Yendi Phillipps has been nominated two years in a row at the Youth Views Awards for ‘Celebrity Role Model’ held in Jamaica. This comes as no surprise because the beautiful model, host, television personality, dancer, and history making beauty queen is also the Director of a foundation she created which serves her community in awareness, education, HPV eradication, and more. Not to mention that she is intelligent and inspiring with a global following. Check out what Yendi has to say about limitless opportunities in the video below as she came Face-to-Chat with her Fans and Pepsi.
Yendi Phillipps is already an accomplished model, history-making titleholder, brand ambassador, and at the helm of a promising foundation; The Yendi Philllipps Foundation. But with a woman who is truly living a life touched by a higher power and strong work ethic, Phillipps is taking a message higher and louder to the masses. The message? “Prevention is better that a cure” in the fight against HPV.
Today, The Yendi Phillipps Foundation lauched its public initiative to eradicate HPV and Cervical Cancer. Yendi Phillipps along with Shenna Carby, winner of Mission Catwalk & YPF Ambassador went on live TV and received Gardisil vaccinations. Phillips urged the public in joining the fight by setting the example and saying, “Let us take responsibility for ourselves, loved ones and fellow citizens, eventually eradicating cervical cancer.”
Yendi Phillipps is a style icon, but with the fashion aside, Phillipps is an icon in her own right.
Singer/Songwriter Baiyu was recently on Kauai also known as the Garden Isle for a video shoot. While on the island, she contributed her musical talents for a benefit concert for those affected by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Japanese relief efforts has been a cause Baiyu has been championing whole-heartedly by donating all the proceeds from her album FanFair. Baiyu is one of a number of individuals like Enson Inoue, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and Miss Jamaica 2010 Yendi Phillipps, who have raised awareness, funds, and donated their time and energy to a cause that is still affecting countless lives today. During her visit to Kauai, Baiyu said “Going back to Kauai, not surprisingly, felt like going home. As jammed packed as my schedule was, I was more relaxed in those few days than I was all year! Not only did we raise more funds and awareness for the Japanese relief effort, we had a heck of a good time doing it!” Check out the video below and keep watching till the end for a very special sneak-peek of a behind the scenes look at her video which will be a remix of her lyrically and vocally beautiful song ‘Tomorrow’s Another Day’.
While some steal the spotlight on the stage, Yendi Phillipps has taken it, redefined it, and given the spotlight to her country of Jamaica and her causes. As Phillipps, hands over the title of reigning Miss Jamaica Universe and continues on her journey through life, she leaves behind a very special mark in pageant history. Since 1986 a representative from Jamaica has competed in the Miss Universe pageant which has earned Top Ten placings on five occasions however, Phillipps made history for her country as well as a mark on the pageant by placing 1st runner-up at the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. While she did not win the title of Miss Universe, she took her country closest to the crown than its ever been, ranked the top spot in the swimsuit category, and took her moment in the spotlight and let it shine on Jamaica and her causes.
Phillipps future is as bright as ever with her charm, charisma, beauty, and humility. She has served Jamaica and the world proudly, donating her time and resources to countless charitable causes and even flying to Japan to visit some of the most devastated areas in the Tsunami disaster. Her spirit, aspirations, and ability to inspire will countinue to serve countless people with her latest piece of work, The Yendi Phillipps Foundation, as she and her foundation educates, and provides vaccines to prevent cervical cancer in underdeveloped communities. Yendi believes education is a powerful tool noting; ”I want my foundation to empower people through education and information, allowing them to have a much more fruitful existence.”
Phillipps is a gem in the pageant world, not only for what she has been able to accomplish within the arena, but what she has been able to build on her once in a lifetime experience to give others a better life. With her roles as a philanthropist, model, actress, and television personality, as well as the former Miss Jamaica, she has everything a woman who has worked hard deserves; a smile and encouragement from those she touches with her radiance. She also serves as living proof that a beauty isn’t skin deep but rather flows through the heart, sings in the soul, and will stop at nothing to be shared with others. Phillipps is a true inspiration not only for her aspirations and accomplishments but for the mind and heart that she continues to keep connected and going forward.
Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps is a global beauty who is not only a history-making trendsetter and proud Jamaican, she is also positive role model who represents true beauty and real character. Phillipps recently debuted her cropped and natural hair, showcasing her beautiful curls and bone structure.
Phillipps detailed in a less-cryptic and more-poetic message of beauty and details of her cut.
“To be free of what society tells you to be,
as you were created,
Rid of the face mask painted,
no chemicals to strip my mane,
returned to the kinks & curls of my DNA,
…This is me…as I was made to be… a beauty
B.E.A.U.T.Y.- Being exceptional and unique through you
(for those asking:my hair will be donated to locks for love)”
Yendi Phillipps who won nabbed the People’s Choice Award for ‘Most Stylish’ at the Style Observer Awards in Jamaica looked polished and playful in her playsuit and vest ensemble at the LIME premiere of The Social Network. The reigning and history-making Miss Jamaica has been busy with events and filming commercials since her stint at the Miss Universe Pageant and stands to make her mark in the entertainment and fashion world.
Prior to the Miss Universe competition in August, the reigning Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell, was interviewed by ‘Lifestyle You‘ to find out more about this beauty of the Pacific. Jesinta Campbell with her girl-next-door looks, beautiful smile, and charming personality placed in the Top 5 among 83 contestants and only third to Mexico and Jamaica. Campbell also showed Aussie hospitality by winning the award for Congeniality. At not even 20 years of age, Campbell has been crowned Miss Australia, become the brand ambassador for Novo Shoes, and the face of Australia’s best selling mineral makeup line; Nude by Nature Mineral Cosmetics. With Jesinta’s tagline ‘Dream it. Do it. Live it.’ Campbell is doing just that.
On Fitness:
Campbell, who grew up on the Gold Coast of Australia remarks that she has always had an appreciation and interaction with the outdoors and being fond of the beach, she also shared; “I can really feel the difference when I don’t exercise. I love the feeling after getting up in the morning and going for a run or going to the gym. It kick starts your metabolism and I feel revitalised and full of energy. This is what keeps me motivated!”
On Fashion:
Campbell, who received criticism for her choice in national costume has a deep appreciation for fashion. While harsh remarks were made about choice, Campbell defended her ‘all things Australian’ get-up by noting ’I'm very very proud to wear my national costume. I think there’s some great elements there that really embody, you know, the Australian theme. We’ve got the beautiful Aboriginal print, we’ve got the gorgeous colors on the skirt. I think it’s magnificent, it’s something I’m very proud to wear and I can’t wait to wear it on an international stage and let the whole world see what Australia is.’ Ironically, the theme for the Miss Universe Swimsuit competition was ‘Fashion for Freedom’, Campbell was just ahead of the trend. In her interview Campbell shared she likes to shop local; “I love to shop at little boutique stores and support young up-and-coming Australian designers. I am passionate about supporting Australian-made products, I also love to raid op shops and the odd market to find that extra special one-off piece that no one has.”
On her bright Future:
Campbell sets both high and humble goals by announcing “In five years time I see myself involved heavily in volunteer work that inspires youth and encourages individual leadership. I will have travelled to the top 10 destinations around the world that are listed in my book of goals through both my volunteer and paid work. I will be successful with earning a living using my passions and talents and I have a dream to own a home (preferable eco-friendly) in both the country and somewhere on the beach!” Jesinta Campbell has been involved with a number of charitable events, opportunities, and organizations. She has visited hospitals, participated in fundraisers, and promoted Breast Cancer Awareness. With Campbells’ dedication and heart, anything is possible for this girl-next-door who is currently living her dreams out.
In addition to posing for the cover of Buzz, Ms. Phillipps has been busy with winning and participating in fashion events, shooting commercials with director Hype Williams, as well as hitting the ground with interviews and other opportunities that this history-making Jamaican beauty has been blessed with. Yendi recently shared a photo of her prior to hosting a Fashion Show in Barbado, she is looking very Kim Kardashian-esque in the candid pic. Expect great things to come from this brilliant, beautiful, and grateful woman who celebrated her birthday in September.
Follow Yendi Phillipps on Twitter where she often updates her on-goings as well as delivering inspirational messages. She also quotes many great minds from Henry David Thoreau to Thomas Jefferson. Also check out this interview Ms. Phillipps did post-Miss Universe Pageant on CVMTV Sunrise. Ms. Phillipps shares her brilliant mind as well as a slight tear-jerking moment as well as discussing the pageant world and having the mindset of an athlete in order to prepare for the pageant. Yendi Phillipps received the highest score in swimsuit and second in evening gown during the Miss Universe Pageant.
The beautiful Yendi Phillipps, who recently celebrated her birthday, is a winner at the Style Observer Awards at the Frenchman in Jamaica. The Style Observer Awards recognizes Jamaica’s most fashionable people in several categories. Phillipps who was the first Jamaican to place as first-runner up in her historic run for Miss Universe grabbed the awarded the People’s Choice for Most Stylish.
She thanked her fans by tweeting from her blackberry; “I’m at the Observer Style Awards-to everyone who voted & awarded me the People’s Choice for most Stylish-THANK YOU!! “
Though Yendi Phillipps didn’t win the title of Miss Universe 2010, she made history for her country as 1st-runner up. Phillipps was the first Jamaican to land in the first-runner-up position. She bested many betting sites that were listing other contestants in favor of winning. In a Letter to the Editor in the Jamaica Observer, Anthul Reid praised Phillips for doing her country justice; Reid wrote “Jamaica’s name is tarnished internationally and is associated with all kinds of vices: corruption, lying politicians, “the weed”, human trafficking, and a high crime and murder rate” and added that “Miss Yendi Phillips certainly did Jamaica and our people proud in the Miss Universe contest. She placed Jamaica in a positive light and has reversed, even if temporarily, some negatives about our country.”
Yendi Phillipps also scored highest of all the contestants during the pageant for the swimsuit category with a combined 9.4 rating. Phillips of Jamaica was in my personal Top 5 along with Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell. During an interview with Jamaica Observer, Phillips talked about the pageant, future plans, and regrets as what she said to Miss Mexico while the two were waiting to her who would be the next Miss Universe.
Phillipps brought her country the closest to the crown that it has ever been. Phillipps says ”It’s truly surreal; there’s nothing like working hard and reaping the rewards…like I said, mission accomplished”. As for the platform the Miss Universe Organization gives her as first runner-up “It allows me a voice to effect change, focus on my charity — The Yendi Phillipps Foundation — and, too, my international career in modelling, media and film”. As for her background experience, Phillips says “Everything has its part to play in the journey: dance gave me the discipline and focus, and having experienced live television makes me comfortable before a live audience”.
During the final moments before the announcement of the title was made, Phillips and Miss Mexico Ximena Navarrete spoke briefly to each other, inaudible to cameras, Phillipps revealed that “I speak Spanish, so I asked her if she was okay, and she said ‘I can’t breathe’ and I told her to take a deep breath”.
Does Phillipps have any regrets? “Nothing, absolutely nothing…if anything though, I’d have worn more blush” Phillipps admits while releasing a laugh. And as for what the best part of being a beauty queen to her is? “Knowing that in a time, probably not too far from now, one little girl might say she’s going to pursue her dreams because Yendi did… my job here would have been done”. Adding that “It’s okay to pursue your dreams…never ignore that inkling inside”.I wish Phillips all the best and expect great things from her. Yendi Phillipps is a beautiful, intelligent, and passionate young woman who promotes positivity. If you follow her on twitter or facebook, her posts are often inspirational and shows her grounded nature. Follow her on Twitter.
She was crowning by Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez. But prior to winning, with a remix of Kelly Roland’s “Commander” in the background, she commanded the crowd and instantly became a favorite.
Miss Mexico costume was inspired by the Aztek Calendar, 2012 anybody?
During the final question when asked by Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater how she felt about unsupervised internet use, Navarrete answered “I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary too for the present time” speaking through an interpreter but, “We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family.”
The newly crowned Miss Universe won prizes that range from an undisclosed salary, a luxury New York Apartment, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy with housing at the end of her reign, jewelry, clothes, and shoes from sponsors. This is the first win for Mexico in Miss Universe Pageant since 1991.
Miss USA Rima Fakih who in the past week revealed her national costume and opposed the building of a mosque near Ground Zero did not make it to the top 15. Keep reading for a complete roundup of pageant results.
First Runner-up and my personal pick: Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, Although she didn’t win the crown, she bested all the contestants in the swimsuit round with a score of 9.4
On her final question regarding acceptability of the death penalty, Miss Jamaica said “I believe that life is a gift” and “I believe that none of us as humans have the right to take a life.”
Second Runner-up: Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell, she scored an 8.5 in the swimsuit category. With the theme of swimwear being “Fashion for Freedom”, Miss Australia was asked “what role should the government play in regulating potentially offensive clothing?” She responded by saying “One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. I don’t think the government should have any say in what we wear.”
Third Runner-up: Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavaka scored an 8.7 in the swimsuit round. When asked about full-body scanners in airports she responded by saying “I think it’s a very important question of security” and added “If that helps us save the lives of people, then I’m for it.”
Fourth Runner-up and prediction favorite: Miss Philippines Venus Raj, scored a 8.7 in the swimsuit round. William Baldwin asked “What is one big mistake you’ve made and what did you do to make it right” she responded by saying “You know what sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean problem that I have done in my life because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are given to me. Thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much.” I believe this is where nerves may have gotten to the favored Miss Philippines. She looks stunning nonetheless.
Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell won Miss Congeniality
Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won Miss Photogenic Universe
Miss Thailand also won Best National Costume
In the top 10:
Albania, Australia, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Ukraine. Photo Credits include AP and Miss Universe Organization.
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