TheMaiconBlog

Opinion Blog

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Rose Byrne

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BLOGPOST: ROSE BYRNE MARATHON My obsession for one of hollywood's quintessential and versatile actresses

In watching countless movies and films, encountering different sets of actors and actresses is inevitable with each one of them representing a character that embodies one of the traits which layouts the theme in every different sequence of a movie. The abundance of great actors and actresses in many Hollywood films makes it harder for me to determine who really are the good ones and the great ones but one particular actress, who by the way is AUSTRALIAN, really stood out for me for not just because of her pretty looks but because of the different genre of films she has partaken and giving those roles in each film with an exceptional performance. She is criminally underrated in the industry. Her acting versatility is something to admire even though you’re not a part of the film industry or something like that but just because she is so good at what she does. Rose Byrne is one of those actresses in Hollywood that you just enjoy watching and one of those who you really need to keep an eye on. I grew to love her because there is something Rose brings out that no typical actress in Hollywood can bring. Even if her roles are minor to the films standards, she just shines in the movie because she acts with utmost conviction and excellence. Her innocent stature is undeniable, she is beautiful in her age, and her distinct ability to inject a new person and bring out the character itself is outstanding. She’s like an acting Swiss Army knife, she has a set of skills under her sleeves that are ready to use whenever you give her a role be it a mother, a partner, a love slave or a even slutty dolphin trainer playing villain. Her versatility will make you believe that she can do any part she is given. Give her a script and she’ll make the best out if it. My dear admiration and *cough* obsession *cough* with Rose led me to the idea of watching all of her films or maybe just more than a couple and to just soulfully enjoy her acting presence projected unto a class of characters, in which. of course. I certainly did. This is a list of Rose Byrne films that I have watched for the past weeks: 

Neighbors (2014)

Neighbors 2 (2016) 

Bridesmaids (2011) 

Spy (2015)

Annie (2014)

I Give It A Year (2013) 

Adult Beginners (2014) 

The Meddler (2015)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017) 

Adam (2009)

 For every role she had in this list of movies, I am just going to voice out of what I think about her performance and to simply put it, just to review every character she went on to be. 

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Adam (2009)

Character:  Beth Buchwald

We get to see Rose here paired up with Hugh Dancy in a seemingly uncovential romantic love story. Hugh's character has aspergers syndrome and Rose then comes in and turns out to be his lover for the majority of the film. I gotta tell you, Rose is just blooming in this film, she looks so beautiful and young and she partners that with another outstanding performance. There's not enough to say it Rose just delivers in every genre she is put in. Her acting was cute, lovely, and was just enough input for the character in the film. She tends to have a much high-pitched voice in this movie, I don't know if it's intentional or director's orders but one thing for sure is that Rose can be your leading lady in a romantic film such as this. Chemistry? off the charts. Acting? exceptional. Her reception of Hugh's character when the scene goes intense is totally magnificent and also when the scene goes sensual. I mean she just gets it all the time. It's so nice to see Rose star in a romantic film and she clearly can do these leading lady roles with a touch of her acting marvel. This is one of the underrated romantic films I have ever witnessed and this should be talked about for what it's worth.

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 

Character:  Rebecca Skloot

 Finally. A film where Rose plays part lead with the likes of an actress such as Oprah Winfrey. She gets to have more spotlight here because of the character she plays who's a real-life writer sharing her story on how she took on the liberty of writing a book about the legend of Henrietta Lacks. Rose gives the role of the real life writer justice to make this film so intriguing to watch and her face gets to be screamed at by Oprah is relatively entertaining in the sense that you can clearly see how Rose's supporting act chops dwells fantastically between her and Oprah's chemistry. Rose gets so clutch in the intense scenes that it doesn't even make you cringe. She just fittingly act with such conviction and it's always  pleasurable to watch her on drama movies like this one where the tone of acting is serious. She just does it so well. One of the standing reasons why she is such a versatile actress.

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Spy (2015)

Character: Rayna Boyanov

Rose and Melissa Mcarthy gets to be reunited in this film with Melissa playing the lead role. Rose's character in Spy is a pure villain and she is very very evil on this one. She doesn't care anybody but her self and is a stuck-up bitch and I loved every bit of it. She is one of those characters that gets to be funny...by not being funny, get what I mean? She thrives in comedic sequences, portrays the bitchy role well and executes the role perfectly and don't forget her iconic hair through the duration of the film it's something to watch out for because it's one the things that make her character much appealing (not like Rose's acting isn't enough but yeah). Of all the things I can't forget on Rose's character here is that her line delivery was so A1. Every joke line hits and it's so damn hilarious on how she accurately delivers it. I dare say this and I will, she should've won an Oscar for this film or just be even nominated because it's one her iconic roles yet. Not in the entire world would you think to give a villain role to a such a kind-hearted face like Rose Byrne but she showed that she can get it so so right.

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The Meddler 2015

Character: Lori Minervini

This movie gets a duo of known veteran actress Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne. Susan is the titular lead character in this movie and she is the mother of Rose's character. It's kind of a simple, enlighting film and it shows you the perspective of an elderly mother with her child all grown up. Rose's character was equally wonderful, she is able to support Susan's character with her usual amazing performance and the chemistry between them almost gives you the impression that they maybe mother and daughter in another life. It's kind of a life movie and shows you how a loving mother can be to her own child. Susan brilliantly portrays that to Rose throughout the film.

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I Give It A Year (2013)

Character:  Nat Redfern

 I Give It A Year is a British comedy film so the humor and some of the jokes isn't really accustomed to Westerners like me but nevertheless the film still stands out to be as funny as it can be. Rose plays the wife of Rafe Spall's character. It's a story about a newly wedded couple who realizes they're not for each other and thus just gave it a year. Rose's character is a sophisticated woman and she just clearly brings out that character with such ease. She then transitions that character in to certain parts of the film eventually falling in love with Simon Baker's character. What amazes me is that even though she had two unknowingly partners in this film, she gets to contain the chemistry between him and Rafe and build up a chemistry between her and Simon and that is wonderful character adaptation. A skill. Did I even mention Rose was portraying a British woman? and she did all of her lines throughout to movie in a British accent which was not easy to learn according to her but it's hard to believe because she just speaks it so fluently which is so fantastic!

I like her character here but the movie overall was what you say kind of "fucked" up but in a funny comedic way. It just plays your emotions because the chemistry of the characters was so on point and then you get to a bizzare but funny ending. I can say that it was one of the most unique movies I have ever watched in my life and I'm glad Rose is in it.

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Bridesmaids (2011)

Character: Helen Harris III

Rose's most memorable acting stint in a comedy film started in Bridesmaids and I think this is one of her films that made her a name around Hollywood. Rose was so exceptional in this movie even though she's not the lead star and plays the kind of bitchy villain role in contrast with Kristen Wiig's character. Her character Helen is probably one of my most favorite characters that she played. She may have a negative outlook from the audiences because of how her character is portrayed but it's one of the best performances Rose can ever offer. Critics praised her endlessly for her excellence and I am just in awe of how good she was. No wonder this all women comedy film was such a blockbuster hit not just because of it's pioneering of women comedy but because of how the rest of the cast brilliantly portrayed their roles and be so damn funny at the same time and Rose was certainly one of them.

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Annie (2014)

Character: Grace Farrell

Rose plays an assistant to Jamie Fox's character and who would eventually become his love interest. She was good in the film another supporting character well done, and one of the few actresses in the film who gets praised for her surprising talent to sing although there's a bit of auto-tune going on there but nonetheless, we get to hear her sing so it was a really a bit of a surprise that she can sing decently well and that she can place her acting to musical movies such as this. The film may not been well received by critics but I personally think it was good for a kids movie. Well, it did show us Rose singing so there's that.

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NEIGHBORS 2 (2016)

Character: Kelly Radner

Chloe Grace Moretz somewhat played one of the big roles in the film. We get to see her story of being a new girl in highschool, her transition, and why she made a sorority of her own. With a lead girl in the scene, Rose doesn't get too much screen time unlike the previous film (pointing to the fact that her character, Kelly is pregnant throughout the film) but she still gets to have notable hilarious scenes with Seth and the others. She stills goes up and down on Seth and this gag in the film where her daughter always gets her dildo. freaking hilarious. The reckless parent persona is still there and her cursing with her Australian accent still manages to captivate me. Rose was perfectly fine in this film and I still loved her character the second time around.

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NEIGHBORS (2014)

Character: Kelly Radner

This was a sudden change of tone for Rose's acting because her last roles in previous films were rather intense and serious (eg. Insidious 2, X-Men First Class) So this was sort of a breath of fresh air as Rose is asked to resort to bring out her comedic chops once again to the big stage and man...she did not disappoint. Rose has also been asked to be her own natural Australian self and it made me so glad that we get to hear  Rose launching her natural Australian accent all throughout the film here which makes her character stand out and be more interesting rather than just be Seth Rogen's wife. Rose was might funny in the film she executed well in every comedic scene. The wreckless parent, going up and down on Seth, the swearing and cursing, all of that she did it flawlessly. I personally think she made Neighbors 10,000 times better and I enjoyed watching her and I fell in love with her character. So charming, sexy yet funny as hell.

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OPINION: Trump’s Triumph. Donald Trump’s victory to one of the most heralded seats in the world.

If this guy doesn’t ring a bell for you then congratulations you are living under a rock. What more better than to make an opinion on the most controversial and shocking U.S. American election the world has ever seen.

On November 9 2016, the U.S. American elections governed the world as two American presidential candidates head on to battle for the seat of American presidency. Long after the elections had taken place, these two opposing parties have gone through a lot. and I mean a lot.

From gruelling campaigns and heated debates, each having their share of personal controversies. America was certainly on the edge of it’s seat. The two just kept on and on at each other and the preliminary thought of this would be a closer election to be foreseen.

As to what I observed in the US, President Barack Obama made many American people happy. He lead the nation in 8 years, he made the country very stagnant in terms of global power, had improved the country’s economic situations,Obamacare, made same-sex marriage legal and be just that friendly comical happy-go lucky guy we all know to love. Except he just lives in the White House.

Of course, there are still people opposing him and his ways of running the great America but no one in this world can satisfy everybody noh? what I see is the majority and the majority is grateful for what he has done for the last eight years in office and is satisfied with his deliverance hence, the eight years in office. (an American president has only 4 years to be at helm, but can run for a second term again.)

Now.

After all was set and done on November 9, 2016. The US American presidential elections had produced results. I think many of my fellow kababayan have no idea what the voting system or style America adopts. America’s voting style is complex compared to the norms of my country, the Pinas. They sort of have this Electoral college which mainly is the base of a candidate’s victory. Votes are assigned to states across America and whoever gets to 270 first automatically wins the said election. Yes, they do still have to let the thousand of people living in the country vote but as to per say it isn’t the base of winning.

As in the image, Trump clearly won the election. Red states says Trump. Clinton says blue. Trump had 292 electoral votes while Hilary got 232 which is a 38-vote shy from becoming the President of the United States.

Yes.

Donald Trump, the guy who was in the reality show, The Apprentice won the US presidential election. Anything can happen right? The same guy who The Simpsons predicted to run for Presidency which was just a gag made by the show, won the whole. damn. thing.

Has America anticipated this? I don’t think so as the debates and polls clearly say but what outcome showed must be accepted in the name of the country.

Donald Trump is widely-acclaimed businessman. Has business ventures of real estate and entertainment. Although, the history might show he has been successful he also has seen downpoints throughout his career. Albeit that he is still one of the richest man in the country. He doesn’t have any political background though. shocker. 

What made this man controversial is his overall demeanour and a certain of his agendas. He is claimed and proven to be a sexist, racist, homophobic in certain occasions which lead to many people despising him relating to the acts he has done towards women and a lot of immigrants in the country. His slogan? “Make America Great Again” shorten “MAGA” which aims to well..make America great again. Which leads me to question myself, “Isn’t America already great?” well in Trump’s eyes it certainly doesn’t. 

To define clearly what he means by the slogan and what are truly his intentions for such quote, Donald Trump means to focus the government on a lot of “pure” Americans which consist of white men and women. Setting aside any concerns for Blacks, Latinos, Hispanics, Mexicans, and other nationalities who have been immigrating to America for a while now. Which may mean much more privileges for Whites and are given better treatment. Why does it sound bad? because it is.

Trump’s political agendas are widely scrutinized for it’s one-sided and amusing nature. He even plans to build a wall between American and the Mexican Border. Haha. Laughter aside, his win as the President Elect of America is no joke and a lot of people are preparing and questioning of what will eventually happen to America.

Some people are happy, mostly republicans. and some people are not. Some are even afraid of what Trump is gonna do in the next year after he is officially seated in the White House. A lot of immigrants, Muslims living in America have expressed their fear, anxiety, anger towards Trump to social media.

Celebrities didn’t even hold back to the victory. Even Lady Gaga actively protested her displeasure to the results while thousand of protest groups have showed theirs as well.

I have always believed in that saying “Innocent until proven Guilty” which leads to a relative behold to the current situation America has found itself. Yes, Donald Trump has been a bastard of a person but America doesn’t really have an idea what the future beholds for them. (I stand corrected) Should Trump continue to forego his tenacity of an agenda then the people must withstand and fight for their rights but other than that they’ll just have to wait and see of what’s going to happen.

In Hilary Clinton’s concession speech, she said:

“We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power”.

I certainly agree with the statement. For Trump’s shocking win they need to give him a chance, of course I am going out on a limb here but if Love really does trump Hate, they should show the ability to accept for now and move on. I just know they will not let Hate to lead them. If the oppression does come then I say they should fight to such extent of power because in the chains of Democracy the people are the power. I’m not saying they should revolt against the government. What I am pertaining is that they should show how really strong-willed they are that they are not affected entirely by the outcome and should continue to build a nation where greatness can be found through the encouragement of love and unity. Disagreements may rise but this should not divide them.  

I am no way siding with Trump nor supporting the bad characteristics he has portrayed. There is no place for sexism, racism, homophobia in a world fueled by the quintessential concept of love. Pointing out to a neutral perspective should guide the eyes of people around the world. Hilary’s message to her people to be open minded of what will become is predominantly vital to the present occurrence. 

the fear has spread wildly in my country as it might affect the outsourcing jobs and a number of immigrant issues might surface. We are not entirely sure how a businessman and celebrity like Trump could run such a place in such a position and that’s why it is inflicting fear because we don’t possess the ounce of understanding on how he’s gonna do it. 

It has been an unpredictable and shocking election to witness and only God knows what will really happen. What perceived as an afterthought has become reality. Hope is truly the shining intangible of what the Americans should hold on to but for now, they will be going to have a new President in their midst. Theirs or not.

-S

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OPINION: RODRIGO DUTERTE, the 16th President of the Phils. Republic

May 9, 2016 was a very historical day for the whole country of the Philippines as the nation upheld another Presidential election for the choosing of the heralded 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. This was big as in the REAL deal ‘cause this election holds the key to the onward progression of my beloved country towards a better and peaceful nation. The future of the next generation and mine included are on the line in this particular significant activity.

Public schools, government institutions, and designated election areas flocked together countless of Filipinos who were ready to elect a new President to govern the outgoing administration of the Filipino government. Tons of queuing lines stand among many places and people patiently waiting in the hot sunny day for the sake of choosing their very own candidates to embody the new administration.

It was my first time to vote in this elections and I too have some stories of my own as I undertook the process of electing. The line I belonged was obviously long in manner and it took me a couple of hours to finally get my chance to shade those circles, only to know that the voting machine owned by my precinct went on a one-hour long jam. In the end, I went on to succeed in my first voting elections and the experience was kinda rewarding. So much for that let’s get to the topic.

Rodrigo Duterte. Davao’s beloved Mayor. He is a good man in stature, very simple, sturdy and strong in physique. He heavily symbolises that hard, iron fist Father who you will really hesitate whenever you ask his daughter’s hand. You end up making doubts whether or not if you really want to marry his daughter. hahah. humor aside, he is a legitimate Father figure as he continued to display this throughout his election campaign. From being a politician and public servant to a loving father to his many children. He wasn’t that perfect but he had strong standing principles as seen by his action throughout politics and family.

I first encountered Mayor Duterte in a funny way actually. I mean I didn’t meet him in person, I first heard of him in this particular funny “vine” created by a trio of boys whom they call themselves “Ato ni Vines” on Facebook. Little did I know that the man whom they had in this vine was the Mayor of Davao City who had an upbringing and exquisite reputation not only among Davao but in the whole country. Never had I heard of him until that vine so you can say “Ato ni Vines” started the whole Duterte craze. He did well in that vine too, you can easily sense his humor.

At first, when I read the posts about how he run Davao City and how uncorrupt and firm he was of a politician, I was quickly impressed and began to like him. I even thought how he would do if he ran for President this coming elections and how he would significantly change the country in the broadest sense. Rumors and speculations started to emerge as to if he would really run for presidency and that kinda waned out my liking for him because he was that undecisive. I chose to lean in with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as my presidential candidate instead cause my idolizing of her goes way back.

I am Bisaya and Duterte was too. Seeing my fellow Bisaya people supporting hard for Duterte and pushing him for presidency was quite an amazing thing to witness cause I never had the chance to see that kind of unifying mass action that Bisayas do. My mom and my hometown Cebu was in majority of Duterte and his campaign totally reigned out the whole city outlasting that of his opponents. Everytime, I see posters, banners, and tarpaulins flagged out all over the city with the phrase “Bisaya napud” which means bringing a Bisaya a chance to run the government.

This was actually the most stressing presidential election campaign I’ve ever witnessed, from Social Media fights to rallying supporting events. This was a marking juncture in the books of Philippine history. Out of all the candidates giving one last hurrah for presidential votes, Duterte’s miting de avance (last campaign gather) was the most overwhelming. ‘Twas second to none.

here the three MAJOR island groups from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao, all Duterte supporters gathered for one last massive scintillating action of support.

thousand and thousands of Filipino people oppressed, tired, maltreated were crying out for CHANGE and they believed Duterte was the one outstanding candidate that can deliver it for them, for the whole nation. Duterte’s “miting de avance” explicits the greatest hallmark of his famous tagline “CHANGE IS COMING”

I myself cannot fathom how many of my fellow “kababayan” are desperate for change. A change that we NEED. A change that we MUST. I was in utter state of awe. When the election came, no doubt Duterte prospered and beat out everyone by a LANDSLIDE.

When all of it was set and done, Duterte would be officially declared the next president of the Philippines within the maximum of 6 years of Public service and governance. And with his two major opponents conceding namely Sen. Grace Poe and Mar Roxas, it was clear who was the real and true winner of this elections. 

Duterte will become the official president of my beloved country by the end of the month and I hold no regrets of doing to partake the 2016 elections. He will be the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines and the 14th man to withhold ground to the Malacanang Palace. 

I personally disagree with a minor number of his agendas but I believe this man knows how to deliver and to deliver well. I expect a lot of changes in the upcoming month within our country and it is up for our judgement whether we cooperate or not. I still believe that MDS was the best president we will never have but let me stand corrected if all goes well in this country under the reign of such a leader like Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. 

I’ve seen and read of all the policies that Davao has intake under his governance and it will be no surprise to me if ever this applies to the whole nation. These policies are no fluke as well as it showed tremendous positive effects to the people of Davao. Davao is considered one of the most safest places in the world and I highly expect same will happen to every region in this country. 

This man cannot be taken lightly as he can be a ruthless punisher to all criminals that swarm and roam the country. His biggest target? the drugpushers and druglords, facing their biggest and ultimate threat in Mayor Rody. It’s heavily clear that one of mayor’s biggest agendas is to eventually put a stop to the criminal activity of this country which has been one of the most biggest problems for the past years. His word of ending crime within “3-6 months” maybe infamous and seems delusional to me but in that statement alone, you already know that crime rate will decrease drastically when he comes to office. Some drugpushers right now are even surrendering because they want to continue their lives. Drug raids and buy-bust operations are buzzing the news everyday, criminals exposed and put to jail, the police in severe duty-He has not been declared the official president yet but his indicative purposes have already been carried. That is how the criminals in this country are intimidated by the incoming president and which they should be. This President isn’t afraid to kill. 

A lot has been talked about ever since he became President-elect. His statements, his speculated implementation of policies, his demeanor, his decisions for the country I mean a whole lot has been talked about. Mixed it with the controversies and his zero fear of the media he has been the President no one has ever witnessed yet. 

As I observed for these past weeks, Mayor Duterte is a man of his word. He is firm, honorable and has strong undenied dignity. I maybe going out on the limb here but he maybe is the most uncorrupted politician we have ever faced. Yes, his personality sucks sometimes and he maybe informal but I believe he will bring this country to its newly found glory. With the help of the people he has trusted and appointed on, he will eradicate and correct the flaws of the past administrations and exposed the negative truths within the system (as seen by his media rant). He maybe foul-mouthed, playful against the media but this man right here CAN and WILL bring us effective results. Results that will make this country a better place to live in. I just hope he does what he promised in the Presidential debates and he will keep his undying humility and simplicity in serving the public. He is not the president the Philippines deserved, but he is the one we truly need. 

I was not a fan all throughout his campaign period but in his incoming administration and by the way he runs things, I may have recurrence in my beliefs that he should be the next president of this country. He is not that perfect and best at words spoken but his actions wholly make the strong reputation he has. I believe he can get the job done. No more chitty chitchat, no more sugarcoating statements, he does it by his words and his standing principles. 

I’m no political analyst and I am not in position to make such amends but I can give opinions. So for anyone who is not a fan of him or despises him, better ride and hang on cause this might be a tough administration for you to handle. Cooperate with the country, follow his policies and be a good citizen. Change is coming and change is unwavering and inevitable. It is bound to happen whether you like it or not.

-S

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OPINION: BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2016 and my thoughts on “WHO SHOULD’VE WON IT”

APRIL 18, 2016 ---It was a big night for all Filipinos and the 40 beautiful chosen candidates that will compete in the most awaited “Binibining Pilipinas 2016″ nationwide pageant. This was an exciting night for Filipino televiewers and pageant enthusiasts alike especially as this marks the turnover of the heavily coveted Miss Universe crown from Miss Universe 2015 Grand Winner and one of our own Ms. Pia Wurtzbach (or I would like to call her “Queen Pia Bestfront”) 

Growing up with a mother in the house (cause my father is an OFW) lead me to the fascination of such televised pageants in our home tv screens. She was fond of watching pageants and that entirely grew some interest in me through the course of my life in admiring women. 

As a Cebuano I was heavily rooting for our own candidate from the start. We had two candidates but I chose to support Maria Gigante more because she was Miss Universe potential! should she be crowned by the other major titles could’ve make us Cebuanos happy for her as well. The reason was because for me, she exhilarated the natural national Filipina beauty! She was Filipina all over, she had clear morena skin, from face structure to her well toned body made you really say “Oh she’s a Filipina!”  and I think it’s the time to bring this kind of beauty again to the international stage. I was supporting her, she looked gorgeous and she had all what it took to be a Miss Universe no question. 

Unfortunately, she didn’t make it to the top 15 but I was gradually satisfied because the other Cebuana candidate made it instead! April Smith made it to the top 15 because of her exotic beauty and amazonian woman body poise which I really liked. I’m really happy for all the two Cebu representatives. They did an amazing job at the pageant and I wish them the very best in the future and maybe join in again. 

Before that, I was hearing a lot about this chick because she has been making MAJOR noise come pageant time. I guessed I like to refer her as the “Chick to beat” in the contest. Candidate #31 from Baguio city had the makings of a beauty queen and a pageant top contender. Kylie Verzosa was a favorite amongst many from Bb. Pilipinas previews and predictions, she was on top of every list with the likes of Nichole Manalo, Kim Ross Delos Santos and Nicole Cordovez. Although it was sad to know Kim was disqualified because of a racy naked photo she shot prior to joining Binibining Pilipinas which is pretty bejeweling to me how that kind of a reason made her a disqualified candidate. I don’t know particularly the details but that’s another topic. 

Okay so this chick. KYLIE. VERZOSA. The name already gets you doesn’t it? honestly it’s a fantastic name especially for a beauty queen in my opinion. You could say if she’d won Miss Universe we would’ve called her “Kylie UniVERZOSA”. The pun is really catchy. 

She was a huge favorite by a vast majority of Filipinos to win the title because obviously she’s pretty and gorgeous, she had the beauty to win a crown but the people wanted to see just how she would do in the competition. She’s a model, a preschool teacher (man how I want to go kindergarten again), and a BusinessAd graduate. The credentials are wonderful yet we still had to see how she would do in the competition. Whether “if she lived up to the hype”

Lived up to the hype she did. 

From the moment I saw her on the stage, I really felt her presence! her look grabbed attention and people on Twitter were buzzing about it. You could say that she stood out most of the candidates because she had this mystical cat like beauty. With those perplexing round eyes and her delightful roundish face her look alone was enough to charm many budding lads alike. Like her eyes are really piercing and how she handled herself with her poise on point. She was not the typical beauty queen but she was unique and that made her stand out from the others. Of course she won Miss Photogenic! no brainer and this is why: 

If you don’t think that isn’t photogenic enough I don’t know what’s wrong with you. 

She freaking damn knows how to work with the camera. I mean the face, the body shifts, that photogenic ability, she possessed it! I don’t mean to hype her up but this is just my opinion of her plus her print modelling work doesn’t disappoint as well .

She has the power to be someone else in a photoshoot and that my people is called versatility. I don’t know if it’s the photoshop or editing I highly doubt it, all I know is this girl can model and she does it with a sense of passion. 

I SUPER LOVE THIS PIC THIS JUST SCREAMS SLAYAGE ALL OVER! 

she definitely slays the camera and you can’t just say that 

“oh she’s on a cheesy photoshoot” 

“oh she doesnt look good” 

“oh she just overdid it” 

NO she freaking SLAYED and it had the writings of a true winner here. The pose, the contortion of the body, her face! it just looks absolutely stellar like if this picture was piled with the other pics you may want to have a look at it twice and stare at it for a moment. Twitter went BONKERS for her.  

INDEED THE HYPE WAS REAL. THE PHILIPPINES WAS FALLING IN LOVE WITH HER.

I kept clicking on the #BbPilipinas2016 hashtag and all I can see was tweets with Kylie Verzosa on it and the amount of likes and RTS it got. People were ogling this muse’s beauty.

Although there was this big hype surrounding her there were also doubters.

Yup sure she’s not queenly but she had a distinct beauty. A beauty that can make other people from other nations distinguish easily. The could determine immediately by saying “Hey that’s Miss Philippines!” also the Queenl Beauty is a little bit overrated, times have changed. Big pageants may have want to see another standard of beauty.

Queenly or not she has the beauty to compete for the Miss Universe crown. She had an edge and I really admired it. 

Then came the Q and A part. A lot of people agreed that the Q and A portion was the only thing holding Kylie back from winning the pageant but again

she didn’t disappoint.

she had a winning question---”Why do you deserve to win a Bb Pilipinas crown tonight?” 

Her answer was eloquent and confident. I love how she said “I am her” at the end. Surely, that made the judges convinced. She certainly nailed this one in the bag. She would be Miss Universe in no time! 

but..

sadly she didn’t win the Miss Universe crown, she placed second as she bagged home the Miss International crown which isn’t really a bad prize by the way it’s just that in my opinion she deserved the MU crown more because she nailed all of the segments. Don’t get me wrong though they all deserved it but I really think Kylie should’ve won the Miss Universe title because of her overall standing out appeal. 

Another candidate that I wish that could’ve potentially won the Miss U title and rightfully deserving so is candidate #28 Miss Nichole Manalo. Nichole, like of her sisters just had that beauty queen look. She looked exotic but a bit of balance between the modern Filipina look. What I love about her especially is her body. My god that body is amazing to tell you. Face perfect, the body amazing, she had a great chance to be Miss Universe. I mean look at that bod! curves for daaaays.

For me, she had an elite and exquisite beauty and this pose tells it all. I love the pose. So feisty and fierce but sexy at the same time. I also loved her answer at the Q and A. It was well structured in grammatical sense and very comprehensible, informative you might say. She didn’t  hold anything against back she just did her own thing and walked away from her sister’s shadow and prove that she can be a QUEEN herself! 

The girl who won it all Maxine Medina isn’t really a bad choice. I mean she’s beautiful with the pinch of the “gorgeous chinita” look, her body was spot on and she rocked her night gown.  It’s just that I really thought Kylie surely had it. Also, what made this the most questionable Bb. Pilipinas pageant I ever watched was because somehow Maxine won it without really doing well in the Q and A part which was puzzling to my fellow kababayans. Only to learn that the Q and A part is only 10% of the total score sheesh. We have all witnessed all of the past winners had satisfying presence and witty answers in the Q and A portion, that we always expect the ultimate winner to be just that! 

A lot of people were actually shocked and I mean a number of them including some celebrities 

Bashing of Maxine happened thereafter and how the contest was rigged in someways which in turn as might as you’ve guessed it produce a lot of “hero tweets” 

Maxine is a fine young gorgeous lady but in my opinion her beauty isn’t cut out with the rest of the Miss Universe contestants later on particularly of the reason because many people had her look. It doesn’t mean she looks unattractive it’s just that it’s pretty hard to think that she can compete hard enough in a competition where beauty is primary factor. 

No to take away anything from Maxine she did a pretty amazing job as well. I don’t really like how the results went cause I preferred the other two but I think she’ll do great as a representative to the Miss Universe competition. She needs to improve though, she has to conquer that nervousness cause the Miss Universe is a whole different animal and for that for the Philippines to win BACK to BACK she has to step her game up in a whole ‘nother level cause many are in the hunt for that prestigious title. 

Who knows maybe it was cut out this way. Nichole could win the Miss Globe and Philippines can go back to back in that pageant. Kylie has great chances as Miss International and bring that title back in the country. Maxine should do well in Miss Universe but again as I said she needs to improve. She needs to convince a lot of Filipinos on why she truly deserved to be Miss Universe Philippines. She’s representing with a chip on her shoulder and I’m expecting big things from her. 

-S

[themaiconblog]

OPINION: Jejemons. Is classifying them a form of social climbing?

Get me this.

Jejemons.

what are they? 

for starters, they’re people who what the Filipino society refers to as the Pinoy Hipsters. It kind of amazes me how, we, Filipinos always had the knack for coining terms in our own national preferences and make it a trend right away. 

But this time, this particular “trend” about Jejemons never reached it’s dead end. In fact, the Jejemon phenomenon left it’s imprint so drastically to the whole Filipino nation that in my observation became a modern culture.  

We have to put it in mind that what we (myself included) referring to as jejemons are also people too they’re also like us and by “like us” they also get to walk, talk, have feelings and the ability to speak up for themselves. 

so the question isn’t what are they but who are they? who are these people whom we label “jejemons” and have developed eerily grossed out feelings for? Let’s take it deep. 

I’ve heard of this jejemon term in the summer of 2009, it was around the realms of the newly crazed Facebook and Friendster. At first it was just some sort of gimmick, for fun even my friends admit that they are Jejemons because of how the way they text in their cellphones, which really is the root of all of this Jejemon craze. It was even stylized by “J3j3MoN” sometimes and the texting cult was such a trend. People who belong in such a group were texting by associating numbers, symbols, signs, and abbreviating them to words they want to elaborate and it was kinda deemed cool and trendy until...

yes you guessed it..

Society happened.

the Filipino society has some rational individuals in the mix and they couldn’t get the craze about it, they think it was stupid and dumb and referred the people as "who has managed to subvert the English language to the point of incomprehensibility." 

It’s not even that but the Jejemon phenomenon reached it’s fever to the fashion and style dimension in teenage groups. “Jejecaps”, long socks, ridiculously big shirts is the hype of such groups add the varsity jackets for good measure. 

All of these Jejemon craze evolved into a stereotype and the definition of being a Jejemon has reached many levels. As I have observed today, a person is classified as a Jejemon when he/she:

texts with the infamous “jejelanguage”

wearing jejecaps and has a poor sense of fashion

writing SMS Group Messages like they’re writing a book report

ridiculous amount of hashtags in any form of messages

people who can’t afford clothes in the highest ends

takes selfies with so much filter in it

this is so belittling to me and I think it’s such a negative stereotype to label such person without even understanding what situations our country are enveloped in. And that’s why I wanted the association of social climbing to come into the mix. 

Let’s define social climbing shall we? 

so why do I consider calling someone a Jejemon a form of social climbing? 

well in truth most people who are reffered to as “Jejemons” are usually the people in the lower class of the society. They’re the lower class, I get it there’s hierarchy in every form of society we just don’t point it out as often, but what we are really doing to them e.g. calling them jejemon is putting them further lower in the hierarchy and when we do that we are seeking advancement to a higher class like we are making ourselves look more higher than them. and that’s why I consider such dominant negative habit as a form of social climbing. Would you agree with me? well of course not but I’m just stating other perspectives here on what we “normal” people are really doing. 

being incomprehensible with English language is never a good thing BUT can we really blame them? can we blame them for not having such wealthy or middle class families for not giving them clothes that can improve their sense of fashion?  can we blame them for not having enough technologies and gadgets that maybe can improve their incomprehension towards what’s supposed to be the right trends? can we blame them for not being socially accepted? NO and to think English isnt even our first language! Filipino is! so it’s quite easy to understand why these people possess weak English grammar skills. 

I get it it in our society there’s always indifferent people and stereotypes but is it really worth it? this jejemon belittlement has gone to a point where being a true and blue Filipino is getting affected. Filipino Rap songs are considered Jeje? Filipino brands are being called Jeje? really? that’s Filipino stuff and we are belittling it? we are downing it? goes to show how the Filipino people has so much to grow in terms of patriotism. Look how small trendy things like this can radically effect bigger aspects. Crab Mentality also plays a role here, the most annoying Filipino trait ever. 

I’m no way defending them in any way, I think what I’m just trying to say that as hospitable and positive Filipinos as we are, Understanding and Accepting our fellow kababyans should not be a problem but why is it becoming one? We have to understand that our country is a third world country so most percentage of the people living in this nation is suffering from poverty! most pinoy families aren’t rich and can’t afford education enough for the young ones and with that we have to understand where they are coming from! instead of labeling them as “EWW JEJEMON” 

This is my opinion only and if you understand what I was trying to instigate then you might have to think about it as well. Think of the bigger picture, understand people. Is labeling a person Jejemon a form of social climbing or not? you be the judge. 

-S

[themaiconblog]

OPINION: Nepotism in the modelling industry

Nepotism.

Tell me, have you ever in your life come across that term prior to reading this blog? if you haven’t, then you are in for a treat but if you have well we can certainly agree that it holds somewhat a bad infliction and it is destroying somewhat a serious aspect towards the act of human progression. Nepotism is nothing new. It dates back to the old times of history in where it was used as an innovation in certain areas of human life, more heavily inside the Church jurisdiction. Nowadays, it stems to the much broader fields of politics, business and entertainment. 

Anyways, I want to talk about and give my opinion to a certain industry in which Nepotism is wholly submerged in to a negative light and yes, that is the modelling industry. The modelling industry surely has certain differences from other industries such as the requirement of a certain standard to be able to do this and to do that, the need to have exquisite features in the face, maintenance of a toned and healthy body, the capability of carrying designer clothes appropriately, having a great runway walk and etc. 

The modelling industry is collectively unique in itself and we may also refer this industry as a sub-part of the fashion industry. Unlike other industries, the modelling industry recognizes models and practices the single person work system, meaning it disdains occupational workers from working in pairs or in groups similar to choirs in the music industry and dance crews in the dance industry. In the world of modelling, working in groups is prohibited as it highlights the ideal of independence in terms of booking jobs and other fashion luxuries. You are your own brand. You are the company itself and that is for the fashion brands’ decision whether they want you to be a part of their own ventures and plans. 

With the rise of social media, it has been much more easier and convenient for Modelling agencies to acquire new talent. In that scenario, new models are made everyday and the difficulty of starring in modelling campaigns and booking fashion shows only gets tougher and tougher. Taking on the modelling world craves for persistency and determination and you alone are in control of your own destiny. Many trials and challenges lie ahead if you want to make it to the big leagues and this include the what people mostly call (well in Instagram), the “nepostism babies” 

Nepotism is seen thoroughly in the modelling industry and the prime examples of this intriguing case is models, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. (Cara Delevigne is another concrete example but she ditched the modelling industry so...)

As you see, Kendall is part of the Kardashians-Jenner clan, a celebrity family with a strong wealthy stature and holds tremendous fame. Gigi, on the other hand, is the daughter of Yolanda Foster, a famous television personality and model. Their relation to their families have somewhat played a big part in boosting their own careers and reputations. The luxury of being born in one of these families grants you automatically immense fame and a following. The two, fortunately for them, holds this kind of reputation. With connections and intangible influence their families possess, they can have the ability to draw serious attention from anyone else in the Fashion world in which Kendall and Gigi are involved because they are models. All of this relates to business as famous and known fashion brands can gain momentum of expanding their labels to a much more bigger audience with the help of these celebrity families. Which I really don’t see any problem with. 

What I have a problem with and my concern goes is the effects of such cooperation. This will lead Gigi and Kendall to book honorary modelling jobs and ambassadorial opportunities that other long-time models have been dying for. It radically changes the game. It impairs the modelling equilibrium totally. For an industry widely known for requiring values such as persistency, determination and hardwork, this just barely straight-up destroys the whole idea. This really changes how the modelling industry works. A pretty sad thought for all the models who are trying to test the waters and to those who have worked hard for a long time to only get overshadowed by a favoritism concept.  

To be really honest, I don’t hate them as a person or as a model. I think they’re beautiful, young, and holds somewhat potential to be in the modelling world. I just really hate the fact that they are getting a lot of prime modelling jobs and getting booked in prestigious fashion shows more than their peers who some are even ahead of them in terms of working in the industry for a long period of time. 

Doesn’t it sound unfair to you? imagine if you worked in a  certain job for many years but you haven’t really been placed in a certain type of position which signifies the kind of worker you are. In which you see it as a rewarding place to be in. But then suddenly, this one person steals your rewarding place by blitzing right into the picture without even doing the equal hardwork you’ve put in for many years. To me that sounds awful and disrespectful. 

Many people, mostly fashion enthusiasts, can’t bare with that kind of apprehension and that’s why they can’t take Kendall and Gigi as models seriously. For them, there are a lot of models who are better than KenGi and should be given jobs in amazing fashion brands who KenGi has already been given. Take model, Karlie Kloss for example. She never had a Vogue Paris cover but Kendall and Gigi at this day and age already has one and Karlie has been modelling way before Kendall and Gigi came into the limelight. Irritating. 

Another victim of nepotism labels is Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber. Cindy is a famous supermodel who worked her time in the 90s and her daughter Kaia desires to take upon modelling, some sort of a “living a family legacy” situation here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with living a family legacy but see to it that you are not kicking off modelling opportunities of the other models for your own benefit and that case can also be told to Gigi seeing her mother being a former model.

I also really get annoyed how the media is feeding off of them so much, like every fashion show in every fashion week in which they have walked, only highlights the two of them without even giving heed to the other models that are within the show. They shouldn't be even given the supermodel tag because they have yet to prove themselves in the concurring and gruelling world of modelling. I don’t really know why the media keeps doing it but that’s is what I really observed and it’s annoying af.

At the end of the day I can’t really put the blame on the two of them directly. Designers, media, fashion sites and brands are all held accountable on to why they’re getting bigger and famous at a rapid rate that can somehow eventually lead them to land big jobs with no trace of serious competition. This can also be told to the other fashion shows who limit the use other models because shockingly having KenGi is becoming a necessity. I can’t really also blame them for being born into such families. I also can’t blame you if you’re a Gigi fan, Kendall fan or both. I mean they’re both beautiful gorgeous young women with adequate charm and charisma. It’s just that what I’m trying to say is there should be equality observed in the playing field, with each person obliged to work their hardest in order to be on top despite some withholding advantages. Hardwork should be recognized and should really be able to payoff.

- S

[themaiconblog]

Opinion Blog