions of Lady Gaga's "Applause" and Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy," which garnered glowing reviews from the judges.

Paulina Rubio called her a "superstar," with fellow judge Simon Cowell referring to one of her numbers as "incredible." Addressing her mentee, Lovato also said, "America should vote for you because you deserve it!"

Santiago, however, went on to garner the fewest votes.

Fellow finalists Rion Paige, who was also mentored by Lovato, and Carlito Olivero were also in the bottom three in terms of public votes. The two acts sang "for survival," with Olivero moving on based on his last-chance performance.

He joins duo Alex & Sierra, Jeff Gutt, and band Restless Road in the semifinals of "The X Factor USA," which will kick off next week.

'Best is yet to come'

"Just because I'm off the show doesn't mean my dream ends, keep a lookout for me," she asid. "Thank you so much for all the people who voted me each week and kept me this far, and thank you even though many of you couldn't but continuously supported me along the way."

"I'm blessed, grateful, and the best is yet to come. I love you all!"

In an earlier interview with ABS-CBN News, Santiago said she was hoping to win the competition to give her parents a better life. She said she wants to repay them for their sacrifices for her and her siblings.

Born in the Philippines, Santiago's family moved to San Lorenzo, California when she was only 11 months old.

Ellona, eliminated in X Factor USA Season 3

Ellona's exit interview

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Miss Venezuela is the new Miss Earth, Miss Philippines finishes in Top 8

Alyz Henrich of Venezuela has been crowned Miss Earth 2013 held at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on December 7.

Miss Air is Katia Wagner of Austria. Punika Kulsoontornrut of Thailand is Miss Water and Catharina Choi of Korea is Miss Fire.

A well deserved win from this Latina beauty who wants to ensure water preservation as her primary environmental advocacy.

"We are responsible for the destruction of our nature. We need to be aware and take care of Mother Earth.", the 22 year old beauty's answer to the Q&A portion.

Meanwhile, Miss Philippines Angelee Delos Reyes finished the pageant in the top 8 with Misses from Poland, Austria, Korea, Serbia,Thailand, Venezuela and Mexico.

Miss Fire, Miss Air, Miss Earth and Miss Water of 2013

In the Q&A, Angelee was asked "A month after Yolanda struck the country, how do you think Mother Earth feels now?"

The 26-year-old Filipina beauty answered: "She feels sad now. It's a wake up call for us. We must take care of Earth so it can take care of us."

            

Angelee in swimsuit (Top 8) -Missosology

Angelee in Night Gown (Top 8) -Missosology

However, her straight to the point answer that was well applauded by the audience was not enough to earn her the most coveted crown that night.

Crowning moment with Miss Earth 2012, Tereza Fajksová

Included in the the top 16 were the candidates of Turkey, Chile, France, China, Mauritius, Spain, USA, and South Africa.

Miss Earth 2013 Major Awards (wikipedia.com)

Miss Earth 2013 Sponsor/ Minor Awards (wikipedia.com)

Watch the full show of Miss Earth 2013 here:

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Bea Rose Santiago, ready to win the Miss International Crown

Bea Rose Santiago, the country's bet to the 53rd edition of Miss International was oozing with elegance and confidence during her send-off presser, held at Sachi Restaurant in Cubao, Quezon City, northeast of Manila, on December 4. Crowning of Miss International 2013 will take place on December 17, 2013 in Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall, Tokyo, Japan.

Leaving this 6th of December,  Santiago who will be competing with 72 contestants in the pageant wants to finish the international pageant with a slam to give the Filipino people especially those hit by ST Yolanda, a reason to smile this Christmas.

“I'm very happy to represent our country for Miss International. I'm dedicating my pageant for the Haiyan or Yolanda victims. I'm not going there just as Bea Santiago, but as Miss Philippines. If I win or if I make it, that would bring happiness to them and make them proud,” said Bea during the send-off.

Send-off pic by Missosology

Filipino beauty queens had been performing very well for this year having won Miss World by Megan Young and Miss Supranational by Mutya Datul including Ariella Arida who completed the 5 year semi final streak with her 3rd runner up finish in Miss Universe 2013. Added to that are 3rd Runner Up placement of Ali Forbes in Miss Grand International and Top 10 inclusion of Cindy miranda in Miss Tourism Queen International. Meanwhile, Angelee delos reyes is one of the favorites to win Miss Earth Crown who already bagged 4 medals in the preliminaries. (See related article here: Angelee delos Reyes grapples 4 medals in Miss Earth 2013 )

With too much weight on her, this Gawad Kalinga Ambassador doesn't want to feel too much pressure. In an interview, she mentioned that she just wants to enjoy her stay in Tokyo and do her best to bring home the crown.

The 23-year-old Bea went through rigorous training with the Japanese language and a one-on-one coaching with Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in preparation. She grew up in Masbate and Canada.

Bea and Ariella during send off. Pic taken by Missosology

Cindy, Mutya, Bea, Ariella and Pia during the send-off.

Definitely, her moment has come. Do you think she will be our 5th Miss International? Let us hear your comments below.

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BangonPilipinas: Local, foreign celebs reach out to help Yolanda victims

GMA News: In light of the recent calamity that struck the Philippines and claimed the lives and properties of its citizens, celebrities all over the world engaged in various fund-raising activities to help the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

In Southern California, actors Leandro Munoz, Anjanette Abayari, Antoinette Taus, and Tom Taus participated in the Bayanihan in Concert #3 held at the Beyond the Star’s Palace in Glendale. The live music benefit concert brought in more than $3,000 worth of cash donations, which was turned over to GMA Kapuso Foundation. Meanwhile, the My Husband’s Lover cast, who are currently touring  the US, made it a point to appeal for donations for their typhoon-stricken kababayans to those who were present during their concert.

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and well-known English footballer David Beckham – considered by many as a “power couple” even beyond UK’s borders – reportedly donated personal items such as shoes and clothes to the British Red Cross in order to raise money for the Filipinos affected by the devastating storm. The Beckhams’ donations – many of which come from high-end brands like Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabbana, and Roberto Cavalli – drew crowds to the charity shop in London where the couple’s items were displayed.

Newly-crowned Miss World Megan Young – who made her first foray into show business through GMA’s original artista search program, Starstruck – joined forces with New York-based non-profit organization Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) for a dinner fundraiser at Doubletree by Hilton.

The Mulligan Project’s 4th Annual New Moon Festival – a star-studded event that is known for extending aid to children in Central Vietnam – allocated 25 percent of the funds they raised through providing live entertainment and serving Vietnamese cuisine to Philippine typhoon relief efforts. Some of the notable Fil-Am personalities who lent their talents to the festival are Michael Galante, Anna Maria Perez De Tagle, Andrew Soriano, and fashion designer Joey Galon.

Paul Walker, whose biggest claim to fame is his stint as Brian O’Conner in The Fast and the Furious film series, expressed his desire to help the Philippines via Reach Out Worldwide, a non-profit disaster relief group that Paul founded. Unfortunately, Paul wouldn’t be able to personally see the fruits of his labor, as he was killed in a car crash shortly after gracing a fundraising event organized by his group.

More than the amount of money raised in the various fund-raising efforts, these celebrities’ selfless acts certainly helped spread awareness of the need to reach out to those devastated by typhoon Yolanda not only to provide relief goods but also to help them rebuild their lives. — GMA International

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BangonPilipinas: German cruise line to hire Pinoys from Yolanda-hit areas

GMA News: A German cruise line has held a two-day job fair offering opportunities to qualified candidates in the Visayas region, especially those affected by the earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

Qualified candidates will work onboard 10 vessels, according to AIDA Cruises in a statement.

Imke Mecke, AIDA’s senior manager for recruitment fleet, said they have been conducting their “Career Caravan” in the Visayas since 2009.

“The hospitality and excellent qualification of the Visayans are highly appreciated by the German guests onboard,” she said in the statement.

During the caravan, Mecke said two new AIDA vessels will arrive in 2015 and 2016, which will be manned by Filipino crew members.

Aside from the job fair, AIDA Cruises, in cooperation with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC), also conducted a charity event last December 5, 2013 at MMC's office in Cebu City.

During the event, Mecke handed over individual checks to AIDA families affected by the earthquake and super typhoon summing up to a total donation of US$10,000. — KBK, GMA News

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Azkals clinch 133rd rank in FIFA, highest for Team Philippines

The Philippine National Football Team has set another record for grabbing it's highest placement in FIFA Rankings at 133rd in the November 28 update.

Despite a 4-0 loss to United Arab Emirates last November 9 and a 1-1 draw against India last November 15,Azkals still managed to leap four spots in the latest edition of FIFA. It could be due to the fact that they are competing against higher-ranked teams.

The Philippines is now the highest ranked team in Souteast Asia and 19th-ranked squad in the Asian Football Confederation. Iran at 45th is the highest ranked Asian Team followed by Japan and South korea now in 48th and 54th Rank, respectively.

Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, and now Portugal (from 9th rank) are the Top 5 in FIFA Rankings.

Here is the current ranking of Southeast Asia countries:

1. Philippines – 133
2. Singapore – 140
3. Hong Kong – 158
4. Malaysia – 158
5. Indonesia – 162
6. Laos – 163
7. Thailand – 173
8. Chinese Taipei- 174
9. Myanmar – 184
10. Cambodia – 188
11. Brunei Darussalam – 189
12. Timor-Leste – 189

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Nietes, Sabillo retain WBO belts

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) world lightflyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and WBO world minimum weight champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo successfully defended their WBO world titles over Mexican Sammy Gutierrez and Nicaraguan  Carlos Buitrago last Saturday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in the double main event of the Pinoy Pride XXIII.

Nietes managed to knockout Gutierrez with his stone-like punches in the third round. In the opening round, the Mexican boxer was knocked down twice but was saved by the bell. Meanwhile, Sabillo won the battle through a split draw to retain his belt.

Filipino boxers who also emerged victorious were Melindo who won against Juan Francisco Estrada last July at the Cotai Arena in Macau. Jason Pagara and AJ Banal also brought home the bacon after beating Vladimir Baez of Dominican Republic and Lucian Gonzales of Puerto Rico, respectively. Former world title contender Jimrex Jaca ignited the ring of fire with his first round knockout of Indonesian Wellem Reyk.

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Ellona "Diva" sings Applause and If I were a boy in X Factor 3 Top 6 live shows

This week on X Factor USA Season 3, the Top 6 gets to sing two songs in "Divas" and "Unplugged Songs" theme. Our very own Ellona Santiago unleashed her diva within singing a Gaga hit "Applause" and belted out Beyonce's "If i were a boy" as her "Unplugged Song" in the Live shows last December 4.

The 17 year old Fil-Am from San Lorenzo, California donned thigh high boots and dominatrix outfit to deliver her first diva song "Applause" which was well applauded by the Judges and the audience.

Judges comments were:
Simon Cowell: You’ve gone from a mouse to a tiger.
Paulina Rubio: It’s Ellona. Ellona Diva
Kelly Rowland: This was truly… this was one of your best performances. I need you to control those big notes.
Demi Lovato: You have the ability to be a good role model.

No backup dancers this time- just her beautiful vocals, Ellona gracefully handled the second song "If I were a boy" that showcased her soft voice and it worked very well in this song choice which Cowell had been looking forward to.

 Judges comments were:
Simon Cowell: This is what we’ve been waiting for you for a long time. That was incredible.
Paulina Rubio: Superstar, I love. I love how you deliver.
Kelly Rowland: You have such a big beautiful voice. You should explore the softer tones just a bit more.
Demi Lovato: I’m so happy. It really showcased your vocals.

Ellona's tweets prior to showtime.

Top 6 also include Carlito Olivero, Rion Paige, Restless Road, Jeff Gutt and Alex & Sierra who are hopeful to join as one of the Top 4 in Live Show 7. Will our Ellona Santiago make it? Let's keep supporting her. Go Go Go Ellona!

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Yolanda Image in Time's Top 10 Photos of 2013

The image showing survivors of ST Yolanda  in Tolosa, Leyte while survivors are marching during a religious procession has been selected by TIME magazine’s website as one of the Top 10 photos of 2013 which was published Monday, December 2.

Captured by Philippe Lopez for Agence France-Presse and Getty Images on November 18, the photo is visually strong and depicts a lot of emotions from the residents devastated by Yolanda.

“It’s very stormy at this time of year in the Philippines. Clouds gathered in front of the setting sun while along the road residents lit fires to burn the debris left by the typhoon. Momentarily, the devastated landscape took on a strange beauty, and it was just then that this group of women and children appeared on the road. I think people gravitate towards this picture not only because it is visually strong and emotional, but also because, in a way, it draws on some viewers’ own faith,” The photo caption reads as published on TIME’s website.

Images taken from Bangladesh, Australia, Turkey, South Africa, Texas, Egypt and Syria were also there including photos taken during the terror bombing at the Boston Marathon and at the Westgate Mall Massacre in Nairobi, Kenya. See the rest of the Top 10 below.

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Philippines improves ranking in ‘corruption perception’ index again

The Philippines ranked 94th out of 177 countries in the latest results of the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index compared last year where the country ranked 105th. It was 129th in 2011.

The country scored 36 versus 34 last year showing an improvement in the country’s anti-corruption drive tying with Algeria, Armenia, Benin, Colombia, Djibouti, India and Suriname on a perceived level of public sector corruption based on a scale of 0-100 (where 0 means a country is perceived as highly corrupt, and 100 means it is perceived as very clean)

In the Southeast Asian region, Singapore in Top 5 ranked the highest, while Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia were second and third (38 and 53). The Philippines was fourth in the region in terms of corruption perception, better than Thailand (102), Indonesia (114), Vietnam (116), and Laos (140). Myanmar struggled at 157th but also considered as one of the most improved countries

In an interview, Lacierda said that these gains reflect improved confidence in President Aquino’s leadership and that his commitment to stamp out corruption is gradually taking effect.

“This year’s improvement continues a trend in which the reforms put in place result in an increasingly positive and encouraging perception of the country, where improvements are measured not only year-by-year, but by leaps and bounds on an annual basis,” he said

He also believes the improvement in the ratings also shows that investors are acknowledging the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

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Filipino Whiz Kid tops Bahrain spelling bee

Prayers granted for Franzine May Alcantara-Tagayun who sealed the Top Prize in Smart Events Spell Bound Bahrain at Baharain Keraleeya Samajam for Junior Division last November 29.

“She depended on God for intervention and grace” her mother said during the competition. She just kept praying and making the sign of the cross while waiting for her name to be called.

Participated by 150 students from different schools during the written round, the 12-year-old whiz kid was able to advance to the Top 20 and grabbed the number 1 spot in  the Oral Final where contestants spell the given word orally.

The Filipino pride took home one thousand US Dollars and a trophy.

Kerala Engineers Forum (KEEN4) Bahrain, a fraternity of engineers from the south Indian state of Kerala and residing in Bahrain, conducted the event together with India Spelling Bee which hosted the event.

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BangonPilipinas: Filipino Para Sa Filipino: United the fashion community stands to help rebuild the Visayas

Interaksyon.com: A rare gathering that could only match its noble cause. On Friday evening, November 29, beyond brands, organizations, and media entities, the Philippine fashion community convened in what is the biggest fashion event of the year.

“Filipino Para Sa Filipino: The Filipino Fashion Industry Bands Together For the Rehabilitation Of the Visayas” was held at the newly opened Samsung Hall at The SM Aura in Taguig City. The fashion show promised 100 designers with 100 outfits all presented for charity and—from the venue, the fashion items up for auction, the time and service given by the production team, fashion models, stylists, and makeup artists—all these were rendered for free.

And for the ticket price of Php1,000, which goes to charity, even invited members of media (who typically get media passes during the local fashion week) couldn’t help but graciously give their donations as well. “After what happened in the Visayas, it’s hard not just to write about it but to give and help till it hurts, too,” one writer for a national publication shared.

Proceeds of the fundraiser will go to Tabang Visayas, “a loose coalition of member civil society organizations working in partnership with the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP), the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP), and international aid agencies.” Tabang Visayas is currently coordinating with various local government units in providing relief and rehabilitation to typhoon-ravaged communities in the Visayas.

The event opened with a somber mood as a video featuring the massive destruction and loss caused by super typhoon Yolanda was presented. It ended with a hopeful and encouraging message that the Philippines can rise and rebuild itself from this national tragedy.

The seriousness was gently broken by the ever energetic and positive host Tessa Prieto Valdez, together with model Trishan Cuaso. Confessing that her plume-inspired evening wear by designer Rajo Laurel was actually intended for the cancelled Tatler Ball, her spiel brought laughter among the audience.

According to the event’s production staff, two weeks was all it took to organize and achieve this feat, led by Philippine Daily Inquirer lifestyle editor Thelma Sioson San Juan who wasted no time in collaborating with fashion directors Jackie Aquino, Ogee Atos, Robby Carmona, and fashion designers Randy Ortiz, JC Buendia, and Edgar San Diego.

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Pinoy Bestfriends win The Apartment: Design your Destiny reality TV Show

Another Filipino pride! Pinoy dynamite duo Deankie Latonio and Tiara Sison bested 9 other teams from all over the world and came out triumphant in the reality interior design TV show "The Apartment - Design Your Destiny" last Sunday, December 1, 2013.

The Apartment - Design Your Destiny is patterned as a pressure stress test where teams will design and decorate a room each week.

In the final episode entitled "What We'd Do for an Apartment", the 23 year old bestfriends from Cebu competed against Australian Yvette,  a fashion reporter/blogger and British/Thai Sonya who is a model/actress where they were tasked to design an entire apartment from scratch in just 72 hours. Laurence Llewellyyn-Bowen, designer to the British Royal Family, who served as the competition's head judge including Designer Jamie Durie who doubled as the competition's host and judge, and celebrity designer Jamie Durie favored Deanki and Tiara's work and declared them the eventual winner.

The Filipino pair walked away with an expensive brand new double-storey home at Elmina, Malaysia. Other contestants are from the US, Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Here are the designs that made them win: (Click here for the complete set of pics on their Apartment Design)

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