Tax specialist vies for Mrs. Tourism Queen International crown

cooperation with DSWD.

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose,” said Morales, who started her program with the kids even before she joined the pageant. She was motivated to pursue her mission after going through the pain and hardship she experienced while helping her mother fight cancer.

“My mother surviving cancer has made my passion for helping the poor communities stronger,” Morales added. Binibining Pilipinas beauties showcase sustainable fashion twins’ lives. Together with them are Akihiro Blanco who plays Daphne’s cousin plotting against the family business, and Jela Cuenca as Katya’s daughter who is equally as menacing as her mother. Fresh faces are also joining the cast, touted as the next generation of Viva’s stars, these young actors are set to debut their acting chops in the comedy series and add to the fun and complications of Kuring’s and Daphne’s lives. The love team of Heart Ryan and Tomas Rodriguez provide additional kilig to viewers. Coming from their debut film this year, Girlfriend Na Pwede Na they now take on the role of Kuring’s probinsiyana BFF Trina and Daphne’s cousin Enzo who eventually falls for Trina. Both Heart and Tomas started out with P-Pop groups under Viva. Heart is known as a Tiktok celebrity with over four million

Yassi also brings life to Kuring, a provincial girl obsessed with vlogging followers and is now expanding her acting capabilities while Tomas is an active member of P-Pop group, Alamat. Other new gen young stars to join are the next teen heartthrobs to watch out for. Collectively known as RTurn, Keagan de Jesus, Charles Law, and Kurt Delos Reyes endear and entertain viewers as a trio of waiters and cooks that serve at Kuring and Daphne’s usual meeting place. Kurdapya promises to be a funfilled family show for everyone to enjoy. The series airs on TV5 every Saturday at 6:00 p.m., with catchup episodes on Sari Sari channel every Sunday 8:00 p.m.

…are talking about PEOPLE

‘It’s Showtime’

PEOPLE love watching kids’ antics on national television. But sometimes, they forget that kids also have problems that could impact their developmental growth. Kulot’s tearful confession on It’s Showtime tugged people’s hearts because of how negatively her father’s unfaithfulness affected her. Though most people would find the situation awkward during a noontime variety show, the hosts handled the circumstance well and diverted the audience’s attention. However, may the child’s revelation be a wake-up call to parents.

Andrea Brillantes

ONE beauty of pageantry is it discovers women from different fields. Case in point, Maria Loren DC Garcia, a 30-yearold employee at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Batangas was handpicked to represent the Philippines in Mrs. Tourism Queen International 2023 to be held in Nonkhai, Thailand from April 8 to 16.

A native of Rosario, Batangas, Garcia holds a degree in Banking and Finance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and finished her Post Graduate Studies (MBA) at Philippine Christian University.

Married with three kids, she advocates the promotion of breastfeeding among mothers.

Garcia is busy preparing now for her pasarela, national costume, long gown, and other aspects needed for the international competition. She’s tapping local designers for her planned costume and gowns. She was officially appointed by MegaStar Productions’ Ovette Ricalde national director for the Philippine franchise.

Top Model Philippines returns

Not to be confused with Miss Supermodel Philippines and Supermodel International Philippines, Top Model Philippines is back with the launching of this year’s search for the country’s representative in the Top Model of the World pageant.

Top Model Philippines’ highest achievement was Michelle De Leon's 1st runner-up finish in 2007 to Brazilian model Natalia Guimarães, but eventually assumed the title when the latter resigned to participate in Miss Universe 2007, wherein she finished 1st Runner-up to Riyo Mori of Japan.

The launching was led by Eduardo ‘Doods’ Domingo, national director of the World Beauty Organization (WBO) Top Model Philippines. Present at the event were Atty. Angie Gonzaga, head of Legal Department of MWBO Top Model Philippines, and early applicants, Querubin Gonzales, Janny Medina, Kathlene Hannah Duran, and Angel Bianca Agustin

The pageant promotes inclusivity opening the contest to Filipino women 17 to 32 years old, single, married or single mother, and at least 5'6" tall. Coronation is set at UP Theater Diliman on August 10.

A meaningful occasion

The ever-generous Avon Morales, Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2019, celebrated her birthday with the orphan children of the DSWD Social Development Center. Morales has made it a mission to hold a party for the kids during her birthday, in

In line with Women's Month and Earth Hour celebrations, Araneta City staged the Women Reinvent sustainable fashion show at Farmers Plaza on March 24.

The “City of Firsts” tapped Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold and the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates to strut the runway in masterful creations of Filipino designers crafted from eco-friendly materials.

The Binibinis showcased the amazing collection of 12 local artisans who specialize in unique sustainable designs, as well as accessories by Tina Campos Jewelry and Christopher Munar, bags by Ma. Delza's Native Product, and shoes by Aishe Fashion –all of whom are making a mark in the local fashion industry with their creative sustainable products, made by women for women.

The fashion show showcased the sustainable designs of PNay Russ Cuevas Adam Balasa James O'Briant Peñaflorida Atelier, Christine Lam Kutur ni Jean, and Justine Aliman

Araneta City’s “Women Reinvent” sustainable fashion show opens the series of public events and activities of Binibining Pilipinas 2023 at the City of Firsts leading to the coronation night in May.

The event also marks the participation of Araneta City in the global Earth Hour campaign happening on March 25. The City of Firsts will join the hour-long energy conservation with its lights off event. There is also the POP QC Eco Market and bicycle phone charging station in Ali Mall, and a Trade-A-Bag promo in Farmers Plaza.

THE Blackpink two-day concert was the weekend’s highlight, with fans from all walks of life showing their support. During the event, Andrea took the opportunity to “prompose” or ask her beau, Ricci Rivero, to go to prom with her. Young love is often refreshing, but the effort struck the wrong chord with Blackpink fans and other young netizens. But besides her star status in showbiz, Andrea is still human and a fan, like everyone else, so making her first prom memorable is no crime.

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Ping Lacson

AS Rachel Green said in Friends, “No uterus, no opinion.” Yet it seems the former senator didn’t know about it because he couldn’t help commenting on the proposed Menstrual Leave Act. Most people, especially men, don’t understand that menstruation causes extreme uneasiness in women and often manifests in physical discomfort. If bleeding monthly and feeling like being gut punched by a jackhammer isn’t enough to gain public concern, then how can we as a society say that the Philippines is embracing inclusivity?

Ericka Villongco

FOLLOWING the James Reid and Issa Pressman “jowa reveal,” Ericka posted cryptic messages on Instagram hinting that what goes around comes around. At this point, netizens focused on how the revelation coincided with James and Nadine Lustre’s relationship timeline, so they disregarded Ericka’s because they didn’t believe she was a victim in the entire connection.

Afternoon soap ‘Abot Kamay Na Pangarap’ teases more plot twists and characters

ABOT Kamay Na Pangarap welcomes new cast members and offers more exciting twists every afternoon.

The drama soap is headlined by Carmina Villarroel as Lyneth, Richard Yap as Doc RJ, and Jillian Ward as Doc Analyn.

Seasoned artists Dina Bonnevie as Giselle, the intimidating elder sister of Doc RJ, and Leo Martinez as Pepe, Doc RJ’s wealthy yet simple estranged father, are the newest cast members who add spice to the lives of Doc Analyn, Doc RJ, and Lyneth.

While Doc RJ is away to continue his treatment abroad, Giselle temporarily acts as the CEO of APEX Medical Hospital. As the story continues, Giselle’s character remains an enigma. Is she really a friend or foe of Analyn?

Giselle also favors Doc Zoey (Kazel Kinouchi) without knowing that she is an illegitimate child of Doc RJ after Moira (Pinky Amador) secretly cheats on him.

How will Analyn face the harsh treatment of Giselle?

When will Doc RJ return and expose the truth that Moira was the one who put his life in danger?

Recently, viewers also witnessed the special participation of Gabby Eigenmann as Benny, the arrogant celebrity chef; Jamir Zabarte as Darwin, the gay son of Benny; and Archie Alemania as Lando, the bomber who threatened APEX Medical Hospital.

Completing the star-studded cast are Dominic Ochoa as Michael, Andre Paras as Dr. Luke, Chuckie Dreyfus as Dr. Ray, Denise Barbacena as Dr. Eula, Wilma Doesnt as Josa, Ariel Villasanta as Cromwell, Dexter Doria as Susan, Jeff Moses as Regan, Alexandra Mendez as Jhoanne, and John Vic De Guzman as Dr. Ken. Abot Kamay Na Pangarap – under the helm of LA Madridejos – airs Monday to Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime.