AFTER Anie Uson won the Philippines’ first Miss Chinese World title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last May, and Shannon Robinson was crowned as Miss Environment International in Mumbai, India last June, both under the auspices of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International Jeanette Reyes and Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental Iona Gibbs are next to embark on her international pageant journeys, aiming to continue the winning streak of Mutya’s hometown queens this year.
Reyes will aim to become the sixth Pinay to win the MIss Tourism International title, after Peachy Manzano (2000), Rizzini Gomez (2012), Angeli Gomez (2013), Janjan Alipo-on (2017) and Cyrille Payumo (2019).
Jeanette will vie alongside 50 other delegates worldwide at the 26th Miss Tourism International finale to be held at Sabah International Convention Center in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on November 25.
Gibbs, meanwhile, will aim to become the third Filipina to win the coveted title after Karen Gallman (2018) and Cindy Obeñita (2021).
The 51st Miss Intercontinental Pageant to scheduled to be held in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt on December 15, 2023.
Another titlist, Mutya ng Pilipinas World Top Model Arianna Padrid, will compete internationally at a venue and date that has yet to be announced.
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There’s always room for fresh talent with the right attitude and ability to endure the complexities of the industry in the ever-evolving world of music.
Balladeer and songwriter Dindo Fernandez enters the business armed with his training as a church choir member.
“As a musician, I learned a lot from the church choir,” said fast-rising balladeer and songwriter Dindo Fernandez. ”I can still remember that there was one Christmas Eve mass, and I was the Youth Council president at that time, and I wanted to do my best. For us Catholics, we consider it the highlight of the year, and because I have to make things impressively perfect, I found myself arranging ‘Oh Holy Night’ and ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ in pop-orchestra style. Little did I know that I was already into a vocal and music arrangement.”
As early as age 8, Dindo knew he could carry a tune. “I think I was so blessed because, at a young age, I was already singing the compositions of Fr. Manoling Francisco S.J., like ‘Sa ‘Yo Lamang,’ ‘Far Greater Love,’ and ‘Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad’.”
Dindo is now embarking on a journey as a flourishing performer. He has released two original songs, “Akala Ko” and “Makinig Ka,” and have gained good reviews and a good number of following. He also earned nominations in the Best Male Performance in a Concert and Best New Male Artist of the Year categories in Aliw Awards 2022.
With his foundation in choir singing, Dindo sets his sight on making more heartfelt ballads and maybe, collaborating with like-minded artists as he aims to touch the lives of music lovers and enthusiasts with his songs.
And what does he consider his edge over other aspiring singer?
“My edge over other singers is that when I sing, I tell my story,” Dindo replied.
Indeed. This writer can’t agree more. Only the best singers do.
