Shamcey Supsup is the Philippines' bet to this year's Miss Universe pageant, which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12. She left for Colombia last week for a few more training sessions before the big day. She's got big shoes to fill, after Venus Raj placed fifth in last year's pageant. At her send-off party, tabloid! spoke to the statuesque beauty who dreams of becoming the country's third Miss Universe.
You're a few weeks away from the big day. How are you feeling?
I've always believed my winning the Binibining Pilipinas pageant was just the first step of a very challenging journey. But instead of thinking how difficult it's going to be, I told myself I'm just going to enjoy every bit of it so I can take beautiful memories out of the whole adventure.
Was it your dream to become a beauty queen?
I really wanted to be an architect and I achieved that goal. A lot of people have been asking me to join, but I never really entertained the thought until last year.
I'm scared of pageants — the thought of making a mistake in front of so many people, it's terrifying. But eventually, because I knew that I had the support of my family and friends, I could give it a try. I did, and gave it my best shot.
What do you think of your chances in Miss Universe?
I am a fierce competitor. I have shown many times that given a responsibility, I will do my best to mange it well and come up with the best results. I intend to do the same, while also trying to have some fun.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and not to give it my best and enjoy it would be missing the point of this unique experience.
What preparations have you done?
I did a lot of training in terms of walking, posing, enhancing my self-confidence. There's a lot more training coming up in Bogota, where there is a special school for beauty queens. So, hopefully, that will help.
With all this training, are you pressured to do well? And how are you coping?
There is pressure, definitely. And for a country like ours where beauty pageants are a big thing, there's more pressure. But this is my choice.
The minute I said yes to joining the pageant, I knew this was going to be in for a lot of pressure. I joined a contest, not just a parade so pressure is going to be a part of it.
I cope just by thinking I have the support of my family and friends no matter what, and the prayers of an entire nation.
Sarah coming to Dubai?
Looks like everyone's favourite pop princess might be on her way back to Dubai. Word is Sarah Geronimo will perform in Dubai on October 14, although the venue has yet to be decided. "The money is paid, so she's coming," a spokeswoman for Rahbani Productions, the organiser of the event, told tabloid!.
Geronimo, who last performed in the UAE in 2009, will be supported by singer/actor Mark Bautista. Bautista was a grand finalist of a Philippine reality TV talent search Star for a Night and eventually placed second behind Geronimo.
Geronimo's album One Heart was released in May. She also used a short break from her singing commitments to undergo vocal training and dance workshops in Hollywood.
Anne goes back to the '90s
Anne Curtis is being eyed to star in a new movie to be directed by noted director Carlo Caparas.
The film is a remake of Tasya Fantasya, the 1994 Kris Aquino-starrer which Caparas also directed. Anne, who was a headturner at the recent Philippine Fashion Ball in a revealing outfit, was excited about the project, which will most likely start production next year. The actress is still busy with a number of commitments, including her daily noontime gig, Showtime.
Paulo's got a new boss
Actor Paulo Avelino has decided to jump ship and join ABS CBN.
The former GMA star felt it was time for a career move, so he signed a "fair deal" with the Kapamilya network. He would not divulge details of his new contract, but it must be lucrative since he's leaving his home studio and the company which discovered him and moulded him into one of the industry's most promising dramatic actors.
Avelino has been agonising about the move for days, sharing his feelings on Twitter. He finally decided last week, saying he wanted to see how it was on the other side of the fence.
Hayden's bride will wear Lhuillier
Former doctor-to-the-stars Hayden Kho has revealed his fiancee, celebrity surgeon Vicki Belo, has already made an appointment with Hollywood-based Monique Lhuillier to design her gown for her planned dream wedding next year.
The A-list celebs who have worn Lhuillier dresses down the aisle include Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Reese Witherspoon. No date has been announced yet, but Kho has hinted it will most likely happen next year, instead of in November, which was when the couple were said to take their vows.
What Kho has confirmed is that they will definitely not get married in the Philippines. The venue will remain a secret until after the wedding.
Playlist: Xian Lim, Actor
Song on repeat mode: Pangarap Lang Kita by Parokya ni Edgar. I am a big fan of this band, and this is one of their best songs.
One to make me cry: Carried Away by JM de Guzman. Not really cry, but I get emotional. Anyway, it's a very meaningful song.
This one makes me move: Feelin' so Good by J.Lo. This is a very danceable tune.
At karaoke i would sing: Price Tag by Jessie J. It's a pretty cool song.
Track I'd skip right now: None that I can think of.
