Geneva, Why So Glum?

Protein deprivation will do that to you. I kid. I Kid.

I just notice that models I see in a lot of “Go, Vegan/Vegetarian” ad campaigns don’t smile. Example, Geneva Cruz’s picture above. Does doing away with meat also get rid of one’s humor?

Aside from the lack of humor, the vegans/vegetarians that I seem to hear from are those who make you feel less of a human being for refusing to badge from the top of the food chain.

If meat-eaters are disgusting, compassionless omnivores, what is a vegan/vegetarian? I looked it up in my favorite online dictionary, the Urban Dictionary, and it says a vegan is a person who kills fruits and vegetables; annoying skinny fucks who refuse to eat meat or any other animal by product.

A vegetarian is a bad hunter; someone who survives by consuming not food, but the stuff that food (i.e livestock) eats; a person that is too much of a pussy to eat meat.

Vegans/vegetarians are sanctimonious, moralistic assholes who can’t keep their lifestyle choices to themselves. Well, I don’t believe veganism turned them into assholes. They were asshole, shitty people to begin with even before they decided to be vegans/vegetarians.

I also don’t believe all vegans/vegetarians are skinny. Case in point: Yasmine Kurdi, another local celebrity that we see on PETA ad campaigns. Yasmine is a proud and out vegetarian, but I guess chocolates and cakes don’t count as meat?

Ms Venezuela is Ms Universe 2009

Stefania Fernandez from Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the Atlantis Resort Paradise Island in the Bahamas Monday (Manila time).

Stefania Fernandez bested 83 candidates from around the world to become the 58th Miss Universe.

It was also the first time in the pageant's history that the same nation won the contest for two years in a row. Last year's Miss Universe was Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela.

Ms. Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo failed to make the top 15. There were also no other Asian candidates in the top 15.

ABS-CBN was so building up Ms Philippines on the run to Monday's Ms Universe, tapos not even top 15? What a huge letdown.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz was first runner-up and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha was second runner-. The third and fourth runners-up were Miss Australia Rachael Finch and Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez.

Fernandez outsmarted the four top finalists during the question-and-answer portion. Asked by judge Andre Leon Talley what women can do to overcome obstacles in achieving their goals, the Venezuelan beauty answered: “I believe that nowadays we, women, have overcome many obstacles and I do believe that we have reached the same level as men have. We must realize there are no longer barriers amongst us.”

The Miss Congeniality award was won by Miss China Wang Jingyao. Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej was voted Miss Photogenic.

The beauty pageant was hosted by “Access Hollywood” co-anchor Billy Bush and “Celebrity Apprentice” star Claudia Jordan. Rapper Flo Rida, singers David Guetta and Kelly Rowland and reality star Heidi Montag also performed during the coronation night.

Survivor Philippines Palau: Week 1 – Who Got Voted Out?

Survivor Philippines Palau castaway Justine, the Beauty Queen, the first transgendered/transsexual contestant of Survivor Philippines also got the distinction of being the first voted out in Survivor Philippines Season 2.

Did the discussion at Tribal Council focused too much on Justine’s sexuality? She’s a person, not a freak so however it came about that she’s had a penis in a former life should have had just a passing mention. Once again, it underscores transgendered people being a curiosity instead of ordinary people.

Anyway, it was too early in the game to get emotionally invested in any of the contestants, so I didn’t care whether it was Justine or Charles who got booted out.

However, it’s not too early to start feeling the hate on some of the contestants. I would have liked to see Tara, the Taray Queen, get voted off to shut her up. She and her sister whatshername from Season 1 would have been the first sisters on reality TV to get voted off first during their respective seasons. Tara, Maricel Soriano called. She want's her title back.

Tara talks too much, and in an affected way, that I find irritating. And hello she’s too emotional for this game. She went off on poor Charles, who is just too stupid to know better than to be truthful about the name he’s going to write down on the parchment paper.

FYI, Tara. If you ask a question and you demand a truthful answer, then don’t expect to like the answer. Shut up, will you? There’s someone who’s going to be voted off every week and expect your name to come up every time.

I hope Airai loses immunity next week so I can hope that Troy, the Mentalist, gets his comeuppance for being so feeling gwapo. Pwede bang dakpin ito ng pulis kasi manyak siya?

I thought mentalists are entertaining, but I’m thinking it would be entertaining to see Troy black and blue courtesy of the male family members of Mika, the Chef from Palawan.

So, how awesome is Amanda, the Construction Worker? She’s one of my pre-game faves and she’s turning out to be capable, survival wise. Contestants like Amanda are usually not too long for this game because they are viewer as a threat and voted off at the first opportunity, unless of course Amanda turns out to be thinking player who’s got her social and mental game.

Another person who I think will see her torch snuffed out soon is Carol, the Teacher. Hello, Carol wala ka sa classroom! Hindi mo estudyante or anak ang mga kasama mo sa island. Carol can’t simply read a room and keep her opinions to herself.

Next week, the twist. I hope it’s not someone who got voted out coming back to have a second chance. If that’s the case, what happened to “once your torch is out, you are too?”

Willie Revillame For Senator?

Blame Manny Villar if this desecration comes true. Punish him for this idiocy by not voting for him.

Willie Revillame is currently on hiatus after being deluged with protests and criticism over his rude and arrogant remark about the late President Corazon Aquino’s cortege being show live on his show, Wowowee.

The Aquino family has accepted Willie Revillame’s apology, but certain sectors are still after his head. The intention was good, but why be rude and arrogant about it? Kasi money can’t buy you good manners and breeding.

Willie’s spin doctor, Cristy Fermin, is also on the offensive, devoting a portion of her Bulgar column regarding Willie’s status almost daily.

According to doc Cristy, several ads are on hold while Willie is on leave. Many fans are sending her texts and mails voicing their impatience over Willie’s continued absence on Wowowee. If you’re born yesterday, please feel free to believe all these lie telling.

Manny Villar has also come to Willie’s rescue, offering a senatorial seat for Willie if he decides not to come back on his show.

Seryoso ka? Parang ang daling pumili ng kandidato para sa isang mahalagang posisyon sa gobyerno. Kailangan ba ng senado ng court jester? Hindi pa ba sapat ang estatwa sa Senado na si Lito Lapid?

The network where Willie works has exonerated him, saying that the insertion of the live feed was a miscommunication. Oo na miscommunication na. However, the issue is Willie’s lack of respect for others in the way he comes across through words and actions. How do you explain that?

Anabelle Rama Responds to Dismissal of Libel Case Against Wilma Galvante

Anabelle Rama has called time out from “playing” with her Wilma Galvante voodoo dolls to put out a statement regarding the dismissal of the libel case she filed against Wilma Galvante, the Vice President of Entertainment at GMA 7.

From reading her statement, I’m inclined to believe that Anabelle Rama has finally crossed that line into mental illness. But she’s not yet there; she’s on the brink. I believe Anabelle Rama will finally lose her sh*t when Richard goes to jail for killing his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo, in a vehicular accident as a result of reckless driving, or when Wilma Galvante emerges victorious in her P7 M damage suit against her, whichever comes first.

Her statement once again shows Anabelle Rama’s arrogance, rudeness and her belief that she and the Gutierrez clan are the only sons and daughters of God. Every body else are gnats, or thorns on her side.

I am encouraging Anabelle Rama to take advantage of Wilma Galvante’s move to cancel the TRO and injunction filed against her. Go to every newspaper, entertainment news program and radio show in the country to reveal Wilma Galvante’s skeletons in her closet. That will teach Wilma Galvante not to mess with the Queen Bee, Anabelle Rama. (wink, wink)

Anabelle Rama’s statement via PEP:

"I just heard that my case against Wilma was dismissed. Obvious ba? The wife of Wilma’s lawyer is the assistant prosecutor of Quezon City.

“I was advised by my friends not to file my case in Quezon City dahil walang mangyayari. I believed the justice system aandar sa case ko. Umpisa pa lang ang laban. Mahaba ang lalakbayin sa kasong ito. I will file motion of reconsideration para i-review yung case.

"I filed slander because sinisiraan ako ni Wilma sa talent ko na si JC de Vera na sinusulot niya sa akin. At yung pangungurakot niya sa akin. Clear na clear ang panghihingi niya ng dollars at mga bags. Five years na akong kinokotongan.

"Ako’y nag-e-enjoy sa hearing. Meron tayong Trial Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Fiscal pa lang kami. Mauubos ang pera ni Wilma sa kasusuhol para manalo. Again, uulitin ko, matira matibay. Di ako titigil!

"Duwag ka talaga! Ang tapang mong magdemanda sa akin. Bakit mo winidraw yung finile mong TRO at injunction? Tinakot mo pa lahat ng press na sumulat sa interview ko tungkol sa ’yo. Nagmukha silang tanga, dala-dala ang mga clippings sa court! Pati tape interview ko sa TV Patrol, pina-subpoena mo. Pati interview ko sa radyo.

"Ano ‘yan, harassment? Or pananakot? So ngayon, free na ako magpa-presscon at magpa-interview.

"Isang hearing pa, lang natin sumurender ka na? Di pa ako nag-enjoy yung last hearing. Nabitin ako, excited na akong umupo sa witness stand para sabihin ko ang lahat ng baho mo!

Oral Defamation Case Filed by Annabel Rama Against Wilma Galvante Dismissed

Moneyger and monster mom Anabelle Rama is cooped up in her secret room “playing” with her Wilma Galvente voodoo doll because the Office of the Quezon City Prosecutor Office dismissed the Grave Oral Defamation or Grave Slander filed by Anabelle Rama against Wilma Galvante, Vice President for Entertainment at GMA Network.

The Prosecutor’s Office cited “lack of probable cause” in dismissing the complaint.

The case stemmed from Rama’s allegations that Galvante maligned her and undermined her role as manager to JC during an incident on 16 Feb 2009 inside Galvante’s office at GMA 7.

HAHAHA. Strike two for the “esteemed” (heaping dose of sarcasm here) Gutierrez clan. Richard Gutierrez lost his P25 M libel suit against PEP, which the family is not above using whenever they have a statement they want to make public. And now Anabelle’s grave slander suit against Wilma Galvante.

The third strike would either come from: Wilma Galvante winning her P7 M damage suit against Anabelle or Richard Gutierrez being found liable for causing the car accident in Cavite that killed his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo.

The following statements from Galvante were neither derogatory nor insulting, according to the QC Prosecutor’s Office:

"Tingnan mo? Tingnan mo kung ano ang ginagawa ng manager mo?"

"Hindi kayo puwedeng tumanggi sa show at kung tumanggi kayo, puwede kayo mademanda."

"They were just tolerating Annabelle, because when she didn’t like a project, she would pull out her talents pag malapit na ang show. Pero sobra na."

"Happy ka ba sa manager mo? Ilan taon pa ba ang kontrata mo sa kanya?

"May kopya ka ba ng contract mo with Annabelle? Puwede ko bang makita?"

"If there is anything I can help you with, just tell me."

Asst. City Prosecutor Torralba ruled, "Contrary to the theory of the complainant [Annabelle] that said statements are defamatory, insulting, malicious, and tend to prejudice complainant in her reputation, office or trade, business or means of livelihood, the undersigned finds nothing derogatory nor insulting to the complainant but rather finds the said statements to be more of a reminder to JC that they could be held liable in case they fail to comply with their contract with the network than a malicious or defamatory statement.

Survivor Philippines Palau: Season 2

The Republic of Palau was the chosen location for Survivor Philippines Season 2. An island nation lying in the Pacific Ocean, it is located at 500 miles east of the Philippines and 2,000 miles south of Tokyo.

Hosted by Paolo Bediones, Survivor Philippines Season 2 will premiere on August 17.

Pre-game Favorites

Amanda Colley Van Cooll, the lady construction worker, and Maya Segovia, mother, military pilot and mountaineer. Just because these two ladies seem to be cool, with careers in male-dominated fields.

Marvin Kiefer because we have to have an eye candy to make up for those annoying castaways. Instead of throwing a hard object at the TV, just turn your gaze on your eye candy.

Early hate

Louie Ang. Louis calls himself a “chickboy” and “bad boy”. Enough said.

Vlad Nesas. Vlad calls himself an “alpha male”, a dominant guy who always gets what he wants. A man who calls himself an alpha male is a tool. Trust.

Introducing The 16 Castaways

ECHO CACERES
20 YRS. OLD, CALL CENTER AGENT
BICOL

“I’m a real survivor because I am an all-in-one package person who knows my strength and knows when to use it. I am not only physically strong and witty but I know how to deal with different people even in difficult situations and I am able to easily adapt to any environment whether city or island life, making it with full determination.”

LOUIE ANG
24 YRS. OLD, IT TECHNICAL
PASIG

“Survivor ako kasi 5 girlfriends ko at hindi ako nahuhuli.”

Louie Ang is a typical guy-next-door, living his happy–go–lucky life with a constant goofy grin on his face.

His main reason for joining Survivor Philippines Palau could not be any simpler, “Matagal ko nang gustong sumali, para makita ko ang sarili ko sa TV,” Louie said.

When asked to describe himself, Louie declares that he is a “chickboy” and “bad boy”.

JUSTINE FERRER
29 YRS. OLD, BUSINESSWOMAN
KALOOKAN

“Well, I can say that I’m a real Survivor because I have been the breadwinner of my family for 10 years now. Also, I am providing for my nephew’s education and am helping my friends and relatives as much as I can. For me, winning their respect and love made me a real survivor.”

Justine Ferrer worked in Japan as a singer at the age of 19 and since then has become a breadwinner of the family.

As a businesswoman, Justine helped her father in a buy-and-sell business and managed a baby ultrasound company.

SUZUKI SADATSUGU
21 YRS. OLD, STUDENT/MODEL
TONDO

“Survivor ako kasi kahit malayo ako sa parents ko, kaya kong labanan ang lahat ng challenges sa buhay ko… kahit hindi lahat ng tao, naiintindihan ako, sinisigurado ko bago matapos ang araw ay nakilala ko sila at nakilala rin nila ako at naiintindihan ang pagkatao ko.”

Suzuki Sadatsugu lived in Japan for 18 years but still managed to stay true to his Filipino roots.

He usually visits his relatives in Manila, the reason he’s very familiar with the country and knows how to speak Filipino quite well.

Fondly called “Piko” or “Zuki”, he is taking up BS Criminology at Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manila.

TARA MACIAS
19 YRS. OLD, KOREAN ENGLISH TUTOR
CEBU

“I am not afraid to die, to suffer and to get lost, and with that mindset, over-all fear has no place in me as I fear no evil and that makes me a real survivor.”

At the age of 16, when their father passed away and their family business had to be closed down, Tara imposed upon herself to be self–supporting and to help her family get back on its feet. She has been working as an English language tutor to Koreans as well as a call center representative.

CHARLES DE VERA FERNANDEZ
21 YRS. OLD, BUSINESSMAN
DAGUPAN

“Survivor ako sa lahat ng trials sa aking buhay. Nakapagtapos ako ng studying ko through sipag at tiyaga sa iba’t ibang raket and sa direct selling business.”

“Madaldal, malakas ang loob at makapal ang mukha.”

That’s how Charles of Dagupan city would best describe himself and he was able to make good use of those traits to achieve the things he wants in life.

At the age of 18, Charles decided to become independent and live on his own without asking support from his parents.

He has probably sold everything direct-selling business could offer – from shoes and clothes to cosmetics.

And because of his perseverance, persuasiveness and talkativeness Charles was able to finish studying at the University of Luzon in Dagupan City.

CAROL GEMENTIZA
45 YRS. OLD, PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER
ILOILO

Carol Gementiza, a public school teacher for 20 years, is the oldest among the Castaways of Survivor Philippines: Palau.

She said that it was her children that encouraged and motivated her to audition for Survivor Philippines Palau.

Her experience as a teacher taught her patience and perseverance, which would seem enough to make her fit to become a Castaway.


MARVIN KIEFER
18 YRS. OLD, MODEL
CAGAYAN DE ORO

“I’m a Survivor because at any time of any day with just my backpack in hand, I am ready to go anywhere in the world.”

It seems that this Swiss–Filipino teenager hailing from Cagayan de Oro just has too much time on his hands.

Born in Switzerland and raised in CDO since he was three years old, Marvin Kiefer always had a passion for learning, adventure and experiencing different things.

AMANDA COLLEY VAN COOLL
25 YRS. OLD, CONSTRUCTION WORKER
MINDORO

“Survivor ako dahil bilang isang construction worker sa mundo ng mga lalaki, kinakaya at ginagawa ko ang trabaho, enjoy ko pa!”

Amanda Coolley Van Cooll works as a general labor construction worker in Alaska.

Name a work in construction and she’s done it all – from driving trucks to mixing cement.

“I love building things and working with my hands,” Amanda said when asked why she chose a career considered for men.

Amanda said that she got bored working in a bank, doing the same things everyday.

Amanda grew up a probinsyana and is accustomed to island life. She is confident that her experiences prepared her enough for the game.

CRIS BOLADO
39 YRS. OLD, BASKETBALL CLINIC INSTRUCTOR
QUEZON

“Survivor ako dahil gusto kong maibalik ang mga nawala sa akin before, especially money. It’s sad but I know there will be hope na darating for me to build again all my dreams.”

Cris Bolado retired from professional basketball in 2003 because of injury. Since then, he has kept himself busy coaching in basketball clinics all over the country.

MAYA SEGOVIA
32 YRS. OLD, MILITARY OFFICER
BATANGAS

“I’m a survivor in the truest sense. I survived all life’s challenges. I can accomplish anything inspite of all the personal problems I’m going through. I’m a mom, a military officer, a military pilot and a business woman. I can do multi-tasking and get the work done well.”

Captain Maya Segovia, a military officer and a pilot of the Philippine Air Force has always thought of herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body.

“Kahit na emotional pa rin ako bilang babae, kaya kong makipagsabayan sa mga lalaki,” the mother of two said.

Maya has been a pilot for seven years and she believes that it is her destiny to be a part of the profession ruled by men.

“Flying is really one of the things that make me happy,” she added.

Always competitive and physically active, Maya has been a mountaineer for 16 years and has also participated in triathlons.

She is also a taekwondo black-belter.

Despite all her credentials, Maya prepared herself for Survivor Philippines: Palau by studying people politics through reading books on psychology.

SHAUN RODRIGUEZ
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE
ZAMBALES

“Naranasan ko nang ma-bankrupt dati dahil sa negosyo as in wala natirang pera sa akin tapos ang dami kong utang. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa.. namasukan ako sa isang shipping line. 2 months pa lang ako nagte-training, kinuha na kong waiter sa barko ng isang international cruise, hanggang sa unti-unti, nabayaran ko ang utang ko. Ginawa ko lahat ng best ko at hindi ako sumuko. Survivor Ako!”

Shaun works as a Public Relations staff at the City Council’s Office in Manila where he is engaged in dental and medical missions and feeding programs among other public service affairs.

“I have really become sympathetic to the plight of the less fortunate,” Shaun said. “Masarap tumulong sa mahihirap lalo na pag na-a-appreciate nila ang kahit kaunting tulong na naibigay mo sa kanila.”

To prepare himself for Survivor Philippines: Palau, Shaun focused on improving his endurance by running for hours from the Quirino Grandstand to Roxas Boulevard.

TROY PEREZ
27 YRS. OLD, MENTALIST MAGICIAN
MANILA

“Since my childhood, it’s been my obsession to be different from my playmates, classmates and friends through magic and real life adventures. In joining this game, it will further bolster my longing for more adventure. It will open a wider horizon for the fulfillment of my dreams.”

It is second nature for Troy Perez to entertain people, the very reason why he got into performing as a magician or, as he prefers to be called, a mentalist.

After taking up BS Biology in Manila, he landed a job in a bank and his mentalist tricks came in handy as he usually got invited to corporate shows.

“Bago pa man ‘yung show, I practiced remote viewing or visualization,” Troy said. “I already imagined the situations I could possibly face and my reaction to those situations,” he added.

JEF GAITAN
22 YRS. OLD, PRINT AND COMMERCIAL MODEL
LAGUNA

“I’m a real Survivor because I survived on my own in real life. I took the risk to be independent at a very young age. I survived growing up in the city alone. I became a parent to myself and a teenager at the same time.”

Jef Gaitan may be sweet, friendly and approachable but her charming demeanor and her stunning looks should not be construed as signs of weakness.

VLAD NESAS
24 YRS. OLD, PROFESSIONAL MODEL
LAS PINAS

“I consider myself a real survivor because I have been through a lot of challenges in my life. Growing up, I always felt insecure. Pakiramdam ko ang pangi-pangit ko. This is the reason why I improved my body, my looks, pati na ang dating ko sa mga tao.Tingnan mo naman ngayon, hindi lang ako nag-improve, model pa ako ngayon.”

Vlad Nesas calls himself an “alpha male”, a dominant guy who always gets what he wants. He is confident that this is going to be his ace in winning the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Vlad is a graduate of Industrial Design, Major in Fine Arts at the University of Sto. Tomas where he was also a varsity swimmer.

He considers Joining Survivor Philippines: Palau as his major test of character.

“Kapag nakayanan ko itong Survivor, made na made na talaga ako” Vlad said smugly. “To prepare, talagang pinaganda ko ang katawan ko… sinanay ko ang sarili ko sa hirap. Grabe, six times a week na nga ang pagwo-work out ko. Kaya ba ng iba yun?”

He also knows that the cash prize and the title would drastically change his life, that’s why he is giving his all in the game.

“Hindi ako nagpapatalo. Hindi ako madaling mauto o mapaikot. Hindi rin ako takot manggago. Kung nabilib sila kay Marlon noon… well, hindi pa nila nakikilala si Vlad!” he said.

MIKA BATCHELOR
25 YRS. OLD, CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNER
PALAWAN

“I consider myself a Survivor because I am not afraid to meet life head-on and I never back away from a challenge as what does not kill me makes me stronger.”

Mika Batchelor is a 25-year old chef and restaurateur from Palawan.

Although she is representing the beautiful islands of Coron, Mika grew up in Boracay.

The beauty of these two beautiful Philippine beaches made her fell in love with the ocean and the outdoors.

Among her adventurous hobbies include surfing, sailing and rock–climbing.

But she faces challenges everyday as she takes charge of her restaurant by herself.

“Being a restaurant owner, I really learned leadership by dealing and socializing with people,” Mika said.

To prepare herself for Survivor Philippines Palau, Mika ate lots of high–protein food, fruits and vegetables.

“We have a hill in Coron with a cross at the top; it’s about seven hundred steps. I run there back and forth every day for my endurance,” Mika added.