Cebuana kids make waves in Barbie Fashion Fever Model Search 2005

Cebu made another mark in the national scene through the victory of three little Cebuano girls who represented our region and competed with numerous young female models from all over the country! Congratulations to Victoria Generalao, Jaya Lozano and Sabrina Bogard who won the national finals and claimed pride for Cebu after sweeping three out of four major awards at the Barbie Fashion Fever National Model Search in Manila.

Judith Eugenio of J. Eugenio Concepts sent me a text message with this wonderful and anticipated news weeks after I witnessed how these fantabulous girls took a step closer to making their little dreams come true during the regional finals. I clearly recall how these winners caught my attention while giving all 15 contestants a brief talk prior to the show's commencement. Victoria, Jaya and Sabrina appeared to be enjoying the event and looked quite calm amidst the hustle and bustle at the backstage with many anxious and busy moms and make-up artists. After giving all the girls some words of encouragement, I proceeded to the stage to officially begin the program. I was so amazed at how the public responded to the event at the sight of hundreds of people who swarmed to the venue at JY Square. And nothing was to prepare me to what came next!

My jaw dropped at the sight of these young girls as they strutted and expertly made their catwalks on the ramp. You could hear the praises, giggles and the loud applause of the audience as each contestant paused with their gracious and confident poses! "Ah, lupigan man tang dagko!" was a remark I heard from someone in the crowd. Anyone who saw those girls would be amused at how the hype of all things had not affected them. They all looked so confidentso beautiful and dazzlingso happy! The question and answer portion was even more amazing! Grade school girls answered the questions of the judges without stuttering and with so much ease. I couldn't help but compare them to the many adult candidates of pageants I hosted in the past and thought to myself, "Biliba gyud nako aning mga bata-a oy. Lupigan diay gud tinu-od ang mga dagko. This is a different breed indeed!" Out of the 15 fashionistas, four girls were chosen to represent our region by judges Natasha Bianca Pilapil, Sarah Katrina Miñoza, Melanie Ediza and Barbie's brand manager, Ms. Cheer Morales. The judges' decision that evening served our region well. The girls were our best representatives and proved it by bringing home the bacon - a source of pride to us, Cebuanos, once more. Way to go girls! I'm proud of you!

Crissa's Teen Dance Synergy in Cebu

Congratulations to the University of San Jose-Recoletos for winning the championship in the dance competition organized by Crissa fashions and Metro Gaisano. Groups of female high school girls competed during this exhilarating event staged at Ayala Center Cebu. The activity center was filled with students from different schools who came to attend and cheer for their representatives in high spirits. The USJR high school students performed with the most laudable showmanship and with the most outstanding choreography. They received gift certificates from sponsors and a cash prize of P20,000.

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Genesis Dacua aka Daniel (former co-host of "Singgit" and "Oi!") resigned from GMA Network last October 27. Genesis will be graduating from college this March and plans to focus on his studies. He also hopes that another opportunity in the entertainment industry will come his way in the future and find more happiness and fulfillment. I personally believe in his capabilities as a host and performer and memories of giggling fans are still fresh in my mind. I admire him for making such a valiant and wise decision. This young and talented individual's achievements and principles in life will certainly bring him to bigger and better things in the near future.

My congratulations to Ayala Center Cebu on its 11th year Anniversary! My sincerest thanks to Mr. Rene Almendras, Ms. Joy Polloso, Happy and Janice for all the wonderful mall events they've graciously asked me to be part of all these years!

TALENTSCOPE'S WEEKLY WORDS OF WISDOM: "No twisted stories, no dirty tactics, no politics and power play can hold liberty of truth and justice. For men of integrity will always rise above desperate men for pride and power."