The press presentation of the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas candidates happened last March 22 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Cubao and it was an eye-opening event, separating the goddesses of this year’s batch from mere mortals! hah!
With that being said, let me present to you my Second Hot Picks, taking into consideration the events that transpired after the official announcement of the candidates for this year’s edition. up to this point.
Let’s start first with the six girls on my radar whom I think are waiting for their right time to peak. They’re still not there in the upper tier but they’re basically on the hunt to spoil it for the/my top six!
In no particular order.
And my Top 6 in particular order
#7 Jezha Huelar’s second runner-up finish last year helped her gain confidence and the training she went through along with the 2016 queens was the result of her fierce return into the compeition. I was never a fan before but she’s slowly growing on me. Those legs are to die for! Not sure how many brownie points she had acquired from Madame Stella over the course of her runner-up reign but for now, I am willing to bet that she’d get one of the crowns – the ‘Globe’ one presumably.
#19 Rachel Peters is tall, smart and has a banging body – she needs to work on not looking older and dull. She almost has it all but she’s so lacking that glow! Rachel, you can do it! She’s my Intercontinental titlist at this point.
#15 Maria Angelica DeLeon. My faith for this girl is slowly fading as the days goes by. I knew enough that she’s a big-boned woman and I loved that she’s embracing it! Her face is deliciously divine and she’s got good enough articulation so it’s really up to her to level-up her game plan! She’s my bet for Grand International for now.
#13 Sirene Sutton. Beauty-wise, Sirene is one of the most facially beautiful ladies in the bunch aside from the fact that she’s also one of the tallest candidates. I thought she still need to work on her personality because she looks a bit bland in comparison to Elima and Rodriguez’ explosive stage presence. She needs that little oomph to come out sooner! For now, I am pegging her for Miss Supranational.
#31 Katarina Rodriguez is still my #2 at this stage of the competition. Nobody can argue that Katarina is THE face of the competition. Her boxy body may not be everyone’s cup of tea but her face alone compensates for what she lacks in that area. Janine Tugonon, Ariella Arida and Shamcey Supsup have boxy bodies but they still managed to shine on stage and Katarina could do so with that face. She’d be a great follow-up to reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa and it’s not far-fetched for her to win the Miss Universe Philippines as well if Charmaine Elimamanaged to falter ‘again’ in the final Q&A.
#32 Charmaine Elima without question is the ring leader of this batch. At this stage, the target is still solidly planted on her back. In other words, she’s the biggest threat for everyone aiming for the Miss Universe Philippines crown. She’s luminous during the press presentation with such impeccable styling that could rival any pageant queen. This is one of those moments when you have no choice but to say, “Uwian na bes, may nanalo.” Elima’s still THE ONE to beat.
PADDYLAST INC. 