Latest news with #MissUniversePhilippines
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Michelle Dee graces Autism Society Philippines' art exhibit opening as special guest
Michelle Dee graced the formal opening of Autism Society Philippines' (ASP) art exhibit as a special guest. According to Athena Imperial's report in "24 Oras" Friday, the Artismo art exhibit is ASP's cultural and arts platform that gives individuals on the autism spectrum the opportunity to showcase their artworks. "This is a lifelong mission for me. I'm truly inspired by every individual on the autism spectrum and I have two siblings of my own kaya napaka-importante po talaga na patuloy ko ipaglaban 'yung mga kinakailangan nila," the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Sparkle star said. "Not just on the surface level, but really try to dial in on the solutions that we can offer them," she added. The opening of the art exhibit coincides with National Disability Rights Week, which is held annually from July 17 to 23. Through Artismo, individuals with autism are able to express themselves creatively. The ASP is also able to raise funds for its programs, while giving the artists the opportunity to earn money. Michelle has long been an advocate for autism awareness, even before she started her pageant journey. Back in 2019, prior to representing the Philippines at the Miss World pageant, she shared that her two siblings with autism were the ones who inspired her to pursue this advocacy. She also pushed for autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity when she vied for the Miss Universe crown in 2023. At the international pageant, she was among the contestants who won the Voice for Change award, which comes with a cash prize for their chosen charity. In 2024, she was honored with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award by ASP for her advocacy in autism awareness. In the same year, she got to donate her Miss Universe Voice for Change award, worth P684,000, to ASP. Aside from her advocacy work, Michelle is also busy with her music and acting career. Per the "24 Oras" report, she is set to release a new single soon following the success of "Reyna." She will also grace the "Sang'gre Experience" fan event on Sunday, July 20, in Cubao, Quezon City, after starring in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" as Hara Cassandra. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Kisses Delavin pursuing ballet studies in New York
After years away from the public eye, Kisses Delavin is embracing a new chapter. The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate is now studying ballet at the prestigious Martha Graham School in New York. Delavin's fans were recently treated to a rare glimpse of her latest pursuit after photos of her performance at the Martha Graham Spring Showcase surfaced on social media. The showcase, held last May at the Martha Graham Studio Theater, featured Delavin in a dark green suit and gracefully moving in sync with fellow dancers in a piece from Letter to the World. She took part in the Beginner Performance Workshop under instructor Ghislaine van den Heuvel. Delavin rose to fame in 2016 after finishing as the Second Big Placer in Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7. She went on to star in various ABS-CBN shows and released a self-titled album in 2017. In 2021, she represented Masbate in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, where she finished in the Top 10.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Travels With Dog for Vacation, Unprepared for the Heartbreak Ahead
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A woman who traveled across the world with her beloved dog for a vacation and an international competition is mourning his death after he had a tragic fall. Mary Yasol (@maryyasol), 34, founder and CEO of The Chic Beauty & Wellness, brought her toy poodle Mr. Puff with her on a three-month trip to the Philippines to compete in the Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant. The journey was not only about the competition—it was also a homecoming. Mr. Puff hadn't seen their Filipino family since the pair moved from the Philippines to Miami, Florida, in 2012. "It was a full circle moment at that time with him by my side," Yasol told Newsweek. "But, on May 12, Mother's Day, he accidentally fell off a chair when we were resting together, and the fall caused a devastating injury that led to paralysis and degenerative disc disease," she said. "He was my constant companion through everything, especially during really difficult times when I had no one else," Yasol added. A split image showing Mary resting with her late dog Mr. Puff. A split image showing Mary resting with her late dog Mr. Puff. @maryyasol//@maryyasol/ Mr. Puff had been by Yasol's side since he was just 2 months old. Yasol said that Mr. Puff was "devoted, protective, loyal, and full of charm." She took him everywhere, and he always managed to bring smiles to people's faces. During her early years in America, Mr. Puff was her only comfort and support. "He kept me grounded and safe. I made sure I stayed healthy, came home every night, and avoided trouble because I knew he was always waiting for me. He gave me the strength to rebuild my life in South Florida. I owe so much of my healing, growth, and success to him. He truly was my reason to keep going," Yasol said. She revealed Mr. Puff's death in a now-viral TikTok video that shows the little dog asleep on the plane. Overlay text reads: "I flew him across the world for a vacation and he died." In the caption, she added: "I said let's go on vacation, not heaven." The bittersweet humor left some viewers mistakenly believing he had died on the plane. After his injury, Yasol and Mr. Puff returned to Miami to resume their lives. Though he began showing small signs of improvement, including nerve response to the healing work she was doing, his overall health was quietly deteriorating. "His spirit was unbreakable, and he was so motivated to get better," she said. But the therapy he would have needed was too intense for his aging body, with no guarantees he would walk or play again. "Every day, it broke my heart to watch him push through pain just to try to recover for me," Yasol said. "He was willing, but I knew deep down that continuing would bring more suffering than healing. I had to be the bigger person and make the most-difficult decision of my life." An image showing Mary cuddling Mr. Puff. An image showing Mary cuddling Mr. Puff. @maryyasol/@maryyasol Once Yasol knew it was time, she arranged a compassionate home euthanasia service. "Before they arrived, I gave Mr. Puff the best last day I could. I made him his favorite meals, gave him ice cream, and surrounded him with all the love I could give. I held him close the entire time, sang and talked to him till he fell asleep. "He passed peacefully, at home, in my arms, wrapped in warmth, comfort, and deep love. It was the most-heartbreaking moment of my life, but it was also my final act of love: to set him free from pain and let him rest." Yasol said grieving Mr. Puff has been deeply emotional. "Losing a pet like Mr. Puff feels like losing a part of your soul," she added. But sharing their story on TikTok has been cathartic. "I've received hundreds of messages from people who saw themselves in our bond. His spirit lives on through those connections." The video, which has earned more than 6.2 million likes and over 44.2 million views, resonated deeply with pet lovers across the world, many of whom shared their own stories in the comments. "Same with my dad! Flew him over to Aus[tralia] to visit my new home and he got diagnosed with terminal cancer and died 9 days later died!!! Vacations are fun!!" wrote a commenter named Randi. "For those wondering, no he did not die on the plane! I stalked her Instagram because I'm a worried pet mom who flies my dogs a lot. Her adorable dog, Mr. puff was 15 years old. She flew him from Miami," added another user. "Do I laugh or cry causeeeee.......... Ok I guess both [be]cause that was a GENIUS," a third commented. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Do Patricia Javier and Sugar Mercado plan to join Miss Universe Philippines?
Do Patricia Javier and Sugar Mercado plan to join Miss Universe Philippines? The showbiz personalities talked about their pageantry journeys on Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" and were asked if they had plans to ever join Miss Universe Philippines. The prestigious Miss Universe pageant has embraced inclusivity in recent years after removing the age limit for candidates and opening the competition to wives, mothers, and transgender women. According to Patricia, she is happy with the titles she has today. 'Sa 'kin po, I'm very happy na kung ano po 'yung mero'n po akong title ngayon. Pero I think, you know, lahat ng kababaihan, mero'n sila dapat—'yung mga gustong maging beauty queen, ipagpatuloy nila 'yon. 'Di ba? If this is the chance for them, go for your dreams. Ito 'yung part na puwede na,' Patricia said. Sugar, for her part, shared that she would accept it if it is God's will for her to join. 'Ako, kung ano po 'yung ibigay sa 'kin ni Lord kasi kahit naman ito, kahit sa panaginip, hindi ko siya—imposible siyang maganap sa buhay ko pero nangyayari. So if ibibigay ng panahon 'yon sa akin, tatanggapin ko nang buong puso,' Sugar said. Patricia has won victorious in three beauty pageants: Mrs. Universe Philippines Finest Woman 2019, Noble Queen of the Universe 2019, and Aqua Queen of the Universe 2022. 'Lahat po ng title na 'to is talaga po to uplift women from our society,' she said. Meanwhile, Sugar is the reigning Mrs. Philippines Universe 2025. According to Sugar, the Mrs. Philippines Universe pageant welcomes wives and mothers, including single mothers like her. She is set to represent the country on the international stage on October 15 and will compete against 35 other women from different countries. 'Suportahan niyo po ako. Maraming prayers po,' Sugar said. —Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Michelle Dee on coming out as bisexual: 'Akala ko hindi ko 'yun magagawa'
Michelle Dee opened up about her coming out journey during her short speech at the LOV3LABAN 2025 pride event at the University of the Philippines Diliman. After performing her single "Reyna," which she dedicated to the LGBT+ community, the Kapuso beauty queen shared a part of her coming out story. "Bago ako nag-out two years ago, akala ko hindi ko 'yun magagawa," she said in her speech. "And it's when I came out that I found a new support system that doesn't judge, that understands," she added. Expressing her love for the LGBT+ community, Michelle said "Look at us now, strength in numbers. We're here together, celebrating the community we love." In the same pride event, Michelle and Rhian Ramos recreated their intense fight scene in "Sang'gre" as a special treat to the attendees. Michelle came out as bisexual in 2023 after being crowned Miss Universe Philippines that year. In April, she became one of the inspirations for Klarisse De Guzman to also come out on "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition." According to Klarisse, it was when she saw Michelle inside the house that she knew it was the right time to come out. Pride Month empowers the LGBT+ community by creating spaces where their identities are celebrated, stories are respected, and their rights are recognized. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
