Miss Japan Universe 2018 Filipino designed costume

Miss Japan to wear all Filipino designs in Miss 

Universe


Luis Carlo San Juan
Inquirer.net
30 November 2018

Gold mesh dress with gold chain straps, embellished with crystals; dirty-gold bib collar embellished with five-centavo coins, Jude Macasinag

As Miss Universe 2018 delegates begin arriving in Bangkok, Thailand, for the pageant, Lifestyle learned that one contestant has chosen to wear the designs of Filipino designers.

Miss Japan, Yuumi Kato, will wear these in the pageant.

The organizing body of Miss Japan has a new national director for Miss Universe this year, Hiroko Mima. Mima competed for Japan in the Miss Universe 2008 pageant in Vietnam.

Mima belonged to a batch of Miss Japan titleholders who wore European designers—Gucci, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Valentino. This was under the watch of then national director, Ines Ligron, a French national.

Mima has opted to go another path. “A luxury gown won’t stand out on the Miss Universe stage,” she said. At the same time, she doesn’t want the typical beauty-queen look.

Printed maxi dress, Joel Escober

“I want to bring back the edginess of Miss Japan, but still looking elegant,” she said.

Mima thought, who better to know how to make a statement in the Miss Universe than Filipino designers, whose designs are a mix of western and eastern sensibilities. Filipino designers also know the pageant really well, she added.

“Filipino designers have a way of making Asian women look sexy but elegant,” she said.

The only “Made in Japan” item in Kato’s wardrobe will be her national costume.

With the help of Filipino friends, including this writer, Mima met with a handful of designers—both up-and-coming and established

They included Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Joel Escober, KC Pusing, Marv Dawson and a few student designers from Slim’s.

Asia-Pacific's Most Optimistic Workers

LinkedIn: Filipinos among most confident in Asia-Pacific on opportunities to get ahead 

Manila Standard
28 November 2018


LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has just revealed its inaugural LinkedIn Opportunity Index in the Asia Pacific region where it has more than 153 million members including six million in the Philippines.

The Index is a composite measure that seeks to understand how people perceive opportunity and more importantly, barriers that may prevent them from getting to those opportunities. The research surveyed over 11,000 respondents in nine markets in the Asia Pacific region - Australia, Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The Philippines ranked third along with the Chinese Mainland on the LinkedIn Opportunity Index, with Indonesia and India taking the top two spots.

On the other hand, more developed markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia trailed in the Index as people in these markets expressed concerns over the economic outlook, and generally felt more cautious about their chances of accessing and achieving success with opportunities that are relevant to them.

“We believe access to opportunity should be universal and for everyone. With the inaugural LinkedIn Opportunity Index, our aim is to gain an insight into the aspirations of people across the Asia Pacific region, how they feel about the opportunities they want to pursue, as well as the barriers that may stand in their way. The growing workforce in the region is a key asset that, if harnessed effectively, is going to continue to drive the economies. Over time, by tracking people’s perception of opportunity and the barriers they face, we hope we can continue to facilitate more of a balance between demand and supply in the opportunity marketplace,” said Olivier Legrand, Managing Director, LinkedIn in Asia Pacific.

Key Highlights of LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2018:

- Starting own business is top opportunity for respondents in the Philippines

More than half, or 53 percent, of respondents in the Philippines see “starting my own business” as their definition of opportunity. They are similar to respondents in Indonesia (50%) who are interested in entrepreneurial pursuits. In contrast, respondents in Australia (13%), Hong Kong (13%) and Japan (7%) are least likely to embark on new ventures.

Similar to many respondents in APAC, many respondents in the Philippines hope to achieve or maintain work-life balance. A significant 44 percent of respondents in the country have identified “having a job which offers good work-life balance” as their ultimate definition of opportunity, slightly above the APAC average of 40 percent.

A significant 37 percent of respondents in the Philippines also interpret their ultimate opportunity as being able to learn a new skill. In an environment concerned with the impact of AI/automation and other shifts in the labour ecosystem, professionals also recognise that with jobs rapidly evolving, they need to upskill to stay relevant.

- Respondents in the Philippines cite financial status as top barrier to opportunity

Similar to the rest of APAC, a significant number of respondents in Philippines (46 percent) believe that their less optimal financial situation is the top obstacle to their access to opportunity.

While APAC respondents cited barriers to opportunity such as lack of a strong network and connections, a difficult job market, and lack of required professional skills, respondents in the Philippines ranked innate or psychological reasons such as fear of failure (24 percent) and lack of confidence (20 percent) as bigger hurdles to overcome.

- The Philippines believes diligence is currency to get ahead in life

Similar to more than 90 percent of APAC respondents, 96 percent of respondents in the Philippines believe in working hard to get ahead in life. Other attributes respondents in the country consider as important to advance in life include the willingness to embrace change (93 percent), social equality (91 percent), level of education (87 percent), and knowing the right people or having the right connections (85 percent).

“The barriers to realising opportunities in life are very real, and despite the diversity of the Asia Pacific region, there are more similarities than differences when it comes to our hopes and aspirations. The good news is that no matter what opportunities mean for each one of us, we can count on our community for help. Whether it is learning a new skill, networking or sharing guidance, we can all help one another to unlock and create opportunities,” added Legrand.

Bloomberg's Top Emerging Markets

Malaysia remains on top of emerging markets list

The Star Online

28 November 2018

Four of the top six economies on the scorecard are from Asia, including China, the Philippines and Thailand.

Malaysia remained at the top of the emerging-market list, thanks to its current-account surplus, relatively stable economic growth outlook and valuations.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remained at the top of the emerging-market list, thanks to its current-account surplus, relatively stable economic growth outlook and valuations.

According to a Bloomberg analysis on Wednesday, data last week showed inflation came in at 0.6% in October from a year earlier, compared with its 10-year government bond yield of about 4.17%.

The scorecard includes metrics ranging from growth prospects to the state of the current account, sovereign credit ratings and stock and bond valuations.

Bloomberg reported Asia’s economies have stronger buffers against headwinds like Federal Reserve policy tightening and outshone the rest of the emerging markets, Malaysia holding on to the No. 1 spot.

However, Turkey has tumbled to bottom of the pile. Ranked fifth out of 21 nations in a similar study six months ago.

Turkey’s economy is forecast to grow 0.8% in 2019, down from an estimated 3.5% this year, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. Inflation reached 25.2% in October, the highest level since 2003, eroding real yields

Four of the top six economies on the scorecard are from Asia, including China, the Philippines and Thailand.

China and Thailand are drawing support from current-account surpluses, relatively strong growth and benign inflation. The Philippines’ current-account deficit and high inflation rates are partly
offset by growth of more than 6%.

“A closer attention is now paid to economic growth outlooks of each emerging economy amid successive rate hikes,” said Tsutomu Soma, general manager of the investment trust and fixed-income department at SBI Securities Co. in Tokyo.

“Investors are also deciphering how each country is impacted by the U.S.-China trade frictions. They will continue to be more selective with their investments given such circumstances.”

Selected economies are either in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index or a Bloomberg Barclays measure tracking EM local-currency government bonds.

Valuations are computed based on real yields, price-to-earnings ratios for MSCI’s equity gauges and real effective exchange rates.

The numbers are Z-scores that measure deviations from the average of the economies covered in the case of GDP, current-account balances, ratings and real yields. The Z-scores for real effective exchange rates and P/E are based on historical comparisons.

For reserves, the economies that sufficiently meet the International Monetary Fund’s adequacy ratio get a zero score and those that fall short receive minus 1.

GDP growth and current account balances are from economist forecasts for 2018 and 2019 compiled by Bloomberg. Sovereign ratings are from S&P Global Ratings. Real effective exchange
rates are based on JPMorgan Chase & Co. data. - Bloomberg

Miss Philiipines Universe 2018 in UK paper

Philippines’ Catriona Gray featured in UK, compared to Miss Universe winner 

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Philippine Star
27 November 2018


MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray has been featured on November 27 in one of the United Kingdom’s leading news sites, Daily Mail.

In the article written by Alice Murphy for Daily Mail Australia, Catriona was called “the next Jennifer Hawkins.”

Catriona Gray being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2018

Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho, file

Winner of the 2004 Miss Universe, Hawkins is a top model that endorsed international brands like Covergirl. She also hosted and became a judge for reality TV show “Australia’s Next Top Model.”

In the same article, Catriona was described in the title as “the stunning Australian-Filipino singer, model and TV host tipped to take out the 2018 Miss Universe crown.”

“Boasting 570,000 Instagram followers, Ms Gray is the hot ticket to cinch the crown next month with Sports Bet Australia announcing her as the $4.00 favourite,” the article announced.

According to the story, Gray’s biggest rivals for the crown would be Miss South Africa ($8.00), Ecuador ($7.50) and Thailand ($5,50).

The Daily Mail story also stressed that Gray “is the first woman in history to have been awarded both World and Universe national titles.”

Similarly, the article mentioned Catriona’s newly released music video “We're in This Together,” which “shot straight to number one in the Philippines iTunes chart.”

The video aims to raise awareness on children’s poverty in the slums of Manila. Daily Mail added that Catriona is known for her promotion of female empowerment and women's causes.

Born in Queensland to a Filipino mother and a Scottish-Australian father, the 24-year-old Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, who was named after her two grandmothers, will represent the Philippines at the 2018 Miss Universe in Bangkok, Thailand on December 17.

Miss Canada Universe 2018 Filipino designed costume

Filipino couturier Michael Cinco designs a gown for Miss Universe Canada 2018 

GMA News
27 November 2018

Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco is designing a gown for Miss Universe Canada 2018 Marta Magdalena Stepien.

Marta met the artist himself when she visited Cinco’s boutique in Dubai on Monday.

On Instagram, Cinco posted photos of Marta fitting her gown before she flies to Bangkok, Thailand to compete for the Miss Universe crown.

"Couture fitting with the super stunning Miss CANADA-Universe @stepien.magdalena in DUBAI before she flies for Bangkok to compete in Miss Universe 2018...Marta is probably one of the strongest contenders to win the crown this year...," wrote the famous couturier.

Marta took a photo with Cinco and in the caption, expressed how honored she feels to have met Cinco.

"It is an absolute pleasure and honour to be in the company of the talented @michael5inco@michaelcinco5 Thank you for warmly welcoming me to #Dubai! Much love! Salamat po!" Marta wrote on Instagram.

In a separate post, Marta posed beside one of Cinco's most iconic pieces -- Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach's farewell gown during Miss Universe 2016, in the caption she wrote,  "Mabuhay! My loves, who recognizes this #ICONIC gown?!"

Miss Universe 2018 will take place on December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray will represent the country to vie for the country's fourth crown. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News

High School Global Trailblazers

Filipino high school students recognized by Harvard for being ‘Global Trailblazers’


Manila Bulletin
27November 2018


Harvard Social Innovation Collaborative’s “Village to Raise a Child” (VTRAC) program recently recognized five high school students from the Philippines for being Global Trailblazers.

(logo courtesy of www.harvardsic.org)

Meriam-Webster dictionary defines a trailblazer as a person who makes, does, or discovers something new and makes it acceptable or popular.

The winning Filipino students who bagged the prestigious recognition are Julia Ongchoco, and a group composed of Camille Esteban, Maxine Kho, Alexa Loste and Patricia Sioco.  The said students all come from Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan City.

Ongchoco was chosen for being the founder of GiveLife which is an online platform that connects donors with potential recipients of medical assistance.

The winning group on the other hand was able to make an organic fire retardant out of  baking soda and banana peel ash.

The VTRAC program is a program by Harvard University that has been in existence for 8 years now and is aimed at nurturing “social entrepreneurs” worldwide.

The students who have been named Global Trailblazers are selected through a global competition for any enrolled high school student at the time of the contest.

After being selected the students pitched their projects in the Igniting Innovation Summit held on Oct. 28.

The said summit is an undergraduate conference on social innovation that is held yearly at Harvard’s campus.

Organizers of the competition then evaluate the entries and eventually trim down the list to 15 finalists who will make up a shortlist that will then be interviewed via Skype.

ONE Filipino Champions

Filipinos continue to blaze a trail at One Championship


By Michael Angelo S. Murillo Senior Reporter
BusinessWorld
25 November 2018

Brandon Vera retained his ONE world heavyweight title by knocking out Mauro Cerilli of Italy in the first round of their title clash at “ONE: Conquest of Champions” on Nov. 23. -- ALVIN S. GO

THE foothold of Filipino fighters at ONE Championship was further enhanced on Friday night when the number of current world champions from the Philippines in Asia’s largest sports media property increased to five. 

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Team Lakay reclaimed the world lightweight title he lost last year by dominating Singaporean Amir Khan in winning by unanimous decision the erstwhile vacant world championship while Brandon “The Truth” Vera retained the ONE heavyweight title by stopping Italian challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli in the opening round by way of knockout at the event dubbed ONE: Conquest of Champions at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The twin victories raised the number of Filipino champions at ONE Championship to five out of 11 divisions, in addition to champions Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio (flyweight), Joshua “The Passion” Pacio (strawweight) and Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon (bantamweight).


Mr. Folayang, 35, dominated the younger Khan, 24, from start to finish, punishing him with a variety of striking combinations featuring spinning heel kicks and sharp elbows. Khan tried his best to counter Folayang’s offense, but appeared a step slower and couldn’t pin down Folayang’s timing. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of the veteran Filipino fighter who improved to 20-6 with the victory.

Filipino-American Vera, 41, meanwhile, made quick work of Italy’s Cerilli, stopping the latter with a well-placed left hook counter to the jaw that turned the lights out on the Italian at the 1:04 mark of the first round. It was a successful return to the cage for Mr. Vera (16-7) after nearly two years of not fighting.

The impressive performances of Messrs. Folayang and Vera did not go unnoticed and was welcomed with much appreciation and awe by the huge crowd that trekked to the Mall of Asia Arena.

“If there was a show stealer last Friday night, definitely, it’s Eduard Folayang. With a shot at history and redemption, Folayang capitalized on the chance to prove that he is not yet done in the sport,” said local fight analyst Nissi Icasiano when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts on what transpired on Nov. 23.

“Drawing shades of his vintage form, Eduard did turn back the clock last Friday.

“Like a phoenix, Folayang rose from the rubbles of defeat, proving that there is intrinsic value in every ounce of perseverance. It has often been said that no one can put a good man down, especially more so, if you are Eduard Folayang,” the analyst said.

Eduard Folayang is once again ONE Championship world lightweight champion with a unanimous decision victory over Singaporean Amir Khan in their title clash. — ALVIN S. GO

Mr. Icasiano also gave props to Mr. Vera for not only winning despite the long layoff but more so notching the victory in impressive fashion.

With five world titles at ONE Championship, Mr. Icasiano said it is big testament to the caliber of Filipinos in mixed martial arts, and martial arts in general, at the world stage.

He made special mention of Team Lakay, which champions Folayang, Eustaquio, Pacio and Belingon are members of, for showing the way.

“It really says a lot about the work ethic and dedication of Team Lakay. With Team Lakay at the helm, the Philippines holds the unprecedented record for most title wins in the nascent seven-year history of ONE Championship. In spite of the camp’s limited resources and meager budget, Team Lakay managed to turn its critics into believers,” he said.

“Team Lakay is the flag bearer of the MMA scene in the country. I just hope that other members of the growing Philippine MMA community will follow suit. We haven’t seen that yet,” Mr. Icasiano added.

Following their latest conquests, Mr. Icasiano said he does not see Messrs. Folayang and Vera slowing down anytime soon.

“For Folayang, it’s going to be interesting in the coming weeks. Shinya Aoki is the official No. 1 contender for the lightweight crown. Eddie Alvarez will be part of the World Grand Prix. A lot of great options for the celebrated Filipino champion, and I don’t think that he is going to wait for a long time. We will see him back in action soon,” he said.

“For Brandon Vera, he needs a real opponent to validate ONE Championship’s heavyweight division and his position as champion. ONE Championship should explore the real free agent market for Brandon Vera’s next foe. There are a lot of heavyweight talents out there,” Mr. Icasiano added.

Other Filipino winners at Conquest of Champions were lightweight Honorio Banario over Rahul Raju of India by unanimous decision and strawweight Jeremy Miado by second-round technical knockout over Peng Xue Wen of China.