How Kylie landed ‘once-in-a...

PAGE B1 best actress in Dubai. And I was invited through my publicist there. I was so lucky … I was like, ‘Is it really me you want to invite?’ I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Kylie had only a few weeks to prepare and put together possible red-carpet looks.

Mabilisan lang. My glam team couldn’t get visas on time, so I had to look for one there (in Cannes). But it’s nice to get to experience working with a new team,” she said.

With only a stylist in tow, the 31-year-old celebrity flew to Cannes with six suitcases filled with dresses, some of which were provided by designer Mark Bumgarner. The P50-million worth of jewelry from LVNA, meanwhile, she kept close to her. “Of course, I hand-carried it!” she said, laughing. “I was excited about showcasing works by Filipinos.”

Kylie was only supposed to attend the opening ceremony red carpet event, but the actress

Kylie Verzosa at the opening event at Cannes. Photo from Instagram/@kylieverzosa ended up getting invited to two more events, the premieres of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Black Flies,” starring Sean Penn.

Best dressed

Trailblazing Filipino shoe designer is proud Miss Filipina International sponsor

JOJO Bragais, the young Filipino shoe designer and entrepreneur who made a fashion coup when his quality platform high-heel shoes were worn by the candidates in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, is a proud sponsor of the 10th Miss Filipina International (MFI) pageant to be held on August 5, 2023 at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was very happy. It was tiring, stressful, but super rewarding to have the opportunity to see the international scene. I felt like I learned a lot. And I got to see many celebrities like Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio,” she said.

Particularly eye-catching was the dramatic black ball gown she wore on the opening day, which landed her in Vogue Scandinavia’s best dressed gallery. “I was so surprised. I was a Cannes first-timer, but I managed to get a number of ‘best dressed’ features,” she said. She was also introduced to different producers and directors. “I got to meet some of the members of the Philippine team,” related Kylie, who dreams of starring in an international project one day.

“I still have a movie contract (with Viva Films) and I’m working on a few, including one with Brillante Mendoza. But I would love to do an international film and go abroad,” she said. g

The talented and trailblazing impresario, who is proud that his well-made shoes are handmade by Filipinos in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines, has earned the respect of leaders and influencers in the fashion and beauty industry. He has been the go-to person when it comes to designing comfortable shoes not only for the runway or the beauty pageant stage but also for regular people who simply want to stand tall and look queenly in their Bragais shoes.

Born Jojo Bragais, the news-making Pinoy grew up in Albay, Bicol. He is a licensed midwife and nurse by profession but fate brought him to shoemaking and shoe designing. He was instantly hooked. In such a short time, Jojo Bragais Shoes have made a mark in the fashion and beauty pageant world.

The more than 40 lovely candidates of MFI will be wearing a pair from Jojo Bragais Shoes when they compete during the black-tie gala event. They will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

Miss Filipina International (MFI), now owned by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors of Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, lauded the sponsorship of Jojo Bragais Shoes.

“Having Jojo Bragais Shoes as one of our major sponsors is another big step in our commitment to give the best incentives to our candidates,” said Jimenez, a Filipino American community leader, and arts and culture patron. Follow and connect with Jojo Bragais Shoes on their Facebook Page (BRAGAIS SHOES) and their Instagram and TikTok @jojobragaisofficial).

In addition to the previously announced top prize of either a BMW 3 Series car or a $10,000 cash prize, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills in the prestigious pageant that will be held on Saturday, August 5, at The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, the venue of the

Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other prestigious events.

MFI also offers the exciting incentive that three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

The Philippines is considered a beauty pageant powerhouse, having produced many winners and top finalists in Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, among others. The MFI winners this August will be welcome additions to the Philippines’ roster of beauty queens. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@gmail.com. g