Miss Filipina International 2023

The media launch of Miss Filipina International 2023 took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California last week. During the momentous event, new owner Geoffrey Jimenez (Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation) announced the pageant’s new home in Bevely Hills, with bigger prizes and an exciting team.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, this year’s pageant will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.

Prizes will include $10,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for the winner. The other prizes are a $5,000 cash prize and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for the first runner-up, who will be crowned Miss Tourism, and a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for each of the second, third, and fourth runners-up.

MFI is open to interested individuals who are at least one-fourth Filipino descent, between 16 to 28 years old, and can reside anywhere in the world. For more information or to apply, you can head to www.missfilipinaintl.com

Here’s more information from my media coverage below:

Books by Filipino Authors

Losing weight, eating healthier, leading a more active lifestyle are just several of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. But if you’re like me, another item on that list includes reading more books. Of course, that seems easier than it sounds until real life kicks in and you’re trying to juggle your work, personal life, family obligations and binge-watching shows on Netflix, Hulu, and every other digital streaming service out there. But truth be told, it’s always more fulfilling and enjoyable escaping into the world of books where you are free to use your own creativity and let your imagination run wild.

With that in mind, here’s a list of Filipino authors and their works of art to check out this year.

Pasko Na, My Love book cover

1.      “Pasko Na My Love” is a collection of short stories that all interweave and center on celebrating Lola Naty’s 100th birthday.  The anthology showcases 12 characters who find love in unexpected ways. I came across this novel by accident while attending a Filipino American festival in my hometown. One of the writers, Mia Hopkins, described the book as a FilAm version of “Love Actually” and who am I to say no to romantic tales? It definitely left me yearning for more. The novel proved to be more than just a tale of finding love, but also revealed the true meaning of familial bonds, regret, as well as showcasing our beautiful traditions. “Pasko Na My Love” features acclaimed and best-selling authors including Elle Cruz, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Tif Marcelo.

2.      There is more to Mia P. Manansala’s books besides the vibrant covers and catchy titles. We were first introduced to Manansala’s Mystery series with “Arsenic and Adobo” where lead character Lila Macapangal moves home after a devastating breakup and decides to put all her energy into saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant. However, things are turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend and famously vicious food critic dies while dining at the restaurant and Lila becomes the main suspect. Following “Arsenic and Adobo” is book 2 of the series “Homicide and Halo-Halo” and book 3, “Blackmail and Bibingka” which was released late last year.

3.      In Mari Jojie’s “A Hundred Silent Ways,” Kate Pineda-McDowell escapes her failed marriage by booking a flight to the Philippines into the home of her estranged father. During her layover, Kate meets a mysterious man who both intrigues and scares her while igniting a passion that she never knew existed. “A Hundred Silent Ways” is a deeply touching story of love, loss and hope.   

4.      Although “The Farm” by Joanne Ramos was published in 2019, it is still a must-read in my book. The novel takes place at the Golden Oaks’ residence, a surrogate company that uses women, also known as “hosts,” to serve as surrogates for the wealthy. When Filipino domestic worker and single mother Jane Reyes loses her job, her cousin refers her to Golden Oaks. However, things are not as they seem at the facility. While living at Golden Oaks for months, she is unable to contact her cousin or her daughter, Jane becomes worried and attempts to escape her residence. “The Farm” examines gender, race, and the divide between social classes.    

Thins We Do in the Dark book cover by Jennifer Hillier

5.      Jennifer Hillier’s work, “Things We Do in the Dark” is a novel I plan on reading this year. Murder mystery and thrillers are one of my favorite genres and when I read about Hillier’s story, I knew it had to be on my list of must-reads. The book follows the murder of a famous comedian whose wife is caught drenched in his blood and a razor in her hand. She’s undoubtedly arrested. However, what worries her more isn’t the arrest or the accusations, but rather the unwanted media attention she’ll receive which could possibly unravel the new life she’s built for herself and the discovery of her hidden past.

Jo Koy celebrates the Philippines in upcoming Netflix Special

I'm so excited to announce that my 3rd @netflix special "In His Elements" premieres June 12. We brought Netflix to the Philippines! Let's go!!

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Comedian Jo Koy is releasing his 3rd Netflix Special Jo Koy: In His Elements on June 12th 2020, exactly one year from the release of his last special titled, “Jo Koy Comin’ In Hot”.

June 12 is also, coincidentally, Philippine Independence Day. Koy’s latest Netflix special was filmed in the Philippines and includes fellow Filipino comedian Joey Guila and singer songwriter Inigo Pascual.

On his IG post, he shared that he wanted to show the audience where his mom was from, as well as bring his Filipino friends who haven’t been back to the Philippines. He added, “Let’s show them how beautiful the country is, how beautiful the people are and let’s just do a show.” He also notes that everything about the special is Filipino – from the cameraman, the owners of the venue, and the audience, and encourages everyone to “embrace our culture and have a good time.”

2020 Census - We Count

The Census happens every 10 years and counts every person living in the United States (and 5 U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Funding for our hospitals, emergency services, roads/highways and schools are decided based on the questionnaire.

Many people are skeptical and fear for their privacy. However, the Census is extremely safe and your answers are confidential. They will not be shared with other agencies such as immigration, law enforcement or housing authorities. In addition, it only takes several minutes and it is now easier than ever to fill out the Census. It can be completed via phone, internet and through the mail.

If English is not your first or preferred language, the Census questionnaire is also available in 13 languages. Information and language guides are also available in 59 other languages. For more information, head to www.2020census.gov

For our Tagalog speaking community, please watch the video below for more information.