The Latest News about
Queen B!
Principal Photography on the documentary was successfully completed in Manila recently with Bessie paying a courtesy call on Mrs. Imelda Marcos who selected Bessie as one of the models to travel around the world as part of her "Bagong Anyo" initiative when she was First Lady of the Philippines.
The evening ended with Mrs. Marcos gamely learning how to samba from Renato Freitas (above) who was instrumental in inviting Bessie to Sao Paolo to become Carnival Queen.а
Bessie celebrates completion of the documentary's Manila shootings in the company of visiting Brazilians including Lucas Gil, Mr. Brasil 2007.
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аVAI VAI Adjudged 2008 Champions at the Sao Paulo Carnaval!
Escola de Samba VAI VAI (literally meaning "Go! Go!) emerged as the Champions of the 2008 Sao Paulo Carnaval. Bessie Badilla, who was in Vai Vai's abre alas (or opening) float during the second night of competition floated above the nearly 5,000 Vai Vai members whose winning theme expounded on education and Brazilians moving forward together. Vai Vai's Carnavalesco (Artistic Director) Chico Spinosa had only praises for Bessie, whose fantasia scored a perfect 10.
Lucky Bessie
Bessie Badilla was selected to represent 3 of the 14 escolas de samba competing at the 2008 Sao Paulo Carnaval: Unidos de Vila Maria and Nene de Vila Matilde with over 4,000 dancers/performers each competed on the first day of Carnaval. Bessie had to sprint to do quick costume changes between each escolas hour long parade down the Avenue called Paserela in the Sambodromo or stadium in Parque Anhembi.
And on the second night of competition, Escola Vai Vai with Bessie in their opening float, stirred the 50,000 spectators with their original music, spectacular costumes and imaginative allergories created by carnavalesco Chico Spinosa. The judges agreed and awarded VAI VAI top marks as Champions of the closely watched competition that literally brought Sao Paulo to a standstill.
Sao Paulo Carnaval Experience
Bessie Badilla's Sao Paulo experience will forever be remembered by her family and friends who cheered her from ringside during Carnaval. Coming from Manila, the U.S., Canada and Dubai the group stayed at the Holiday Inn Parque Anhembi, just steps from the Sambodromo (the stadium where the carnaval competition is held). Bessie's Brazilian friends welcomed everyone in true Carnaval spirit!
Bessie's family and friends even had time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sao Paulo for a week that will remain an unforgettable experience for all!
Documentary