The 16 Miss Earth standouts

Unless and until the protagonists in the luxury-club ugly incident involving actors John Lloyd Cruz, Anne Curtis, Jake Cuenca, Phoemela Barranda and their friends (including stylist Charina Sarte who, according to rumors, is JLC’s regular “secret” date partner) shed more light, we nosey public will have to content ourselves with mere speculations, with two big questions hanging: How come not one of Anne’s many friends are coming to her defense? How come not one of JLC’s many friends are coming to his defense? Incidentally, according to unimpeachable sources, the apologetic Anne slapped not three but only two persons (magazine editor JR Isaac and Leah de Guzman). Contrary to reports, JLC was spared from Anne’s flying hand.

In the meantime, why don’t we turn our attention from ugly incidents to beautiful things (since the season of peace and goodwill is upon us)? Such as, yes, beautiful ladies with eternal smiles lighting up their faces.

Who will be crowned Miss Earth 2013 on Saturday, Dec. 7, during the grand finals at Versailles Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 8 p.m., aired live by FOX Network’s Star World Channel (and telecast on ABS-CBN on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 10 a.m.)?

Eighty-nine bets from around the Earth are eyeing the crown currently held by Tereza Fajksova of Czech Republic.

Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib have picked the 16 standouts.

• Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich, 22, 176 cm. tall and measures 35-23-36;

• Miss Philippines Angelee delos Reyes, 26, 171 cm. tall, 33-23-35;

• Miss Brazil Pricilla Martins, 23, 174 cm. tall, 34-24-38;

• Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut, 21, 174 cm. tall, 34-23-36;

• Miss Mexico Kristal Silva, 21, 178 cm. tall, 35-24-35;

• Miss Poland Aleksandra Szczesna, 20, 175 cm. tall;

• Miss Bolivia Maria Rene Carmona, 18, 185 cm. tall, 37-25-37;

• Miss USA Nicole Velez, 22, 170 cm. tall, 36-25-38;

• Miss Germany Caroline Noeding, 22, 174 cm. tall, 35-25-37;

• Miss Malaysia Josephine Tan, 23, 175 cm. tall, 34-25-35;

• Miss England Chloe Othen, 23, 175 cm. tall, 31-26-33;

• Miss Korea Catharina Choi, 23, 173 cm. tall, 34-25-37;

• Miss South Africa Ashanti Moanga, 24, 182 cm. tall, 33-26-38;

• Miss Spain Cristina Martinez, 22, 177 cm. tall, 33-24-35;

• Miss Indonesia Nita Sofiani, 21, 171 cm. tall, 32-27-35; and

• Miss Serbia, Andjelka Tomasevic, 21, 170 cm. tall, 32-23-35.

Pinay makes it to Top 6 of The X Factor USA 3

Seventeen-year-old Filipina Ellona Santiago of San Lorenzo, California, made it to the Top 6 of The X Factor USA Season 3 last Nov. 27 and 28, featuring its Big Band Night theme.

Ellona’s rendition of Jessie J’s Mamma Knows Best, dedicated to her eldest sister Julie Rose who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, merited a standing ovation and superlatives from the four judges.

Simon Cowell said, “This is what we call a game-changer. You have the chance to win this whole thing.”

Ellona’s mentor Demi Lovato commented, “You could win this competition. That’s your best performance since you’ve been here.”

This is Ellona’s second outing with the The X Factor USA. Back in 2011, the inaugural season, she was part of the 10-member all-teen group, inTENsity, mentored by Paula Abdul. But they only managed to reach Week 2 (12th place) and later disbanded.

The youngest among the four daughters of Jose G. Santiago Jr. and Veronica Rano-Santiago of Kawit and Cavite City, Ellona was only 11 months old (born on August 1, 1996) when her family migrated to the US. She and her sister Shalimar are members of a church’s youth choir in the States. In December 2006, Ellona was adjudged second place Best in Talent during the International Performing Arts Academy Convention in San Francisco, California. At age 10, she became the youngest cast member of the musical-comedy Amerikana, led by singer-comedienne Fe delos Reyes who became her mentor. Miriam Pantig was her professional vocal coach. She was the first ever winner of Ichiban Idol contest in 2010.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)