Three 2016 Bb. Pilipinas title holders were feted recently at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila before they went on their respective journeys to the crown. They are Kylie Verzosa, Bb. Pilipinas International; Jennifer Hammond, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental; and Nicole Cordoves, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.
Jennifer represented the Philippines in the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Colombo, Sri Lanka last Oct. 16, while Nicole will carry the Philippine flag to the Miss Grand International pageant in Las Vegas, USA on Oct. 25. Finally, Kylie will attempt to bring home the crown when she competes at the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan on Oct. 27.
At Novotel Manila, the three received words of encouragements from their fellow Bb. Pilipinas 2016 winners: Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina; Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nichole Manalo and Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Eden. Also on hand to inspire the queens were Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. co-chairperson Ms. Conchitina Bernardo and board member Betsy Westendorp.
• • •
Maria Isabel Lopez in a one-woman show
The latest art works of former beauty queen and multi-awarded actress Maria Isabel Lopez are currently exhibited via “Body And Soul,” her one-woman show at SM Megamall Art Walk. Featuring her mosaic art, “Body And Soul” was inspired by the artist’s recent visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site in Ravenna, Italy. Maria Isabel describes “Body And Soul” as a “visual journey through the physical and the spiritual, symbolism of the female anatomy and the forces behind it. I create as I am God’s creation.”
The art exhibit, which had a celebrity-studded opening last Oct. 19, runs till Nov. 2.
A graduate of Fine Arts from UP Diliman, Maria Isabel worked as fashion designer at Rustan’s and SM Dept. Store where she developed interest in the female anatomy. The figures in her nudes are elongated, a manifestation of her fashion orientation. She is also a former secretary of the NCCA Committee on Visual Arts, which is mandated to promote Philippine arts and culture.
As founder and event organizer of The Film Artists Group, Maria Isabel’s passion is in promoting the art of her peers in show business. With the success of their “Art & Beauty” Parts 1-3 held from 2010-2013, Maria Isabel proved to have inspired her fellow beauty queens and visual artists to show their beauty and talents beyond what the eyes can see.
In 2011, Maria Isabel took formal lessons in mosaic, Ravenna style at the Chicago Institute of Mosaic Art owned by Italian Matteo Randi, using Italian smalti and the traditional hammer and hardie. In 2014, she had workshops (diversifying her medium to stained glass) at the Institute of Muscle Cars in Berkeley, California under Rachel Rosie.
Maria Isabel is now a professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA).
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 22, go to Lindsay Platon, Conchitina Veloso, Lito Talampas, Tereret Liboro, Angel Cruz, Jane Enrile, Virginia Velasco, Karla Yturzaeta, Richard Merino, Charles Christianson, Cresilda Fellman, Ernie S. Saranza, Jaime Miranda Puirisima, Jr. and Mairssa Miranda Rosell, Mark Steven Sing from Leo Lastimosa, Josephine Ultra Tallungan, capt. michael garcia of brgy. plainview mandaluyong city, from DJ Richard Steele and Matt Evans… Oct. 23: Verni Varga, Maria Belinda, Malou Matias, Carol Jao, Babes Tirona, Marlyn Bermudez, My aunt Juanita Palma, Teody Buenaflor, Deth Paras, Boy Romero, Don Moral, Andre Garcia, and MB’s Entertainment Editor Jojo P. Panaligan… Oct. 24: QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, Cesar Concio, Willie Chipeco, Lourna Pal, Yasmin Dayrit, Jun-Jun R. Ablaza, Narciso Chan, Cesar dela Fuente, Marites Meyer, Mrs. Alice Rosario, Salud Mercado, Mary Cris Borja, Camille Encinas, Emily Dacer, Susie dela Cruz, Ma. Luisa Javier, Nanet Canchela, Hanna Alegre, Rafael Relucio, Gavina Motel, Ester Cumagun, Brenda Arguelles, Fely I. Jimenez, Nickson Pacayra, Mary Anne Cabanizas, Dindo Acosta, Aileen Lorenzo, Ronnie Vivar, MB’s Rory Page, Raffy Sazon, Rosalina Munoz, Hazel Uy, Atty. Ma. Angelina G. Matibag, Arnold Trinidad, Raffy Lim, Tony Tamayo, Nadine Bonoan, Dr. Tito Torralba, Boy Villasanta, Liezl Quilala, Ariel Obera, Rafael Sazon, Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Bill Kevin del Rosario, Michael John Sibal Cojuangco, Garret Tabuzo, Erlinda “Baby” Mendiola of San Pedro, Laguna; Joseph Cruz of Pan Pacific Casino Filipino, and GMA-7’s Pia Guanio….
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/bb-pilipinas-queens-on-their-journey-to-the-crown/#mdydJdHSzRHp7RPU.99
