Michelle Dee
Filipinos are passionate about pageantry, whether they’re watching or competing. When Michelle took home the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, it polarized the country because others thought Bohol bet Pauline Amelinckx was more worthy of the title. Both are equally empowered women, with each unique in their own way. At this point, it’s too late to question the MUPh results, but Michelle seems to carry the crown’s weight with grace, so why not support the chosen country’s representative?
Barbie Forteza and David Licauco
GMA’s hit series Maria Clara at Ibarra continues to make waves today, but fans couldn’t help but feel the spark between its lead stars, Barbie and David. In a Twitter exchange, the pair shared some [mildly] sweet interactions, which David topped off with “Ikaw lang sapat na.” If this is a marketing strategy for their new movie, That Kind of Love, it’s working because fans are hooked on their relationship. On the other hand, Barbie should also exercise some mindfulness because she’s romantically committed to Kapuso star Jak Roberto.
People are not talking about…
Joy Dacoron
The national costume is a favorite segment among pageant fans and participants because it allows creative freedom. But sometimes, it goes overboard, like with Joy, a Binibining Pilipinas candidate from Cebu. Although it was in her best intentions to dress up like a prominent religious figure of the region, she received backlash as many found it irreverent. She did don the garb, from the crown to the coat, so there’s no getting out of the hot water for Dacoron in the meantime.
Kris Aquino
Filipinos are no strangers to the Queen of All Media’s relationships over the years, so it was almost no surprise that she announced a new romance, presumably with Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste. For some time, Kris has been telling the public and Leviste that they’re friends, nothing more, nothing less. But in a recent Instagram appreciation post, she thanks “Marc” for “12 years of perseverance.” Whether it is the Vice Governor or a different Marc/k, Kris deserves love and happiness from her special someone.