Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson in her official cocktail dress photo for Miss Intercontinental 2014

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (leftmost) in her group swimsuit photoshoot with Misses Ukraine, Cuba and South Africa

Looking beautiful, Kris dear! (Photo credit: Missosology)

Photoshoots galore in Berlin for Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson. And she is not about to allow the other contestants to outshine her. While I would have preferred my photographer-friend Bruce Casanova to handle all the shots here, I’m still happy that the activities in Berlin are more quickly-paced. Each day is spent without giving much lull in between activities.

And while the next few days will focus on exteriors, it will give the ladies the chance to go into tourist mode for a change. They are all excited about visiting the famous sights of the German capital.

Many thanks also to Missosology and Pawee Ventura for their exclusive on-the-spot coverage of the pageant. ;-)

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (leftmost) having dinner with the ladies (Photo credit: Missosology)

Roomies Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (right) and Miss India Sharma Chandni pose in front of a Miss Intercontinental 2014 standee.

Alongside the introduction of the organizers’ media partner, Radiosaw (a German website where images about the competition prove to be more useful than the write-ups), the ladies of Miss Intercontinental 2014 also gave their individual pitches for the official residence – Holiday Inn Berlin City West.

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (standing, rightmost) pose with the other delegates.

I hope to see everyone getting out of the hotel and visiting the different sights of Berlin from hereon. But first, they have to participate in the National Costume Show happening today at 18:00 hours (Berlin time).

Tomorrow, perhaps? ;-)

courtesy of Detlev Helmerich

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (middle) in her NatCos with Misses India (left) and Portugal

Kris with (left to right) Misses England, Ecuador, Cuba and Hungary

Personally, I was expecting to be wowed, so I am at a loss for words right now. But there’s only so much we can do when the competition is already ongoing. This is the only time that we got to check out what BPCI packed in her luggage for this segment of the contest.

Top 5 in National Costume are (left to tight): Ghana, Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica & Indonesia (Photo credit: Missosology)

I sincerely hope that we can look forward to something positively encouraging in her evening gown. Sincerely.

A selfie first before stepping out of the hotel for Kris Tiffany

Posing in front of Brandenburg Gate

And Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson couldn’t be more glad to dress up as a tourist for the day. She was able to appreciate Berlin better now, especially after going to Brandenburg Gate and having her picture taken in the world-famous landmark. A stop in the popular Berlin Dungeon was also on the itinerary where the ladies learned something about the host city’s dark history via an interactive experience.

The candidates posing in front of the Berlin Dungeon

The contestants want more. And I sure hope the organizers will give them another taste of the sightseeing attractions. After all, practically everyone in the batch – including Kris Tiffany – are first-time visitors to Berlin. ;-)

The ladies pose in front of the Brandenburg Gate (Photo credit: Missosology)

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (right) and Miss India Sharma Chandni make a toast to the Berlin Tour (Photo credit: Missosology)

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson pose inside the Berlin Dungeon (Photo credit: Missosology)

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson, for example, is one happy girl. She and roommate Miss India Sharma Chandni can now cross the sightseeing activity off their respective bucket lists for now.

courtesy of Detlev Helmerich

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (right) and reigning Miss Intercontinental Ekaterina Plekhova (Photo credit: Missosology)

Kris Tiffany as photographed by Phil Von Ostau

As for Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson, she continues to keep the confidence going. Just recently, she got to make small talk to and take a photo with Miss Intercontinental 2014 Ekaterina Plekhova.

Meanwhile, the photoshoot with lensman Phillip Von Ostau yielded the picture of Kris on the left. I would have preferred a happier face, but that modelesque stance must have called for a more serious projection.

courtesy of Detlev Helmerich

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson's update on her FB Page

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (first from left) on a shopping activity with the other candidates of Miss Intercontinental 2014

The candidates posing in front of the Christmas Tree at the Maritim Hotel lobby

In her Facebook update (see above screenshot), Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson is sad that it was now removed despite the thousands of votes she has already received. But then again, it is best to do away with the same if the results will be tainted with a lot of doubts.

So there. I have also removed the side widget for the online voting of Miss Intercontinental 2014. ;-)

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (rightmost) giving a gift of pearl strands to the Mayor of Magdeburg. Standing on the left is Miss Intercontinental 2013 Ekaterina Plekhova (Photo credit: Missosology)

Kris in a Christmas-decorated tourist stop in Magdeburg (Photo credit: Missosology)

And Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson is enjoying the hospitality of Magdeburg. She is especially excited about the Christmas Spirit already starting to show up in the renowned convention city and is even more fascinated by how much colorful the surroundings are.

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson is looking lovely here. (Photo credit: Missosology!)

By now, all rehearsal hours are strictly observed. The good thing is that the pageant venue is right smack in the same hotel where they are staying. No difficulty moving around even if the technical runs stretch to midnight and the like. :-)

Tomorrow, Miss Intercontinental 2014 will be crowned at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg, Germany. As is customary in this blog, I am now sharing my final predictions on who might register best and be part of the winning circle.

Now, since the Top 5 is usually made up of the best in each continent (Africa, Asia & Oceania, Europe, North America and South America), here now is the quintet that I feel would be up there.

The five ladies above are the best in each continent, in my opinion.

And considering that a Top 15 will be announced in the semifinals, below are the ten remaining contestants I would like to see being called to centerstage for the first cut.

Above are the ten (10) remaining delegates who could make up the Top 15 Semi-finalists of Miss Intercontinental 2014

Brief Analysis of the Top 5:

Africa: Donique Leonard’s toughest opposition for a Top 5 spot is Marie Nathalie Lesage of Mauritius. I gave the slight edge to the South African, though, as she may be able to acquit herself more competently in the preliminary interviews.

Asia: As for Kris Tiffany Janson, she has Myanmar’s 17 year-old Angel Lamung as strong alternate. The latter’s relative youth and inexperience may take a toll on her grace under pressure, though. And this is where the Filipina is deemed to make a full strike.

Europe: I initially pegged the host delegate, Fjoliza Avdiu, to be in a Top 5 tug-o-war with Laura Jayne Gregory. But after further assessment, the English contestant could be getting a more difficult time in a face-off with Joana Martins of Portugal. At any rate, I give an extra point for Miss England.

North America: Estefania Chavez is considered a favorite in Magdeburg. But then again, Jeslie Mergal of Cuba is also a stunner who could steal the limelight from her. Here is where it gets tricky. In the end, though, I would give the upper hand to the Mexican sash-wearer.

South America: Maria Alejandra Sanllorente of Venezuela is the biggest threat facing Carolina Crovo Sierra for a place in the final 5. But side by side, I can see Miss Colombia getting plus points for being the more superior candidate from this continent.

Colombia, Philippines and Mexico could provide a tough three-way battle for the title of Miss Intercontinental 2014

For the Crown:

As far as I’m concerned, there is a three-way battle for the title among Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines. And they have their own strengths and advantages in being crowned by Ekaterina Plekhova.

If social presence is to be used as a major gauge, then I believe the two Latinas have the edge over the Filipina. But pageantry is still and will always be a business that should be given premium by the German organizers. Here is where the chances of Kris Tiffany Janson are likely to get a major boost.

Like it or not, a win for Miss Philippines will definitely jack up the popularity and global pageant presence of the 43 year-old beauty contest. That’s not to say that either of the other two won’t help build the name of Miss Intercontinental. But the people behind WBO should learn a thing or two from what happened to the then-five-year-old Miss Supranational when Mutya Datul won in 2013.

That’s all. Thank you. ;-)

Good luck to all the ladies! :-D

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson (2nd from right) partying with the girls

Kris (leftmost) with Misses Brazil and Venezuela

Watch now.

courtesy of Detlev Helmerich

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson during final rehearsals for Miss Intercontinental 2014

Mock semifinalists line up during rehearsals (Photo credit:Missosology)

Just like Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson. The photo grid above plus the ones on the left and right were taken during the technical run where she was called to be part of the mock semifinalists. Of course, this being practice, I am keeping my fingers crossed that all our wishful anticipation will be rewarded soon. ;-)

One more pic from the rehearsals courtesy of Missosology

P.S. Here is the LIVE STREAMING Link for the finals.

Now for those asking for an alternate, check out this LINK for another possible LIVE STREAMING of the coronation show at around 2-3am Friday.

BTW, here’s another interview vid of Kris about the rehearsals.

courtesy of Detlev Helmerich

courtesy of Pageant Guru

Ekaterina Plekhova of Russia won Miss Intercontinental 2013 also in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Miss Intercontinental crown called Oriental Holy Water valued at ¥3M

It was also last year when the final Mutya ng Pilipinas entry (before the franchise was transferred to BPCI) to the competition – Koreen Medina – topped all Asia & Oceania delegates and made it to the magic circle of 5. She landed 3rd Runner-Up in the end.

Watch the video of last year’s Top 5 announcement and the Q&A that followed.

courtesy of jenrofz

Now some readers might comment that this is still a relatively fresh throwback to feature. But since the finals of Miss Intercontinental 2014 will be happening starting at around 7:00PM in Magdeburg, Germany (or 2:00AM here in Manila), then we might as well relive parts of last year’s program. :-)

P.S. Here is the LIVE STREAMING Link for the finals.

Miss Intercontinental 2014 Live Streaming should start between 3:00AM-4:00AM of Friday Manila time.

courtesy of Pageant Worldwide Live

Click for the USTREAM Live Streaming above

Show starts between 3:00AM-4:00AM Manila time of Friday (Dec. 5). ;-)

Left to right: 2nd Runner-Up Kris Tiffany Janson of the Philippines, Miss Intercontinental 2014 Patraporn Wang of Thailand and 1st Runner-Up Jeslie Margal of Cuba (Photo credit: Missosology)

Kris Tiffany Janson (left) and Jeslie Margal of Cuba give Patraporn kisses on the cheeks. (Photo credit: Missosology)

Patraporn Wang, Miss Intercontinental 2014 (Photo credit:Missosology)

In a pageant finals that offered more than its share of surprises, the bet from the Land of Smiles clinched its first Miss Intercontinental crown. And for the first time as well, two Asian delegates entered the Top 3 when both Patraporn and Kris Tiffany made it to the Top 6 (even if the latter was the only one with the sash for Asia & Oceania) due to a “tie”.

Many thought that the final results, which raised the eyebrows of many, would go Miss Philippines’ way after she nailed the Q&A. But clearly, the judges favored the Thai bet and Kris had to settle with 3rd place.

In addition, Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson received the Most Photogenic Award, Miss Canada got Congeniality.

Miss Philippines Kris Tiffany Janson displaying her 2nd Runner-Up trophy (Photo credit: Missosology)

Nawatt Itsaragrisil of Miss Grand Thailand went to Magdeburg for the finals

P.S. Bring on the reactions now, dear readers!

Miss Intercontinental 2014 Patraporn Wang

Vice-Miss Supranational (1st Runner-up) 2014 Parapadsorn Disdamrong

Miss International 2014 2nd Runner-up Punika Kulsuntornroot

Miss Earth 2014 Top 16 Semifinalist Sasi Sintawee

A 2nd Runner-up in Miss International 2014 for Punika Kulsuntornroot, a Top 10 spot in Miss Grand International 2014, a Top 16 placement in Miss Earth 2014, a 1st Runner-up honor in Miss Supranational 2014 and finally, the Miss Intercontinental 2014 crown. Will the streak continue in London and Doral Miami? Will the country finally achieve the Country of the Year status in pageantry? And save for Punika, what could be the role of Mr. Nawatt Itsaragrisil in this series of ‘fortunate’ events happening in succession?

So many questions that could only yield a plethora of answers and interpretations both good and otherwise. What’s your stand, dear readers? ;-)

Kris in Berlin, Yvethe in Warsaw

While the duo did not win their respective competitions, Kris will be bringing back the 2nd Runner-Up trophy she bagged in Magdeburg, while Yvethe made it to the Top 20 Semifinalists in Krynica-Zdròj.

Time to rest your weary bodies for the next few days after arrival. The fresh memories of your visits to Europe should keep you company long before the scheduled send-off of your sister Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa later next week. ;-)

The Philippines' winners and top pageant placers this year

To the women and men who represented the country this year – winner, placed or unplaced – Merry Christmas! You have done a great service to the Philippines in 2014.

Jamie Herrell – Miss Earth 2014
Odessa Mae Tadaya – Miss Heritage 2014
Kris Tiffany Janson- 2nd Runner-up, Miss Intercontinental 2014
Catherine Almirante – 2nd Runner-up, Miss Global 2014
Hillarie Danielle Parungao – 3rd Runner-up, Miss Asia-Pacific World 2014
Adam Rhys Davies – 3rd Runner-up, Mister Model International 2014
Renee Soraya Hassani – 1st Runner-up, Miss Diversity Culture International 2014
Alvin Arranguez – 2nd Runner-up, Mr. Diversity Culture International 2014
Precious Nicolle Diloy – 1st Runner-up, Miss Southeast Asian 2014
————
Valerie Weigmann – Top 25 Quarterfinalist, Miss World 2014
Yvethe Marie Santiago – Top 20 Semifinalist, Miss Supranational 2014
Marlan Manguba – Top 10, Mrs. World 2014

More of the women and man who proudly represented the Philippines in 2014

Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014 Kris Tiffany Janson in her B/W photo for Miss Intercontinental

“I’m very excited. I have been through so many things the past year for my reign and even during Binibini season. I was able to check so many items off my bucketlist. Best part was being able to go to Germany. I can’t wait for the new queen to experience what I have experienced.”

In my honest opinion, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2014 Kris Tiffany Janson was only one of two Queens (the other person being Yvethe Santiago) last year I was very, very sure of as winning one of the crowns many days before the actual finals. In fact, she remained a staple in my list all throughout the pre-pageant. Hence, it was just a matter of waiting for the announcement as to which title will be given to her.

Unlike Mariane (Bianca Guidotti to you) whom I have known months before she decided to take the Bb. Pilipinas plunge, I only got to meet the real ‘Kris Janson’ during those days in Bohol when we got to judge the Mutya ng Panglao 2014 in the same panel along with Miss Philippines-Earth 2014-turned-Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell and Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2014 Eva Patalinjug.

Here was a lovely and level-headed beauty queen who, when not wearing her crown and sash, is as normal as the girl-next-door. She is like a young teenager who enjoys walking/basking on the beach and talking about the most trivial things. The only difference is that she has such a mutual admiration thing with the sun that no amount of sunblock is needed to keep her from getting burned. From that point, I knew that she truly deserved her Bb. Pilipinas win.

“I enjoyed the whole ride, tito norms. It’s a blessing.”

Up to now, I remain firm in stating that the Miss Intercontinental 2014 should have been her. It was her crown to lose, in fact. But then again, certain unseen forces got in the way. But I will stop at that. All water under the bridge by now.

Kris (leftmost) when she won 2nd Runner-Up during the finals of Miss Intercontinental 2014

I am just extremely happy that I got to know this beautiful Cebuana as more than just an acquaintance. Our bonding in the beaches of Panglao, additionally spiced up by Facebook chats from time to time, and even during our brief talk during the Press Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2015 serve to make me feel proud to have known a girl as nice and as grounded as she is. :-)

Lenka Josefiova looking glorious in Leo Almodal Bridal Couture

One of Lenka's latest for Leo Almodal

Lenka Josefiova really made the most out of her extended one month stay in Philippines. Her schedule here was really busy. She became the Face of Leo Almodal new Bridal Haute Couture campaign. In the campaign, she really looks like as a Princess in a fairy tale, and this is exactly how the popular designer wants all the brides to feel.

The collaboration with Leo Almodal successfully continued with Lenka wearing one his designs during fashion show for well known shoe designer Nereku. She also closed the Bridal show in SM Aura with the wedding gown & crown from Leo Almodal new collection.

Since Lenka loves pageants too (as we all in the Philippines do) after being a judge in Miss Bikini Philippines 2015, she also went to see Miss Earth Philippines 2015 final to support her friend Diana Mackey who was her roommate during Supermodel International 2013 in Thailand, where Lenka became one of the TOP 5 winners.

In Miss Philippines Earth 2015, she also became friends with one of the former winners: Miss Philippines Earth 2013 & current Miss Multiverse Philippines 2015 Angelee Reyes, with whom she worked with during the Nereku show. She sees Angelee as one of the most down to earth Beauty Queens she ever met & she really values their friendship.

Photos from Lenka's memorable stay in the Philippines

After her succesful judging stint in Miss Bikini Philippines 2015, Lenka was invited as one of the judges for Miss Tabuk City Philippines 2015 in Kalinga province. She was invited by her friend from Miss Tourism International 2014 in Malaysia – Miss Tourism Metropolitan 2014 Glennifer Perido.

Lenka told me that she loved very much her 3 day-stay in this beautiful city & she really appreciates all the love she received from all the lovely people in Tabuk City.

During her judging at the pageant, Lenka was also wearing one of the Leo Almodal gorgeous evening gowns & crown. The city welcomed her with the posters scattered all over the city.

During her trip Lenka also met with the Vice Mayor of Manila – Isko Moreno & Miss Kalinga 2014 Angelica Balunggay. In Manila, she managed to have lots of photo shoots, not only for new Leo Almodal Bridal, jewellery & crowns campaign, but also for several covers & editorials in different European magazines.. One editorial photoshoot took her to beautiful Daranak Falls. This place she sees as really magical & amazing location for the shoot.

Lenka still found time for some sightseeing around Manila. She visited places such as Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, Coconut Palace & she even tried riding a Calesa. She was very often in Slimmers World enjoying the massages & body treatments that she received from Slimmers World International. And she also had the chance to enjoy a few days in Azure Urban Resort Residences in Manila as her welcoming gift from the Philippines by Century Properties. She loved the beach with sand created there as a part of this project & beautiful pool with the waves. She also had several pageant trainings by one of the most successful pageant trainers in the Philippines – KF. During the sessions, she became friends with the current Mutya Ng Pilipinas contestant Janela Joy Cuaton, who was one of the hot favorites for the crown & Izyl Rochepatricia Logumbay-Nazareno.

Because of Izyl, Lenka changed her flight again to be there to support her at The Little Miss Earth Angels 2015 final, where the girl became 2nd runner-up.

Which pageant was Lenka training for? I assume that we will get to know soon. In the meantime, she will soon be doing more modeling projects, TV presenting work in Bali, Egypt, Czech republic, Germany etc. & also judging in some beauty pageants around the world. But as she said, the Philippines left a big impression on her and remains as one of her most favorite countries that she has ever visited ( She travelled to over 42 countries..). Despite her busy schedule in the upcoming months, she is planning to return to the Philippines as soon as she can…

Lenka Josefiova on the cover of Xpedition Middle East

Proudly displaying her red two-piece bikini is Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014 while yachting around the Red Sea in Egypt

Kris with a couple of her fellow candidates last year

Drop by the Pyramids and ride on a camel, Krissie! ;-)

Swimsuit credit: Anemone by Nothing But H2O