Category: Feature Stories

MS Entertainment Network Officially Launches Mrs. Universe Official 2022 In The Philippines

Posted on by maryrose

MS Entertainment Network officially launched Mrs. Universe Official on May 21, 2022, at Pandan Fusion Cafe, Sct. Limbaga, Tomas Morato, QC.

Mrs. Universe Official is the brainchild of Maryrose Salubre, and Ovette Ricalde of MegaStar Productions Company will be handling the entire production and pre-events of the pageant, starting with the media launch attended by selected members of the media. Mr. Onin Mas hosted the launch, and gracing the event were Direk Lani Esteban, Ms. Elizabeth Ariones, Mr. Zayd Dabo of EZ WEALTH and Ms. Bennilyn Amigo Molina, CEO & Founder of Aura Beauty and Wellness, which are this year’s official sponsor at the Mrs. Universe Official pageant.

Mrs. Universe Official aims to bridge the gap between fashion, modeling, and pageantry and set a new standard for pageants for married women and single mothers. The organization is looking for women who are game-changers, go-getters, and highly driven individuals who can make a difference not only for themselves but in the lives of others.

Maryrose revealed that the pageant’s finals would be held from October 3-10 this year, with various pre-pageant competitions lined up to kickstart the competition.

Two candidates for Mrs. Universe Official were present during the official media launch – Christine Escalante, Mrs. Universe Official Australasia 2022, and Monique Cantalejo Rivera, Mrs. Universe Official Asia 2022. There will be around 50 international beauties competing for the coveted Mrs. Universe Official 2022 crown. Other titles on the line are:
Mrs. Universe Tourism
Mrs. Universe Charity Queen
Mrs. Universe Diamond
Mrs. Universe Sapphire
Mrs. Universe Ruby
and Mrs. Universe Topaz

Interested National Directors or candidates may apply through Whatsapp at +63917 502 89260 or contact Maryrose directly: [email protected] / 0423744420.

Introducing The Rising Stars Behind The Cover Of The February 2022 Issue Of MS Kids Magazine: Seeyan, Candice, Isabel & Aileyah-Fhel

Posted on by maryrose

Download Now

Seeyan Arthemy Ricardo

Seeyan Arthemy Ricardo was only four years old when he first walked the runway. It was a great honour to have done it for the late Filipino international and Hollywood fashion designer Rocky Gathercole during his “Very RG Fashion Show,” held in Sydney in July 2019.

From his first-ever fashion runway, Seeyan took an interest in joining pageants and modelling.

In his first-ever pageant, Seeyan, who just turned 5-year-old, took home the grand title of Little Mister Glam Australia 2019 and Little Glam Charity King 2019.

In the same pageant, Seeyan also won 8 other special awards, namely: Best in Talent, Best in Runway, Best in National Costume, Darling of the Press winner, People’s Choice Award winner, Netizens Choice Award, Little Mr. Friendship, and Little Mr. Congeniality.

In January 2020, Seeyan represented Australia in the Little Mister Glam International competition. He bagged the title Junior Glam Earth International 2020 and Mr. Photogenic.

In December 2020, in the Little Miss & Mister World pageant, Seeyan was awarded the Mr. Little Asia Pacific (Australia) 2020 title. He was supposed to compete in the Internationals in Myanmar, but due to Covid-19, he did not push through.

On the 11th of December 2021, Seeyan was one of the TrendyB Kids Fashion Fest models held in Eastern Creek. It’s one of the biggest kids’ runway shows featuring pageant and African-inspired clothes by Trendy B Designs. Seeyan also joined the Talent Contest part of the show, where he sang.

On the 26th of December 2021, Seeyan was awarded Mister Australasia, Little Mr. International King of the Year, Best in Swimwear, and Best in Social Media.

In other community events, Seeyan has performed and sang “True Colors” (original by Cyndi Lauper) at the 123rd Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by APCO (Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations) on the 5th of June 2021. He was also one of 11 model kids who did a fashion show during the Philippine National Day Ball hosted by the Philippine Community Council of NSW on the 12th of June 2021. He also paraded with fellow Little Glam Australia 2019 winners at the Philippine Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney, on the 9th of November 2019. He had also appeared in a couple of radio interviews, including Jinky Marsh’s Generation Hope and with Ms. Violi Calvert on Radio Tagumpay, both on Triple H 100.1fm.

Apart from modelling, fashion, and pageants, Seeyan also loves music and playing the piano; he enjoys dancing and singing; he loves swimming and playing chess for sports.

Academically, Seeyan is now in Year 2. Last year, he was 1 of only 3 Year 1 students in his class who was recognised and awarded “Citizenship Award” for his outstanding commitment to learning and impressive results in his class, particularly in Mathematics, English, and Spelling.

Seeyan loves learning and reading and wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up.

Isabel Fernandes

Isabel Fernandes, is a 14-year-old beauty queen of Portuguese origin who is passionate about inspiring young girls about beauty. Beauty can be anything and has no limits.

She enjoys dancing, singing, art, fashion, and she hopes that one day she will become a makeup artist, especially editorial makeup, exploring different art and craft of makeup.

She also has dyslexia and hopes to inspire others that there is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind and passion into it.

Her achievements include starting dancing at 2, being awarded a class performance award for Grade IV Jazz, and receiving the CPA High Achievement award from the Australasian Dance Association. In 2019, she was elected School Representative Council and Library Monitor. In 2018 and 2019, she was Mini Vinnies Leader. She helped raise money for the Homeless; she was Bethlehem College Ambassador in 2020 and 2021, and she was also selected for the gifted and talented music program at school in 2020.

Isabel was recently crowned Miss Teen Australasia and Miss Photogenic and she is also the ambassador teen model for BareLife Naturals and Chocolate Day Spa.

Aileyah-Fhel Calimag Bigornia

Aileyah-Fhel Calimag Bigornia is four years old of Filipino descent. She is passionate about pageants and modelling, following her sister’s passion.

At her age, she enjoys watching dancing, singing, pageants, and fashion shows, and she spends her time on technology to learn basic learning. She also helps her sister segregate recycled plastic cans and bottles to raise funds and donate them to the Philippines to help children in need. She spends her time at dance school at the weekend doing the Emma Wiggle ballet, tap, jazz, and singing with instruments.

Aileyah – Fel’s first exposure in public was when she joined the Trendy B designs at the Christmas Fashion show for charity fundraising at the age of 2. Also, she was one of the three awardees who won the best-dressed guest at the TendyB Kids Fashion show last year, 2021.

Aileyah-Fel, at the age of 3, was recently crowned as Little Miss Australasia Global 2021 held at Dockside Darling Harbour and with a special award, “Darling of the Crowd.”

She is very independent in her ADLs and responsible for tidying and cleaning her mess at her age.

Candice Tyra Geonzon Tarrant

Candice Tyra Geonzon Tarrant is a 12-year-old Filipino Australian. She is the only daughter of Randy Tarrant and Cheryl Tarrant. Her dad, Randy, has been a Timber sales consultant and expert wood machinist for over 20 years and her mother, Cheryl, is a full-time night shift nurse and a beauty Queen – the reigning Woman of the Universe Australia 2021, Woman of the Universe Tourism 2021 and Mrs. Universe Australia Finalist 2022.

Following the footsteps of her beauty Queen mother, Candice was recently crowned Miss Earth Junior Air Australia 2021 and Miss Junior Australasia Official 2021. Candice has a passion for helping other people through her recycling advocacy. She has been collecting empty bottles, cans, and cartons for two years now. She donated 300 AUD or 10,000 pesos as COVID 19 Assistance in Iloilo, Philippines, last year from recycling.

This year, in collaboration with her mother, they came up with an event “Appreciation Day for Aged Care Workers” where they will provide lunch for Aged Care workers from selling their preloved items and recycling set in December with the hope that the restriction in Aged care will ease by that month. She also performed in various Aged Care Facilities to help fund Dementia Australia.

Candice is also an active performer and a member of the Team Fuchsia Performance Troupe of Stepaside Studios West Ryde for over seven years now. This year, she has eight dance lessons: Youth Cheer, L3 Ballet, L3 Jazz, Intermediate Acrobatics, Intermediate Hip-hop, L2 Tap, Trio Hip-hop, and Performance Troupe. This year, they have won several dance competitions, and they are competing for National Hollywood Bound in January 2022.

Candice was awarded as Most Outstanding Junior Dancer of 2019; this year, she performed the lead role as Sophie in the Enchanted Dance concert held in Pioneer Theatre Castle Hill. This year, she also completed her Classical Ballet examination with Honours by Australian Dance Vision. During her primary years, while other kids were on their lunch break, Candice volunteered twice a week as Library Monitor in their school. She is also the lead dancer of their Wakikiri School Performing Dance, a member of the senior dance troupe, and a school representative in netball.

She was awarded PSSA Best and Fairest Junior Netball 2019 and Mandarin High Achievement 2019 of WRPS. She will be in her 7th year at Marist Sisters Woolwich. When she grows up she wants to be a Physiotherapist, particularly a dance and sports physiotherapist. Candice aspires to be a print ad and a runway model as well. She is under the management of the Starfish Kids talent agency. Candice is looking forward to receiving her award as Sydney’s Best Dressed 2021 Awardee this year.

It’s Official: World’s Best Dressed Is Coming In 2021

Posted on by maryrose

Proudly brought to you by MS Entertainment Network – the first-ever World’s Best Dressed is officially coming to Australia in 2021.

World’s Best Dressed aims to bring together beauty queens, fashionistas, entrepreneurs, and stunning models from all over the world.  Since the government has called on the public to stop gathering at the moment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the 2021 World’s Best Dressed will be held virtually this year and we are now open for submissions. 

Here are the terms: Anyone from anywhere in the world can submit a video of their 2 looks (casual and cocktail) via [email protected] These 2 videos will be screened by the board of MS Entertainment Network to make sure that they are eligible to be part of the World’s Best Dressed circle. If the applicant is successful then they will be notified via email –  once we’ve gathered all the submissions then a final cut will be aired on TV1 Australia.

World’s Best Dressed is an amazing virtual event where fashion, pageantry, and the elite members of the community will come together as one. World’s Best Dressed honours men and women of distinction who will be selected for their accomplishments, achievements, services, excellence, and fashion sense.

Check out some of the amazing photos from the 2021 Sydney’s Best Dressed below courtesy of George Azmy:

Featured Event Of The Month: The 2021 Sydney Multicultural Film Awards

Posted on by maryrose

Sydney Multicultural Film Awards is an award ceremony that celebrates the talent coming from creatives from all around the world, with a focus on inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism. Set in Sydney, this festival offers a beautiful backdrop and home to the awards ceremony. The Sydney Multicultural Film Awards is a platform pioneered by The Australian Millionaires Business Network, MS Entertainment Network, FilmCentral Magazine, TV1 Australia and StarCentral Magazine. 

In its first year, the festival will be online due to the current lockdown in Australia, however, it will be a spectacular face-to-face event in the following years.

Also, you can take advantage of our much cheaper launch entry fee this year.

AWARDS & PRIZES

1. All the films will have the option to house their project via our media partner – TV1 (https://tv1australia.com/)
2. All the winners will receive plaques that will be posted to them.
3. The Best Actor will receive a magazine feature and will appear on the cover of FilmCentral magazine valued at $3000 AUD
4. All the winners will receive a copy of the next copy of FilmCentral Magazine featuring the rest of the SMFA overall winners.

RULES & TERMS

1. SUBMITTING CONTENT

SMFA will use the term “content” to mean and refer to any and all content, videos, films, media, captures and all other materials, such as publicity stills or other supporting content you submit to us.

Each time you submit your content, you will be confirming your acceptance of, and agreement to be bound by, all the terms and conditions of SMFA’s Terms of Use, including, without limitation, this Agreement.

To be considered for the SMFA, your content must meet all the specifications and requirements relating to formatting, compatibility, operating characteristics and submission and these can be found on the website. Your content must meet SMFA’s Content Requirements.

We will not be responsible for lost, damaged, misdirected, unusable or unreadable content.

2. AGE REQUIREMENTS

There are no age restrictions or requirements for the film awards. If you are considered a minor where you live (generally under 18 years of age) and you submit content for selection in the SMFA, you are confirming that you have received your parent’s/guardian’s express consent to do so and that your parent/guardian (i) has read and, on your behalf, agrees to be bound by this agreement; and (ii) understands, agrees and shall be fully responsible for your submission.

3. CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

You are solely responsible and liable for the content you submit (and the consequences thereof) made under your name, username, e-mail address, password, and your registration or profile information. The content does not reflect the views of the SMFA.
The festival reserves the right, at any time, without notice and without limiting any and all other rights we may have under this Agreement, at law or in equity, to remove and delete your entry to the SMFA.

You agree that you will not submit any content that is libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, sexually, racially, culturally, or ethnically offensive, harassing, intimidating, threatening, hateful, discriminatory or abusive. You also agree you will not submit any content for commercial or business purposes because it may adversely affect SMFA’s ability to gain support from third parties which assist the Film Festival and website to continue.

SMFA reserves the right to delete or reject any content that in its sole discretion deems abusive, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, in violation of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights. SMFA reserves the right to remove and take down your content without notice if any content is in violation of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement. If it receives notice of any claim of infringement that satisfies specific legal requirements, it may remove content associated with such claims and will notify you if your content is removed.

In regards to intellectual property, you are fully responsible for the clearance of any music, sound, images, or graphics contained in your entry. If any record company or music publisher contacts us about an entry’s music rights, we will refer that company to you so be sure to obtain all the appropriate clearances beforehand.

4. COPYRIGHT; CONTENT REQUIREMENT VIOLATIONS; BREACH OF AGREEMENT

If you believe any content on the TV1 website and YoTube channel violates the copyright of any other party or violates the terms of this Agreement or in any other way infringes upon the rights of others, you can notify us via the online contact form.

5. RIGHTS GRANTED TO SMFA

In connection with the content, you submit to us for consideration in the and associated videocasts, you are authorising SMFA the right to view your content for judging and then screen your film at the awards night if you are in the top ten finalists. This includes publishing the film to the SMFA website and Facebook page if you have selected the option on the entry form.

The rights described in this agreement are granted to commence immediately upon submission of content to and continue indefinitely. Note that SMFA holds non-exclusive rights to your film and that you are permitted to have your film entered into other festivals while it is an entrant in the SMFA.

After the awards night, all films who selected to have their films published onto the festival website will have their films published onto the website and possibly Facebook. You may write to us at any time and request the removal of your film, whereupon we will remove your content from causefilmfestival.org and all associated distribution within 3 working days.

SMFA has the right to include your film or parts of your film in its promotional activities. This may include, but is not limited to, the creation of showreels and advertisements promoting the SMFA, physical screenings, viral campaigns, presentations, and product pitches.

6. OWNERSHIP

SMFA does not claim any ownership rights of the content that you submit to SMFA. You retain all rights, title, and interest in and to SMFA including, but not limited to all associated intellectual property and proprietary rights existing anywhere in the world and you acquire no ownership, proprietary or other rights, title or interest in or to the SMFA, any software or other information or materials we provide or make available to you. SMFA will not be liable for malfunctions, loss of data, damage to hardware, programs, or devices resulting from use of any software or interaction with SMFA. You must use your own programs and firewalls to scan all software, to prevent intrusion, viruses, other malicious code, and damage. SMFA is not responsible for any damage if you fail or are unable to do so.

You must own the rights to the content you submit and each element of the content you submit and the right to grant all of the authorisations, rights, and licenses described in this Agreement. If you do not exclusively own all of these rights, you must have all necessary authorisations, permissions, approvals, consents, rights and licenses from the owner(s) to enter into this agreement, perform and comply with all of its obligations.

7. INDEMNIFICATION

Your indemnification obligations under the Terms of Use include any third party claims arising from or caused by your content, the submission of your content, SMFA’s use of your content consistent with the rights granted to by this agreement, and/or any use you may make of the service.

8. DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

You are solely responsible for your content, the representations, and obligations under this agreement and any damages to your computer system or loss of data resulting from your use of the service.

Disclaims all liability for any use not specifically authorised or that is in violation of this agreement or the laws or regulations that may apply to you in any jurisdiction or country. Expressly disclaims all liability for any and all damages, whether direct, consequential, special, indirect, exemplary or punitive damages, howsoever arising or caused, whether foreseeable or not, regardless of the form of action or the basis or characterization of the claim and even if advised of the possibility of damages.

9. GENERAL

This Agreement, together with our Terms of Use, is the entire agreement between you and relating to your submission of content for use in SMFA websites and the subject matter of this agreement supersedes any prior or inconsistent agreements. may terminate this agreement with you, your registration, and your right to use TV1 at any time without notice to you.

To register your interest please click on this link: Film Freeway

The CEO Behind Australasia Official Just Launched Her Very Own Sleepwear Collection

Posted on by maryrose

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of go-to isolation pj’s (you know, the ones you can actually wear all day), Australasia Official CEO Maryrose Salubre has the perfect solution for you.

After launching a new skincare product just recently, now, she has delved into the world of sleepwear releasing her debut sleepwear collection. And, you’ll definitely want to trade in your old pj’s for these!

MS Sleepwear comes in three colourways: white, classic black, and pink.

“I love pj’s and I have dreamt of launching a sleepwear collection one day,” Maryrose said in a statement. “I am thrilled to finally announce the launch of the MS Sleepwear collection.”

A number of beauty queens and models attended the launch and it was held at the Rhodes Business Centre. As glasses clinked, and VIP’s chatted – the vibe of the evening was flair, style, and sex appeal. Check out the photos from the launch below courtesy of Dave Choo:

Australasia Official CEO Maryrose Salubre Has Just Launched A New Affordable Skincare Range

Posted on by maryrose

Australasia Official and AGSA CEO Maryrose Salubre has officially launched her highly anticipated new skincare range to complement her other current ventures.

PURE is committed to providing premium-quality products based on the best of science and nature. This philosophy includes the avoidance of artificial dyes, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Ingredients PURE selects for inclusion are natural, derived from natural sources, or made through natural processes. To the best of the company’s knowledge, its products do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Products with organic ingredients are listed on labels.

PURE has a simple solution for getting started. It’s called CORE4 and includes HealthTrim® Cleanse, GoYin, Daily Build, and ENERGY. A number of high-profile beauty queens and models attended the launch and it was held at the Rhodes Business Centre. Maryrose’s VIP guests all gathered under one roof to celebrate the official launch of Pure and Cencia which included a mini fashion show and an in-depth speech by Jason Cowland. Scroll down below to see photos from the event courtesy of Dave Choo:

How To Deliver An Authentic Speech That’ll WOW The Judges

Posted on by maryrose

Being yourself is easier said than done – especially when you stand before a sea of waiting eyes and bated breaths, bright lights bearing down and heart palpable in your chest. But, if you look back upon those speeches in your lifetime that have made some tangible impact in your memory (and maybe even in your psyche) you’re likely to realise the element that is most crucial for a successful speech. That element is authenticity.

Speaking with truth and passion is the key to winning the hearts and minds of your audience. So, here are some simple tips to help you find authentic self, thereby conveying your message most effectively.

It may feel like a massive deal at the time but being on stage is just a moment in time and your audience (and yes even your judges if you have them) is composed of regular humans, like those you might talk to in a park or café. Sure, it might feel like the tide of people before you are as judgmental as a wrathful god or as hypercritical as the most interrogative hotshot attorney, but they are there to listen and take what you have to say on board.

There really is no logical reason why you shouldn’t behave in the manner that you normally would in everyday life – in a composed, cordial and very real and unrehearsed fashion. Certainly, there will be a lot of preparation that would have gone into your script, but the delivery needs to sounds spontaneous and natural. It needs to sounds like your thoughts are flipping and bubbling, smoothly and freshly from your your mind and onto your tongue.

How can you achieve this? You need to talk about something that you are truly passionate about. If you are debating you need to find your passion for your particular side of the argument. Actually, it’s not about impressing people. It’s about saying something that actually means something to you. Giving a speech is akin to giving a performance. The best actors become the sum of their character’s motives and passions. Similarly, you have to become the very essence of your message, of your speech. Yes, you will be performing, but, remember that the best performances come from a place of truth.

What I am saying here (to go all Zen) is that you need to be in the moment. Taking several deep slow breaths before stepping on stage really should be a part of any speaker’s routine. Breathing helps to quieten a racing mind and slow the heart rate. Remember to smile. Think of something genuinely funny and you won’t have a problem (a “plastic smile” is never the best look). Remember, if your nerves surface or you do take a little blunder that you can always employ humour. A little joke can be your best friend. That being said, do remember to always respect yourself and your ideals. When delivering a speech, it is generally not the time for too much self-deprecation.

Another way to get in the zone is to listen to your favourite song or an episode of your favourite TV show (on your phone or tablet etc.) before your speech. It may sound corny (like listening to Eye of the Tiger in Rocky Balboa fashion) but it can take you right out of your headspace and give you a more relaxed perspective.

The most important advice that I can give relates to your intention. Hold this in the cornerstone of your mind and heart when delivering your speech. This is how you will retain focus. You have chosen to give a speech for a reason. It may be to enact change, it may be to win a competition, but, clearly, there is something you have set out to achieve and there is a core message that you need to express.

Keep your eye on the prize and ride this energy to the finish line. You’ll be enjoying the elation of an accomplished delivery and be on your way to becoming a seasoned speaker before you know it.

10 Essential Pageant Pointers Every Pageant Hopeful Must Know

Posted on by maryrose

Perhaps you’re a seasoned pageant entrant or perhaps you’re looking to break into it all. It helps to know what you’re getting into and to be prepared. We’ve enlisted the assistance of Kate Marsden, owner and director of Kat Eyes Promotions who has actively worked in the industry for over 20 years.

Here Kate sheds some valuable light on the practical aspects of competing in a pageant:

1. Keep your different section items in different bags. Allocate a main bag for all your essential items. You are good to go with no confusion when you need to get changed quickly.

2. Be nice and help others but do not forget to allow yourself adequate preparation time.

3. Always take some make up of your own. The make up session that is allocated to you may go slow or not to plan. Occasionally, the look that the make up artists achieve may not “be you” and you may wish to alter it. Also, if you have a little make up on hand you can do your own last minute touch ups.

4. Don’t be that individual who throws a tantrum. Stay professional and poised at all times. This means when you behind the scenes getting ready as well as on stage. Petty behavior creates an indelibly negative impression.

5. Take your own snacks and water just in case you feel week or nervous or cannot eat what is offered to you on the day.

6. Have back ups on everything e.g. stockings, heels, dresses. If a zip breaks on the day or rip or holes appear, you are covered.

7. Change how you walk for each section. Try to work with your outfit and your music. Generally, it’s more fun and bouncy for the swimwear section and slow and elegant for the evening section.

8. Keep an even pace on stage (don’t let nerves get the better of you and walk too fast) and smile nicely.

9. If you do not win give it another shot next time or just feel great that you tried. Do not let it get you down.

10. Always be true to yourself and act with good will.

Visit Kat Eyes Promotions at: http://www.kateyes.com.au

Transformation After Breast Surgery: The Cherry On Top

Posted on by maryrose

By Patricia Higgins

Samantha Gascoigne cuts a strong and successful figure: a beaming and fantastically fit mother of five, a network marketing pro and an inspiring personal trainer who has helped many of her clients make startling transformations – both physically and mentally. But, behind all this, Samantha is acquainted with the power of transformation on a much deeper level.

Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at age 42, Samantha initially visited her doctor for a routine screening after she was prompted by a strange and prophetic dream. Although she had no symptoms, her gut feeling told her to push ahead with a myriad of tests that did, eventually, lead to the discovery of microscopic cancer.

Following the rigors of a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy (plus ongoing hormone therapy) Samantha then faced the news that she should consider removing her nipples as well. After a total of seven operations in just twelve months, she was now healed enough to undergo a nipple reconstruction. Her journey was finally complete when she made the decision to undergo cosmetic tattooing of the areola at ‘The Beauty Spot’ in Burleigh, QLD, Australia.

Samantha speaks highly of her experience with qualified cosmetic tattooist and salon owner Debbie Labes. “I thought I had enough of operations and needles and people prodding and poking, but I’d heard great things about Debbie, so I went to see her and she was very caring and professional. I had no pain during the treatment as she used numbing anesthetic and the results were absolutely phenomenal… to the point where you cannot tell the difference between the reconstruction and tattooing a normal nipple.”

Finding a way to transform a difficult, painful or limiting situation is what empowerment is all about. Whether physical or emotional, scarring seems to be an inevitable part of the human experience. When scars are the result of a surgical procedure they can function as a permanent reminder of pain and loss.

A woman’s self-image can be psychologically linked to the appearance of her anatomy, and in particular to her breasts. Therefore, a missing or scarred areola can be potentially devastating. Cosmetic tattooing is one of the ways to turn this into something positive and beautiful – it can be a powerful way to reclaim a ‘sense of self’.

For Debbie Labes this is one of the most worthwhile aspects of her job. “For me, personally, I find this part of my work to be one of the most rewarding things I do. It’s all about putting you back together so that your outside matches your inside…to give you a sense of normality.”

Samantha’s story (and Debbie’s expertise) form just one of many examples of the work being done to correct mastectomy scars in the wider community and around the world. One such website called P.Ink helps tattoo artists connect with women who are requiring this specialized service. Tattoo artist David Allen comments on the process. “What was clinical became beautiful again… we turned sterile into sensual. We took back control.”

And, over in Canada, artist Shaughnessy Keeley is also doing great things in the field of areola restorative tattooing. She currently operates from ‘Studio Sashiko’ in British Columbia. Some of her more playful motifs include heart shapes, but her more standard hyper-realistic designs “help cancer survivors rebuild a relationship with their breasts”.

It’s important to note that whilst cosmetic tattooing may be readily available, it should only be administered by qualified professionals who have undergone certifiable education, training, and experience. Cosmetic tattooing of the areola should only be performed after approval by a surgeon.

In conclusion, we turn back to Samantha. For this strong, instinct-based woman areola tattooing comprised the final part of her recovery – the ‘finishing touch’ after breast surgery. And, just like a cherry on top of an ice-cream, it was a welcome flourish to her overall sense of normality and the culmination of her personal journey and transformation. For Samantha, and many women like her – this is certainly very well-deserved.

Introducing The Stunning Alyssa Manalo

Posted on by maryrose

By: Jenny Aluning

One can never truly underestimate what being in the right place at the right time can do for your future. Alyssa Manalo was taking part in a singing performance when destiny called “I have never thought about trying out for a pageant and I didn’t really know much about pageants, but the lady recommend that I auditioned so I gave it a go.” Little did she know that on June 6, 2015 she would find herself crowned as First Runner Up in the ‘Miss Australasia Official Beauty Pageant’! “I was so overwhelmed and I couldn’t believe that I actually placed since it was my first competition. It was really exciting standing there while I was awarded with a crown and sash in front of family and friends.”

The pageant, established by Maryrose Salubre of Salubre Models International, aims to help empower young women to help others in need. In this, Alyssa will be fulfilling that tenet as she was also named ‘Charity Ambassador for the BNH (Bunga National High School) in Leyte, Philippines which was severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. She will not only be raising money and collecting much needed supplies or the school, she will also be traveling there to personally deliver them and to meet the students!

Participating in the pageant definitely found the 17-year old outside her comfort zone. But she warmed to the experience as she was able to “meet new people” and “I like being able to dress up in different types of clothing and styles to express my personality.” She endured the hard slog of hair (“hair styling can hurt sometimes”) and makeup as she found the whole event, and especially her fellow contestants, very interesting “It was great getting to know them, their past experiences and lifestyles. Especially since we had many rehearsals together, we were able to talk to each other frequently.”

While new to beauty pageants, the half-Filipino, half-Maltese has already spent quite some time in the entertainment industry indulging her passion for music. Indeed since winning her crown, Alyssa also performed at the inaugural Mrs Australasia Official Beauty Pageant on October 24. Being in the limelight is never easy and Alyssa has learned to stay grounded by “staying true to myself and I never put on an act. I’m also focused on other aspects of life like school, family and friends.” She’s also learned to “always challenge yourself even if you’re scared of what others will think. I’ve learnt to always try my best and to not let self-doubt or others stop me.”

For now, it is academia that occupies most of Alyssa’s attention. She plans to finish high school and attend university. Never far from her mind though is her love for singing and music. Now, she also has to juggle her new role as Charity Ambassador amongst all of that! But she has the full support of her family behind her and it will not be a surprise if chance and success finds this talented young lady once again.