domination Korean

Continues

Riding on a wave of K-Pop, K-cinema, and K-TV drama popularity across the globe, a Korean male model topped the recent Man of the World 2023 pageant held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Circuit, Makati City.

Jin Wook Kim, 28, also a managing director from Seoul, Korea, won the judges’ nod with his big smile and warm personality to walk home with the 5th Man of the World title. He was crowned by outgoing Man of the World 2022 Aditya Khurana

The boyish-looking Kim also won the Mister Congeniality, Best in Beachwear, and Best in Formal Wear special awards.

Hong Kong’s Henry Wong was named first runner-up while the Philippines’ James Reggie Vidal, Puerto Rico’s Robert Alexander Espaillat, and Vietnam’s Kim Khánh Lâm finished as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up, respectively.

Asked to expound on the Bible quote “Love of money is the root of all evil,” Kim said, “I think that money is essential for our life, but the important thing is that we have to think about what is more important. So, choose not to chase money, but think about our happiness, and family, and we can have a more happy life, more than money.”

* * * Bulakenya’s aura shines

On the distaff side, Khryss Go’s radiant beauty and distinct aura outshone all her other competitors during the finals of Miss Aura Philippines 2023, held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, in Eastwood, Quezon City. Go, a native of Bulacan, also took the Miss Photogenic special award. She succeeded Micca Rosal and will be the country’s bet in Miss Aura International 2023 in Antalya, Turkey.

Currently a Nursing student at Far Eastern University, the reigning Binib- ining Malolos 2022 was discovered by a talent agent inside a dress shop in her hometown.

In the final interview portion, Go was asked, "What is your idea of a good life?" to which she replied, "My idea of a good life is being content with what you have and I want to use this as a platform as your next Miss Aura Philippines. I truly believe I have the four Bs - Beauty, Behavior, Brain, and Body, instilled with interactive compassion. I encourage everyone to be content in their life and to never stop giving."

Apart from Go’s top title, three other titles were presented, namely, Miss Ragaza Mode Philippines 2023 Maiko Ibarde, Miss Freedom of the World Philippines 2023 Samantha Gabronino, and Miss Star International Philippines 2023 Alexandra Cabial. Mariel Baltazar and Patricia Tan were named first and second runners-up, respectively.

* * * First Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines named

Unlike in the unveiling of the new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines,” it was smooth sailing at the crowning of the first Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023, during finals held at the SMX Park Inn by Radisson Clark, in Pampanga, on Saturday.

Lovely Susan Villanueva, a real estate broker from Baguio City, topped the inaugural pageant and earned the right to represent the country in Mrs. Face of Tourism International 2023 to be held in Thailand in November 2023.

As Mrs. Face of Tourism Philip-

"Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on 5 July, 2023."

Born January 17, 1975, in Britishruled Hong Kong, Lee – who also grew up in California – gained prominence in the 90s for her strong voice, crescendoing vocal riffs, and soulful ballads. Her fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English helped Lee access a fan base not only in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan, but also in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and

Jin Wook Kim earns the 5th Man of the World title of the 1998 ballad "Reflection" from the Disney film Mulan, and recorded "A Love Before Time" as part of the soundtrack for the martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon directed by Ang Lee She performed the Best Original Song-nominated number at the 2001 Academy Awards, making her the first singer of Chinese descent to grace the Oscars stage, according to Warner Music China. In 1999, Lee debuted her first full English-language album, Just No Oth, which featured more R&Binfluenced hits like "Do You Want My

Love". From that album, "Before I Fall in Love" was chosen as the theme song for the Richard Gere and Julia Roberts rom-com Runaway Bride In her final Instagram post, Lee shared tattoos reading "love" and "faith" scrawled on her arms.

"My 2 favorite words that I carry strongly in my heart which I desperately needed to get thru this incredibly difficult year," she wrote in the post, published on the final day of 2022.

"You are not alone, no matter how hard life gets, I'm with u," she wrote to her followers. AFP Malaysia, as well as in Australia. She sang the Mandarin version er Way

Puregold Channel racks up 200,000 YouTube subscribers

Puregold’s official YouTube chan- nel, a first in Philippine retail, marks an exciting milestone as it racks up 200,000 subscribers, accomplishing the feat by expanding its market reach and providing more engaging content.

In 2021, Puregold introduced its retailtainment digital series. featuring heartwarming, feel-good stories that capture the Filipino imagination. The Puregold Channel not only entertains – it creates brand synergy, too. Relatable stories that revolve around Filipino households and Puregold customers are depicted in the series, keeping a positive sentiment toward the retailer’s loyal customers. The latest of these, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, is now eleven episodes into a successful run, but right from the start, lead characters Bryce (Wilbert Ross) and Angge (Yukii Takahashi) have exuded undeniable chemistry that helps the show deliver on classic Pinoy kilig and comedy. Dealing with a modern, catchy theme like online dating, Ang Lalaki has thousands of Puregold Channel followers tuning in to see if the charming pair will find their happily ever after. New episodes of Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile go up every Saturday, at 7:00 p.m., on the Puregold Channel on YouTube. pines, Villanueva, who also won Darling of the Press and Best in Advocacy Video, will serve, not only as the Face of Elegance but a catalyst for positive change as well, empowering others to embrace the transformative power of tourism. She will work with the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, headed by founding chairman Annie S. Refrea, laid out the organization's commitment to promoting tourism that is sustainable, responsible, and respectful of local culture and heritage, and has partnered with the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Philippines, Inc. (NAITAS). Villanueva’s court of honor includes Mrs. Face of Culture & Heritage: Jannith Lauce Romantico of Quezon; Mrs. Face of Eco Tourism Rowena Almocera of Bulacan; Mrs. Face of NAITAS Pamela Mariano Forte of Parañaque City; and Mrs. Face of Health and Wellness Ghette Legg of Pampanga.