STAR Blogger by Celso De Guzman Caparas

Photos by Celso De Guzman Caparas Cristine Escalante and Monique Cantalejo Rivera Two empowered Filipina mothers were chosen to compete in the Mrs. Universe Official pageant next year.  Monique Cantalejo Rivera and Christine Escalante were crowned as Mrs. Universe Asia 2022 & Mrs. Universe Australasia 2022, respectively, during the finals of Mrs. Universe Australia pageant on Dec. 26.  Unable to fly to Australia to compete in the face to face pageant due travel restrictions brought about by Covid-19, Christine and Monique joined the coronation night virtually. Prior to the finals, they submitted several pageant requirements such as talent, tourism, long gown and advocacy videos.  They also underwent virtual interviews initiated by the organizers headed by Mrs. Universe Australia CEO Ms. Maryrose Salubre . As they are announced winners in Australia, their Official Sashing and Crowning was held simultaneously at Pandan Asian Café in Quezon City. Crowning Rivera is 201...

Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas  Photos courtesy of Janine Marie O. Aquino Queen of Philippines USA 2021 Janine Marie Olaguera Aquino  will compete in the forthcoming Queen of International Tourism 2021 which will be held virtually via YouTube Channel Live on December 28 at 11 AM.  Janine Marie was born in the United States. Her parents are migrants from the Philippines. Janine is the youngest biological daughter as her parents adopted four children from Foster Care, she has six siblings.  Janine Marie is known for her caring and loving attitude. Her sincerity commitment and her perseverance proved to be her strength to be successful in her studies and career as a Software Engineer.  Her acting in theater performances have been the highlights of her passion and interests.  She also engages in civic and charitable events in the Filipino American Community. Her beauty both internal and external with intelligence will be her assets as she venture more wi...

Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas Photos courtesy of ToledoMed TOLEDO MEDICAL COMPANIES, INC. celebrated its 13th Anniversary last December 18, 2021 via an event billed as “The Grand Event” at the Shangri-la The Fort, Taguig City. TOLEDO MEDICAL COMPANIES, INC., now popularly known as ToledoMed and what it is today, are the outcome of the hard work and perseverance of its founder, Dr. Librado N. Toledo, Jr. and his vision of transformative and timeless beauty in the Philippines. Dr. Toledo is a graduate of the Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology in Far Eastern University and finished his Doctor of Medicine at De LaSalle University (DLSU-UMC).  Dr. Toledo is a PRC-certified physician. He gained extensive training in aesthetic, anti-aging and skin health at Medical Skin Health Training Foundation (PPSHPI), American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Dr. Hertoghe Medical School (Belgium). Aside from these, he gained formal residency training in Seoul and Busan, South Korea f...

Photo courtesy of I Mmmeat U Text and Photos by Celso De Guzman Caparas  (Top photo, from left)  Rosana Verizon, Mutya Kristina Pacis,  Heaven Peñaflorida, and  Christine 'Chrizzie' Escalante,  collectively known as the Queen Sisters, successfully launched the I MMMEAT U products.  " I MMEAT U was conceptualized by the Queen Sisters last November after our Mrs. Universe Phippines 2021 stint. Coined from the word 'meet,' we decided to name our brand as such because everytime we do business we meet different kinds of people, permitting networking and connectivity ," Crizzie shared.  " We are trusted meat supplier with affordable prices. We can cater small to bulk orders not only to hotels, concessionaires, restaurants but also residential areas ," Heaven added.  Rosana said, " Our plant and warehouse are in Bulacan. Currently, we supply in NCR, Luzon and soon we'll be doing business in Visayas and hopefully in Mindanao .  Our products p...

Text and Photos by Celso De Guzman Caparas Experience all-day casual Thai dining at its best.   On December 4, 2021, the Mango Tree Cafe opened its 5th outlet at the 2nd Level, Mega Atrium in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.  Gracing the affair is Miss Philippines Fire 2021 Roni Meneses, daughter of PBA legend Vergel Meneses.  Fr. Junerl Salugsugan officiated the prayer and blessing of the outlet.  Owners Mr. Eric Teng and Mrs. Emelda Teng with daughter Ms. Mia Teng warmly welcomed the esteemed guests and walk-in diners.  Mango Tree Cafe offers an extensive selection of Thai dishes that many diners know and love from classics such as Phad Thai (Stir-fried Rice Noodles), Tom Yum Goong (Spicy and Sour Prawn Soup), Grapow (Stir-fried Minced Chicken or Pork with Holy Basil), Goeng Kiew Whan (Thai Green Curry) and many more. Experience genuine Thal cuisine from each of the four main culinary regions of Thailand-harmoniously balanced by sweet, sour, salty, and sp...