After Aziz, who's next in Sush's life?

Sushmita Sen is a woman of substance. She was the one who brought honour to our country by getting the much coveted Miss Universe title. She even dared to adopt a girl, Renee at a very young age. Even though she achieved everything in her life, she was always unlucky when it came to her relationships.

Sushmita always dared to speak when questioned about her relationships. In fact there was a buzz that Sushmita was supposed to come up with an autobiography named as 'The Butterfly' that promised to shock all her readers.

Source: India Times Movies

PNM wants Wendy

Former Miss Universe tipped for Valley's seat

Anna Ramdass aramdass@trinidadexpress.com

PROSPECTIVE PNM CANDIDATE: Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam

Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam has been tipped as one of the prospective candidates to replace Diego Martin Central MP Ken Valley.

Fitzwilliam, who is currently the Vice President/General manager of Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (E-teck) might be one of the "new faces" Prime Minister Patrick Manning spoke about at a PNM political meeting in St Augustine last Friday, it was learned yesterday..

If Fitzwilliam decides to fulfil any political aspirations, the election battle will become a Queen versus Queen scenario as former Miss Trinidad and Tobago representative for Miss Universe Nicole Dyer is an active member of the Congress of the People (COP) and also their public relations officer. It will soon be revealed whether Dyer will contest any political seat when the COP presents its slate of candidates.

Fitzwilliam won the Miss Universe Pageant in 1998 and later became involved in social work. She was honoured by the United Nations with the title UNAIDS goodwill Ambassador, a result of her commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS.

She also a holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of the West Indies and was said to have been doing a remarkable job at E-teck-a Government company mandated to develop Trinidad's non-energy sector through the creation of new industry.

Speculation of Fitzwilliam's candidacy is high in the political arena, "I have heard about it, and if it is true then it will be very interesting," Dyer told the Express yesterday.

The PNM screening committee-blanked Valley, the current MP for Diego Martin and a call for new candidates was made.

Valley was screened as the lone candidate for Diego Martin Central last Thursday at Balisier House, Port of Spain but, was given the boot one day later-on Friday, the day Manning announced that General Elections will be held on November 5.

That very evening Manning told a massive crowd at St Augustine that the PNM will be presenting new faces and future leaders of Trinidad when the party presents its slate of candidates at Woodford Square, Port of Spain this Saturday.

Members of the Diego Martin Central Executive have maintained their staunch devotion and support to Valley and were not surrendering to any "new face" for that constituency seat.

Sources told the Express that Valley who has been fighting for a second chance since a PNM poll rated him as a low performing MP will continue to battle Manning who is hell bent on shaking up and changing the party for the elections.

The party was non committal on Fitzwilliam's candidacy.

"Right now it's an internal process going on and we have no official position in that regard," said PNM's Public Relations Officer Jerry Narace.

"It's news to me" said Valley when told by the Express about Fitzwilliam's possible candidacy.

Valley said he had no comment to make on being blanked by the screening committee.

The Express tried in vain to contact Fitzwilliam yesterday.

Source: Trinidad Express

KUALA LUMPUR: Miss Malaysia / World 2007, Deborah Priya Henry, was feted today by franchise holder DDB PR and event manager- Beyond events as part of a mini send-off with friends of the media. Miss Malaysia World leaves for Sanya, China on Nov 2, to participate in a month-long series of activities in the run-up to the Miss World 2007 Grand Finals on Dec 1.

Deborah also showed off her elegant evening gown, specially designed by Melvin Lam of Melvin Lam Haute Couture. She will take on the catwalk in the gown, which will compete against 100 others from around the world for the ‘Best Designer Award’.

“This gown is gorgeous, and I feel very confident wearing it to represent Malaysia. Melvin has done an excellent job in designing it,” said Deborah, 21, who is originally from Kuala Lumpur and stands at 5’9”.

Melvin said Deborah has every designer’s dream figure and height. “She looks so natural in the gown that I am sure she will carry it off very well during the competition.”

“I had Deborah in my mind when I designed it. The gown accentuates her figure,” said Melvin, of the outfit, which has colourful batik floral prints and gold trimmings made from silk.

Melvin said the halter neck design emphasizes Deborah’s toned shoulder while the earthy colours complement her natural olive skin tone.

Melvin Lam Haute Couture is also the Official Couturier for Miss Malaysia/World 2007. He is based in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

Aside the elegant gown, he will also be sponsoring several other outfits for Deborah’s stay in Sanya which includes Cheongsam, Baju Kebaya, Baju Kurung and other cocktail dresses.

For the Talent Contest at the Miss World Grand Finals on Dec 1, Deborah said she would perform a contemporary Modern Asian Fusion dance called Asmaradana, which is adapted from the movie Puteri Gunung Ledang.

“I have been taking lessons to perfect my dance steps. I attend dancing classes at least three times a week. I have always loved to dance and I am glad that I will be putting my skills into the talent show,” said Deborah.

That aside, she has also been attending Celebrity Fitness Lifestyle and Fitness club, where she exercises regularly to tone her body and look her best.

The 2007 pageant celebrates 48 years of Malaysia’s participation in the Miss World contest, which was founded in 1951. Miss Malaysia/World 2007 executive producer and Model.Com general manager, Amin Hussen, said he is confident Deborah would do well in the pageant.

“As a beauty queen, Deborah is confident, composed and compassionate. She communicates and presents herself very well, and most importantly, she has stage presence. I’m very proud of her, and I’m sure she will make Malaysia proud too,” said Amin.

As Miss Malaysia/World 2007, Deborah is also a World Vision children’s rights advocate, and has helped to increase awareness of the organisation and create a lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty.

She has also adopted a child as part of World Vision’s “Adopt A Child” campaign. Since her crowning, Deborah has participated in numerous charity programmes and causes.

DDB Public Relations Sdn Bhd is the Miss Malaysia/World franchise holder while the event is organised by Beyond Events Sdn Bhd and Model.Com. Rapp Collins Malaysia manages the branding and design aspects.

Source: Adoi Magazine

"African Models Have What It take To Be At The Top"

Rosemary Chileshe is Zambia-born international model living and working in the United Kingdom. A highly sought-after international model whose face adorns several products ‘marketing efforts. As one of the faces of Sleek cosmetics her image has been used worldwide and she successfully led Sleek Campaign in Ghana for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Rosemary is spokesperson for many brands.

She won the 2003 Miss Zambia UK beauty pageant. She represented Zambia at the Miss World Beauty Pageant 2004 hosted in China. Rosemary; she was this year’s Zambian envoy to Miss Universe 2007 Beauty Pageant, held in Mexico City, 28th May 2007. She’s been actively involved in charitable work as well as promoting the image of her mother country - Zambia. Outside her modeling commitments, she continues to utilize her influence as a goodwill ambassador with a solid foundation to help the fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty worldwide, with particular attention to Zambia. In July, 2007-Rosemary, Carl Ellis - a fashion designer and Miss Universe Zambia Team visited Orphanages - Kalingalinga (Lusaka). She also addressed an international audience at a Commonwealth Forum to commemorate World Aids Day 2006.

The story of this young Zambia star actually started as a beauty queen. Since she hit the catwalk in the UK in early 2000 it didn’t take long that she got signed on. After winning Miss Zambia UK 2003, Rosemary became a hot cake sought after by many agencies and designers alike, increasing the numbers shows in London, Manchester and around the UK that she was invited to.

Rosemary is a Commercial Property Surveyor. She’s the epitome of commitment, hard work and beauty. Our correspondent, Gbenga Teejay Okunlola, caught up with her recently. Find below interview he has for you.

TV: Tell our readers briefly about your family and educational backgrounds.

ROSEMARY: The other side of my profession is Property Surveying. I come from a family of Doctors, Engineers, Teachers, Accountants and those pursuing careers in law.

TV: It’s been a few years since you were crowned Miss Zambia UK. Would you say that was a turning point in your life?

ROSEMARY: No, winning Miss Zambia UK in 2003 was a progression to the next chapter. I had been actively involved in modeling prior to then. I was assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester that is where everything began; I was introduced to the industry, both its negatives and positives.

TV: Have you changed much since being crowned? If you have, in what ways? Do you enjoy being different? Is it ever an issue that you’re so much more elegantly dressed than your peers?

ROSEMARY: I am still the same Rosemary I have always been; of course with time, you pick up new interests; hence you evolve in your conduct. If anything I have probably changed the meaning of a Crown than the “crowning” changing me, I always say “it is not the crown that makes a person, it is the person wearing it who gives it meaning”. Being different on the other hand is a common factor to everyone; we are all designed in a unique format to everyone; so I definitely do enjoy being me, no one else out there can carry out a task, manage a project etc. the way in which I would; we have different thought processes.

In terms of being more elegantly dressed than my peers: dressing is a personal thing, at the end of the day, you wear what you feel comfortable in; and as a result, you look admirable to everyone else; you can not say “I am more elegant than the next party”, it’s a matter of opinion.
TV : How did you become a professional model? What are your dreams and expectations in modeling profession?

ROSEMARY: Modeling takes a lot of time and discipline. I was initially assigned to a Modeling Agency in Manchester where I was trained and groomed in the basic requirement. I then moved on to do various types of work in beauty pageantry as well as fashion shows. I always make it a point to learn something new from any projects I get involved in. My dreams are not only for me to be a well sought after Model / Ambassador worldwide but to encourage everyone else to follow their dreams, we have all got talents given to us, we just need to take time to realize them and act upon them. My expectations are not of the industry but of myself; you should never expect to get more out of something than you are prepared to put in!

TV : At one time or another, almost every young person dreams of becoming a famous model or actor. What advice would you like to give others who would like to pursue the same line of career as you?

ROSEMARY: It’s interesting you are asking me this; I am actually in the process of holding seminars to encourage young girls in the Yorkshire and Humberside areas, from 8 - 16 on the same issues. I would say it is fundamental to follow your dreams, no matter what you desire to do, I would urge for the basic areas to be covered in Education. Get your education covered, take time to analyze what you want to do and follow it through. Nothing will come easy, you need to exercise patience and allow room for disappointments; it’s through all of these that you will rise up. Once you have your educational background covered, you will always have that to come back to once your dream has reached its expiry lifespan or you realize modeling or if being an actor was not a desired route for you any longer.

TV : What’s the most fascinating experience you have had so far in your career?

ROSEMARY: I have had quite a few. I have to say, I am a very blessed young lady! Every experience encountered has been memorable. Miss World contest offered me opportunity to meet amazing people during the contest; it was not only sharing a stage with Lionel Richie, but also meeting him and sharing a conversation with him! At Miss Universe, it was meeting Mr Donald Trump and again, amazing girls with inspiring ambitions. In my charity work, I have met many humbled people both young and old, it is amazing how many dreams and desires everyone has and the determination they have in making them all a reality is overwhelming.

TV : Many young aspiring models lack self-confidence to build a healthy self-esteem, would you say training is the key ingredient to success? What do you think are the qualities to becoming an established model?

ROSEMARY: There are many aspiring models who lack self-confidence; I know this from my own observation of the industry and from girls writing to me via my website
(www.rosemarychileshe.com).For most of them, lack of self confidence is as a result of lack of support or not knowing where to go for help; for some it is simply being overwhelmed by the amount of personal time and effort they have to invest. Training is important but not necessary a key ingredient because every task calls for a different skill, you need to be adaptable to change and be willing to be taught. The qualities, in my view, of becoming an established Model range from self management, being disciplined and persistent. If you set your goals early on, you will know what paths to follow and when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to various assignments. Some girls are set on being Models but have no real idea what that means for them; so they get caught up in saying “yes, yes” to everything, they lose their path and become history after a short while in the limelight.

TV : What do you think of African models in comparison to their western counterparts?
ROSEMARY: I believe African Models have what it takes to be at the top. They should not even give room to the thought that since they are Africans, they cannot be as good or as successful. In this industry, however, it a bit unfortunate we have to work twice as much to get to the same level as other counterparts; but that is okay, it means we get so experienced, we almost become a threat!

TV : Overall, despite difficulties in getting sponsorship and adequate support from their governments, many African models still thrive on the world stage due to their courage, tenacity, perseverance and sheer hard work. So, could they make ideal ambassadors for their nations? Could they be suitable role models for African youth?

ROSEMARY: Yes, they would definitely make ideal ambassadors. This all gets down to the person as an individual. The fact that they choose to carry on for the love of what they believe in, whether there is support or not, as apposed to doing something because it looks good, basically for show, warrant them that role.

TV : Tell me what the negative and positive sides in this industry are.

ROSEMARY: Well, I guess like in every industry there is always negative and positive sides. In the modeling industry, I feel the negative is that discrimination is still actively there for minorities. You could be 100% better than the person next to you; however a bigger chunk of your selection process also lies heavily on your ethnic background. The positive sides in my view are the opportunities you get; you are more able to be a spokesperson for your peers, you get a platform to reach out to so many people.

TV : You are Co-founder of the charity organization-R.O.C Foundation, tell me more about it and your partnership with Carl Ellis?

ROSEMARY: I have always been a dedicated charity worker. HIV/AIDS Awareness is an area I feel more of us need to step up and do our bit in educating one another. Carl Ellis is a fellow Zambian, experienced in fashion design and an accountant by profession. We teamed up initially to work on his Mother Africa Fashion Label, where I am currently the face of the label, which is getting a lot of press attention worldwide, especially as it is debuting at South Africa Fashion Week from late August to early September. In getting to know one another, we realized we shared the same passion for our motherland and we both desperately wanted to do something to raise HIV/AIDS Awareness. We decided to set up the ROC Foundation -www.therocfoundation.com with an aim of raising the HIV/AIDS Awareness worldwide and alleviating poverty. Our recent trip back to Zambia was purely focused on finding an existing charity, orphanage etc in Lusaka, one in greater need of financial support so that for 1 year, through the ROC Foundation, we can raise funds and feed it back to that charity or orphanage.

TV : You’ve been involved with some social responsibility and remarkable projects. Are other African celebrities like you in the Diaspora doing positive things for the motherland?

ROSEMARY: I believe so, there are so many people doing remarkable work for charity but they are not “documented” or captured in the public eyes. I admire such traits in people; they do the work and offer their assistance because they simply want to help, they are not seeking credit, it’s the best way to be I believe…. because God sees all that is done.

TV : Has your parents been supportive? Were they proud of you when you became a professional model?
ROSEMARY: Yes, very much! my whole family have always been supportive and encouraging …..

TV : What subjects interested you most as a schoolgirl?

ROSEMARY: Mathematics, English and Business Management. Were my favorites’ because I believed it would offer me a wider choice in specialist routes; as a result, my degree at university was Business Property Management, I now work in a Property Surveying company

TV : There’s widespread corruption amongst African Leaders, Does the thought of entering the political arena ever flash across your mind? Do you feel a strong personal commitment to change in Africa?

ROSEMARY: No, politics is not for me. There are people born for the job, I am not one of them. I do however have a personal desire to change a lot of areas in Africa ;only where my expertise are called for, you can only do so much as an individual.

TV : Models have become extremely powerful as role models, and often something as simple as a change in skirt length can be interpreted as having political significance. What’s your take on that?

ROSEMARY: There are different image you need to portray in various scenarios. If you want to be taken seriously in a business meeting for example, it makes sense to be dressed appropriately, be it, in a suit or a long skirt etc. The bottom line is that you need to “dress the part“; clothes are powerful in their own rights, they could either break you or make you!

TV : Do you have any plans in the pipeline for a fashion label targeting the Africans?

ROSEMARY: Definitely, no definite dates have been penciled for that yet; however plans have been discussed on the subject matter. Currently you could say I am learning the robes whilst fronting the Mother Africa Fashion Label.

TV : How would you describe Beauty and Elegance?

ROSEMARY: Very typical, however it is in the eyes of the beholder! Everyone is beautiful in their own rights, Elegance is a personal trait.

TV : Lack of African/Black Models on Runway. Is this reflective of the industry?

ROSEMARY: Sadly, yes, the Industry calls for patience and persistence; I believe things will change, though slowly but surely.

TV : When you get to a certain point in your career would you become very vocal about the need for more black models in fashion shows and on magazine covers?

ROSEMARY: Most definitely, I am pushing myself to get there first as I believe this is the best way to voice the concern and to show that it can be done. A lot of the times, it is best to have actions than words.

TV : Other than being home of the Victoria Falls and many other magnificent waterfalls, spectacular wildlife, superb safaris, great adventures, rich culture and friendly people, what makes Zambia different from other African nations?

ROSEMARY: Its vast potential for growth, flare of talents, creativity and innovation of its people in trades and textiles.

TV : Tell us things we don’t know about you. And what’s your Christian life like?

ROSEMARY: I am a well rounded person. Monday to Friday, I work 9-5:30 as a Property Surveyor currently dealing lettings, acquisitions and disposals of Industrial Units. My weekends are mostly consumed with travel in respect of my fashion and charity work. I worship with New Apostolic and very active in my work on Sundays, I am in church where I sing soprano in the choir and assist with the Sunday School children from the ages of 10+.

TV : How do you think you managed to break through in modeling and achieve not just success, but early success?

ROSEMARY:I believe my achievements have been through taking time to realize what my aspirations are and being focused enough to be able to turn down certain assignments because they do not fit my desired work ethics.

TV : Miss Universe 2007, (the 56th Miss Universe pageant) was won by Riyo Mori of Japan. As Zuleyka Rivera was crowning Riyo Mori with the official Mikimoto crown, it slipped from her grasp and nearly fell to the floor. Mori was able to catch the crown. What were you thinking in that split moment?

ROSEMARY: “Ooops”, no, I was just so happy for her, with many people on the stage, I did not even see the crown slipping until afterwards in photos etc. I was busy cheering on in the background, the whole experience was overwhelming, the moment of the crowning was a mixture of excitement and being relieved it was all over and I would be going home soon. We were there for a whole month of hard work; it was great whilst it lasted.

TV : Where would you like to see the Rosemary Chileshe in ten years’ time?

ROSEMARY: Rosemary Chileshe is a brand, so you will be seeing her face on billboards, on international runways and fronting cosmetic brands etc..Her name will also be linked to a number of charity activities through her charity - the ROC Foundation. I am also a motivational speaker….. my aim is to move into that arena and encourage the youth to be the leaders that they are for our future generations!

TV : What’s your normal day like?

ROSEMARY: Consumed with hard work from early mornings till late evening and where time permits, spending quality time with loved ones, friends etc.

TV : Are you into any relationship? Is there a Mr. Right at the moment?
ROSEMARY: Yes I am and I believe God has blessed me with a wonderful partner in life.

TV : How do you brace yourself up for some unwelcome opposite sex attention?
ROSEMARY: I never tolerate it, I am very upfront and always make it clear from the beginning that I am all about the business at hand.

TV : Who is your role model and why?

ROSEMARY: First and foremost, our heavenly Father, only through him is everything possible; my family as a whole because they are supportive and always encourage me to follow my dreams and finally but not least, my friends, through their achievements and dreams, am also inspired to move forward.

TV : What’s your definition of a ‘classy woman’?
ROSEMARY: Confident; one with self respect; being able to laugh at her own misfortunes; taking responsibility for her own mistakes etc being mysterious and business minded.

TV : When people ask what you do for a living, how do you describe your occupation?
ROSEMARY: I tell them, “I do everything from Property, Fashion to Charity work”. In more straightforward terms, I am a Property Surveyor by 9 - 5:30 profession and on my other side; I am an established Fashion Model and a dedicated Charity worker.

TV : Can you talk about what those benefits were that you saw in the early stages of your modeling career?

ROSEMARY: Having a platform to stand on and be heard.

TV : What else would you like to add?

ROSEMARY: Through my charity work, I was awarded GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best) Award in 2006. You can visit my website and view all of my past work and future assignments on: www.rosemarychileshe.com; also you can read about my charity- the ROC Foundation - www.therocfoundation.com

Source/Credits: Gbenga Teejay Okunlola and Modern Ghana

Worldwide steroid sting catches Australian bodybuilders in its net

By Jacquelin Magnay

A FORMER Mr Australia, a former Miss World Figure and a Manhunt International model are among 29 Australians caught up in a huge 18-month international crackdown on steroids and other sports drugs from China.

Raids in 10 countries have shut down a widespread internet drugs trade and rocked the blackmarket in sports drugs.

Doug Nicoll, the national investigations manager of Australian Customs, said the "overwhelming flood of performance image enhancing drugs into Australia has now been arrested to a steady stream".

The 29 Australians charged include personal trainers and body builders. Among them are Glen Purtell, 44, who was Mr Australia 1995, and Diane Shipway, 39, a former Miss World Figure, who have pleaded guilty to importing steroids. Brendan Brophy, 29, a model from the Gold Coast who ran second in the 2003 Australia Manhunt International model of the year, has also been charged.

With the Beijing Olympics looming, the United States led a sting operation involving Australia, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Sweden and Thailand. It centred on the distribution of bulk raw drugs from three Chinese locations. The Chinese Government co-operated with the investigation, allowing US officers to infiltrate one laboratory that was producing human growth hormone.

The focus was on smuggling of drugs, but the raids led to electronic evidence of buyers' names. The World Anti-Doping Agency and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority are collaborating with customs to see if any sportspeople are involved.

The chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound, said he hoped authorities could turn over a list of names in time for the agency to take action against any athletes before the Beijing Olympics, which start next August.

Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, said: "Everybody recognised the timing. We don't work with our heads in the sand. Olympic officials have been very interested in this and are obviously very pleased."

The US operation, called Operation Raw Deal, resulted in the closure of 56 steroid laboratories, the seizure of 11.4 million units of steroids and 242 kilograms of raw steroid powder as well as $US6.5 million ($7.3 million) in cash.

In the final stages of the operation this month, 124 people were arrested, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced in Washington.

In Australia, Operation Kasha resulted in more than 1400 separate seizures of steroids, growth hormone and other performance and image-enhancing drugs, the execution of 145 search and seizure warrants, and the charging of 29 people with a range of prohibited import offences. Most of the 200 members of Australian Custom's investigative unit were involved in Operation Kasha.

"The international operation demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities throughout the world are treating steroid smuggling," Mr Nicoll said.

Operation Kasha involved raids on properties throughout Australia. Many of those charged in Australia are still before the courts.

Brophy faces jail if convicted of importing and trafficking steroids and human growth hormone. Brisbane District Court heard earlier this month that he imported growth hormones and steroids four times in August and September last year.

He is on bail awaiting trial and is yet to enter a plea.

Glen Purtell and Diane Shipway pleaded guilty to importing anabolic steroid clomifene citrate and more than 100 vials of human growth hormone after customs intercepted mail and conducted raids on their Brisbane premises. They were fined $14,000.

The Sydney bodybuilding brothers Johnathon Kyriacou and Adrian Kyriacou were fined a total of $34,000 for importing hundreds of vials of steroids when they appeared in the Sydney Downing Centre local court in May.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Courtside charmer

By Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon

BEAUTY and brains are “two Bs” that’ll always be attached to the name of Catherine Untalan.

Beauty: This 21-year-old came close to winning a world beauty title. Cathy, her nickname, finished second runner-up in the Miss Earth pageant in November last year, which makes her the highest-placing Filipino candidate in this prestigious global search, to date.

Brains: She graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman; she’s now pursuing further studies in environment and natural resource management at UP’s Open University.

Add another B for basketball!

No, this six footer’s not an inclusion in this year’s lineup of the UP Lady Maroons, but she’s a delightful addition to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ new breed of courtside reporters along with Tracy Abad (University of the East), Rizza Diaz (National University), Vanna Lim (Ateneo de Manila University), Andi Manzano (Far Eastern University), Diane Querer (University of Santo Tomas), Sharon Yu (De La Salle University) and Aaron Atayde (Adamson University).

Cathy gives details on just about everything that happens on court—that sports commentators don’t get to see—like when one of the Fighting Maroons slashes his way to the basket or posts defenses!

The beginning

“It’s my fondness of basketball that motivated me to give courtside reporting a try. [I said to myself that maybe] it’d be interesting to see a courtside reporter that’s as tall as the basketball players,” she begins. “I auditioned during my last year in college [May of 2005, when ABS-CBN Sports advertised that they’d be having a screening].”

Cathy got a call from ABS-CBN after a year. “When they called me, they were unaware that I was already a beauty queen (she smiles).” As the cliché goes, the rest is history. She became a courtside reporter for the San Beda Red Lions team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association last year.

When asked if her NCAA stint helped her express ideas impeccably during her interviews at the Miss Earth pageant, Cathy says she thinks so. Months after she relinquished her crown as Miss Philippines-Earth of 2006, she again received a call from ABS-CBN Sports, inviting her to be a courtside reporter in this year’s season of UAAP, but this time for the UP Fighting Maroons. “I just hope that I’d be given another chance next year… it’s our [UP’s] 100th year!” she enthuses.

Her role models include sports anchors Dyan Castillejo and Luigi Trillo.

Must-haves

“You must be a college student, you have to look good in front of the camera, you have a working knowledge of the game [especially the terms commonly used], and you must be able to handle the pressure on court… because you will write your own spiels. We [courtside reporters] are also required to attend the practices of our respective teams. But overall, it’s fun!”

And speaking of fun, Cathy reveals some of her bloopers: “I read wrong names [of players] or swap the names of sports anchors. [While reporting for the Red Lions], I walked towards the camera while talking. The crew then asked me, Cathy, bakit ka naglalakad? I also used to say ‘thank you’ [after every report]. So they would tell me na kung mag-report daw ako pang-beauty pageant (she giggles).

“[But] what I like most about this job is that I get to show another side of my personality—the active [sporty] and cowboy side, especially when I tag along with the players. Frustration na rin, because I never had the chance to pursue any sport.” Cathy’s recruited to become part of the UP women’s basketball team. “…But I just tell them courtside reporter na lang ako (she smiles).”

The challenging part

“[There are times that] I tend to lose myself… nadadala ako ng game, but I still have to report. Coming from a champion team in NCAA last year, it’s [like it’s] hard to accept that my [present] team lost,” she sighs.

Should a courtside reporter come from the school that he or she is giving an account of? “There are two advantages: First is the school spirit, mas feel mo kasi and you’ll fight for your school through thick and thin. Second is the accessibility, since you know some people in your school, mas madali ang access to attend meetings or practices ng team. [On the contrary] you still have to deliver your reports well [than just having these advantages].”

And if you want to be a courtside reporter, Cathy says: “Do it not because of a vested interest [that you have a crush on a certain player, which is actually a running joke]. Do it for your school and do it for yourself. Practice a lot.”

Before we parted ways, Cathy gave this writer a sample of her favorite spiel: “I may be too optimistic in saying this, but I believe that even though it’s already the last quarter, the UP Fighting Maroons are still ‘gonna try and give all their best ‘til the very end of this game!”

Source: Manila Standard Today

Overseas judge for 2007 Miss Cayman Pageant

Broadway star, beauty pageant veteran and actress, Lisa Mandel, has offered her services in the judging of the 2007 Miss Cayman Islands Pageant, on Saturday, 29 September at the Lions Centre.

From America’s Junior Miss to Miss Arizona, Ms Mandel also has an extensive background in theatre and film. She has starred in shows such as “The Will Rogers Follies”, “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, and the global smash hit, “Mamma Mia!”

Ms Mandel made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, understudied the role of Ulla in The Producers, and portrayed the evil nurse, Hilda Schmitt, on As the World Turns.

“We’re pleased that Ms Mandel is here to be a part of our pageant,” Miss Cayman Committee’s Chairperson Jacqui Terry said.

“With her impressive experiences and background, our contestants will have a great opportunity to learn about international pageants.”

Source: Cayman Net News