Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see up-close the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas queens as they were presented to the press people at the Balay, Araneta Center. I could say that this batch is truly something from the runners-up to each and every crowned winner. They all have their own aura that set each other apart. The event was also attended by the Queens of 2013 who gave their message of support and encouragement to the new title holders.
I wasn’t able to ask any questions because they mainly focused on the bigger media peeps. So let me just share with you some of the pictures I took from yesterday’s event.
Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 lookig like a goddess!
from L-R: Yvethe Santiago – Bb.Pilipinas – Supranationa, Kris Tiffany Janson – Bb.Pilipinas – Intercontinental, Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Bb.Pilipinas – International and Parul Shah, Bb.Pilipinas-Tourism
Here are the 2013 queens giving out their message of support and encouragement.
The 2014 Queens With reigning Miss International Bea Santiago and Miss Supranational Mutya Datul
I’ve seen second runner up Hannah Ruth Sison several times now and I now wished that she style herself like this! What a beauty!
Yours truly with Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago
With Bb.Pilipinas Universe 1985 Joyce Burton and top pageant blogger Norman Tinio
speaking of Guru, here with me now is none other than the “creme of the crop,” “utmost” beauty queen maker – Mr. Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores!!!!
The Kagandahang Flores Queens with their mentor Mr. Rodgil Flores
girls: is it over yet? nope darlings, it’s just starting! lol
With the TV Press
snippets: Ara Arida and Mutya Datul
sidenotes: Mutya Datul signing autograph and her fascinating crown!
I have a feeling that this batch will even be more successful than their predecessor! Goodluck girls! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Stage / Production: I thought the stage was quite elegant. I love that it did not overshadowed the contestants and the cylinder / tube props looked really great live and on TV! A-
Hosts: Upon learning that Xian Lim will be back to host the event, I was initially disappointed because I thought he did poorly during his 2012 stint. This time though, I was pleasantly surprised because he’s not one bit annoying. He brought with him enough charm to woo the live audience and this year, it went smoothly for him. Good job Xian!
Anne Curtis was of course the darling of the crowd last night. She’s very charming and SO VERY, EXTEMELY BEAUTIFUL! She even belted “Alone” off air while the judges were having their deliberation of the winners. The audience just totally loved her!
On Venus, Shamcey and Janine: Venus is definitely now a pro in hosting. She did extremely well and looked every inch of a beauty queen! It’s a wonder why until now she’s still in competition form! Just amazing! Shamcey on the other hand was beautiful as ever but she sounded too scripted and too hurried. When Janine first appeared, there was a unanimous opinion in our row that she looked unkempt – it must be the hair though. Her second number though was rather alluring and she made it all up from her disastrous first styling. Overall, the three girls did really well.
Opening Number: The opening number which includes the intro of hosts Xian and Anne and of course the introduction of the contestants reminds me so much of the 2011 Miss Universe pageant – it must be the color coding of their outfits.
The Swimsuit Competition: One word – BRAVO. Madam Stella really step up this time around (this I believe totally impressed Miss Universe president Paula Shugart and co.) The ladies are wearing expensive looking swimsuits inspired by the festivals in the country. I love that they were divided into four groups showcasing four different festivals from the Philippines.
The Evening Gown Competition: Oh I just love this part! This is where the eventual winners really stood out! My favorite gowns are from Parul Shah, Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. The “White Gown” myth also got into us and made us a bit nervous. Oh, I also love that this segment was super fast!
Best in Swimsuit: I was so happy that finally, MJ was awarded this well deserved title. In 2011 and 2012, I thought she was robbed big time – now, “the body” of the competition was rewarded justly.
Best in Evening Gown: I really thought that this award was just a toss up between Bianca Guidotti and MJ Lastimosa. Bianca was awarded the title which I think was pretty fair.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Announcement of Top 15: Pia, MJ, Bianca, Yvethe and Kris were already shoo in for the semis followed closely by Parul, Tiglao and Lehmann. The rest are surprises for me and it was with sadness that Diana Arevalo and Kim Suiza failed to make it into the semis – esp Suiza because she looks absolutely ravishing last night!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
The Question and Answer portion:
Laura Lehman was asked for her favorite city that best represents her and she answered Armsterdam. I thought it was a cute answer but it could’ve been better if she chose something close from home. Ya’ll know what I mean right?
Pia Wurtzbach was very charming in answering her question but I’m firm in my belief that she would’ve made it had she answered the question in English (even though she was asked by Angara in the vernacular.)
Mary Jean Lastimosa – well, what can I say? Like her answer, the girl was very much composed upon answering her question. She gave it her all and the audience just loved it, even reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler who asked the question looks very impressed!
Bianca Guidotti‘s answer was very short and lacks conviction. After her turn, I immediately pegged her for a runner-up finish but clearly, her charm was undeniable in delivering her thoughts.
Nichole Manalo faltered and received an awkward applause from the audience.
Parul Shah was very studied and calculated which I think works well for her.
Yvethe Santiago was really mesmerizing on screen and in person. Her answer along with Lastimosa, Shah and Janson were the clear stand outs!
Kris Janson’s answer was very heartfelt that even host Anne Curtis teared up. I love her spontaneity. I guess what I didn’t like about her last night was her make up which made her looked tired.
Hannah Sison gave a decent answer but she was trying a bit too hard to be charming. Nevertheless, she look so polished last night.
On Emin: He’s quite a charmer and his songs aren’t that bad.
On regining Miss Universe Gabriela Isler: Oh, the crowd just loved her! She’s very pretty and tall! She’s for the record the third Miss Universe titleholder I’ve seen in my life after Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran.
The Announcement Of Winners
2nd Runner-up: Hannah Sison – my friend who’s with me (Rey) and I predicted this and we believe that the judges got it right.
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
1st Runner-up: Laura Lehmann – I was a bit nervous because of some rumors floating in the net that Lehman was the matriarch Stella Araneta’s favorite to win the MUP crown. I’m glad that she didn’t win it because she needs more polishing. She look so pretty though!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Tourism: Parul Shah after her performance through the night deserved a crown and I was really hoping that she’ll get this one and she did!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Supranational: I predicted Yvethe Santiago to win this title and my intuition was right! Now, we’ve a pretty good chance of nailing a back to back win in Miss Supranational!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental: As the first recipient of this title, Kris Janson made history last night after delivering a good performance and clinching this minor title. I was rather relieved when she was called because it means bigger chances for MJ to win the MUP title!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
Binibining Pilipinas International: Initially, I was not happy Guidotti even won a crown. I was expecting Pia to clinch this but I’m just glad she did because I figured that she and Bea have some similarities. This could really work well for her. Plus, her personality’s too contagious! You gotta love a girl with a very positive personality!
via Bb.Pilipinas FB Page
>that shot when MJ was tearing up almost broke my heart. She must be thinking that she’d lose again since Pia Wurtzbach was still in contention. Lo and behold, her name was call the 2014 Miss Universe Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When she was announced the new Miss Universe Philippines, I felt like crying and hyperventilating! I was shouting for joy at the top of my lungs! Finally, my girl did it and she was rewarded for all her hard work and determination! MJ finally harvested the fruits of her hard labor – it’s been a long and winding road for her but it’s all worth the wait!
15. The appeal of Ainjely reminds me so much of Nicole Marable and Imelda Schweighart (Binibining Pilipinas contestants in 2012 and 2013 respectively.) I’m saying this because like the two mentioned, Ainjely’s beauty is a fresh one that easily attract its audience. I just feel that she’s still too raw to win any of the crowns.
Diana Arevalo
14. I’ve always been a big fan of Diana eversince her first Binibini stint and in 2011, I thought she should’ve placed higher. With her third time joining the pageant, I still find her extremely charming and more beautiful. Something was missing though, her spark was nowhere to be found. It is with great sadness that I’ve to place her this low on my list but just the same, I’m still a fan.
Ladylyn Riva
13. From the very start of the competition up to this point, Ladylyn has shown a pretty consistent performance. She’s actually prettier than her 2011 stint and I now feel that she has matured – both physically and intellectually. Indeed, she’s got the goods but does she have the guts to take it to the next level? Methinks still not this time.
Vessica Sambo
12. I always admire a girl who is proud of her roots and I think this trait is what is so charming about Vessica. I love that she’s feisty yet looks extremely feminine. This girl has a big future ahead of her and I’m looking forward to see her competing more. She still has a lot to learn for a Binibini tilte but she’s getting there.
Parul Shah
11. Parul Shah is such an unforgettable name. Had Parul not stumbled during her Q&A last year, she could’ve been one of the crowned golden Binibinis. Alas, she was “eradicated” from the contention and came back this year “more ready.” She is by any aspect a contended but for some reason, Parul somehow lost her charm and look likeable which I believe is far more important than a great answer to the Q&A.
Ednornance Agustin
10. With a unique name and a towering height, Ednornance isn’t just a mere model material. I feel that that given the right styling and personality development, she could easily annihilate any beauty competition. Not this time, though.
Racquel Kabigting
9. Racquel for me is a better version of Jennifer Barrientos. What’s more is that she’s way taller than our 2008 Miss Universe representative. This gives me hope for her that when she’s ready to take the national title, she could easily win the international crown – in time.
Angelique De Leon
8. With a polarizing beauty much like Janine Tugonon, Angelique is set to pull some trick comes finals night. I’ve a feeling in my guts that she’d do well on the 30th. Disregarding that, Angelique for me is unquestionably beautiful!
Nichole Manalo
7. The third Manalo sister pulling all the stops to win a crown isn’t that impossible a job. She’s tall, beautiful and smart enough to clinch a title. After impressing me during the primer, I placed her easily on my upper tier but considering the duration of the pageant, I just have to place her conveniently outside the crown contention. She may have her sisters to back her up and has very good potentials to win on her own merits, I still feel that she could only go this far, atleast for now.
Bianca Guidotti
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RUNNER UP NO MORE
Pia Wurtzbach
Pia conveniently benefited from her Binibining Pilipinas training last year as the lone runner up from the golden edition. She seemed more ready and won’t settle for anything less this time. A stunning mestiza at its core, it is justifiable to award her the debuting title of Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental.
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FROM HEAD TO TOE
Joy Diaz
Joy Diaz may very well be crowned the Binibining Pilipinas – Tourism Queen International for she possessed an impressive academic background that goes well with her international appeal. From head to toe – Joy can totally deliver when needed.
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BACK TO BACK SUPERIORITY
Yvethe Santiago
After Mutya Datul’s historic win last year as the first Filipina and first Asian Miss Supranational, I think it is only natural that we send another head turner that is as superior as that of Mutya. With that in mind, Yvethe Santiago (whom I picked during my 1st and 2nd hot picks as my Miss Universe Philippines) became my final choice not because I feel that she won’t do well in Miss Universe but because I feel that after Mutya, we shouldn’t easily let go of the Miss Supra crown if we could easily get hold of it again. A back to back win would be an easy job for Yvethe, no doubt.
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BEAUTY WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Kris Tiffany Janson
It’s very easy to say that Kris Janson is the Miss International prototype that we’ve had in years from our delegates. This maybe true but keeping that aside, Janson without question maybe the most conventionally beautiful contestant this year. A superior beauty that you cannot fault in any way. If Bea won the hearts of Tokyo with her speech and elegance, Kris can wow them with her sheer beauty and cultured eloquence.
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THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE UNIVERSE
Mary Jean Lastimosa
Mary Jean Lastimosa or MJ as she was fondly called never ceases to amaze her fans with her tireless smile in every event of this year’s edition. This is MJ’s third try to win a crown and her perseverance is more impressive than any other repeaters this year. MJ has more competition, no doubt, to win the most coveted crown but I feel that she’s up there and would never let go of what she’s holding on right now without clinching that title. MJ clearly did not diminish as a front runner and she’s bound to finish her last hurrah for the crown, all smile because she knows that after all the heartbreaks and disappointments, she’d still end up successful. After all, she’s still the brightest star in the universe.
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images courtesy of Jag Jeans, OMPB and Binibining Pilipinas.
With the coronation night fast approaching, the girls are also stepping it up big time for the big day! So without further ado, let me present to you my third hot picks for this season of Binibining Pilipinas!
(L-R) Yvethe Santiago, Kris Janson, Mary Jean Lastimosa and Pia Wurtzbach
Yvethe’s is this year’s Miss Consistency. Delivering an enduring power of beauty, grace and charisma isn’t such an easy task with 39 other girls vying for the most coveted crown. At this stage of the competition, the Miss Universe Philippines crown is yours to lose girl.
A two feat Miss International crowning isn’t far behind if Kris will eventually be crowned Binibining Pilipinas International. She could also easily snatch the Universe crown if she play her cards well. Would it be this one or highest honor? For now, I placed her second.
A frontrunner, an expert and a stage diva. That’s what we need for an attempt to place well come Miss Supranational 2014. MJ has those qualities and she’s polished to even grab the most coveted title, for now though, I’ve a feeling that Binibining Pilipinas Supranational’s the deserved title for her.
I personally consider Binibining Pilipinas Tourism the least prestigious but a title is still a title. This however belongs to a girl whom I feel can do wonders in China. Pia Wurtzbach, the lone runner up from last year is the best for this title for now.
(L-R: 5. Angelique De Leon, 6. Ednornance Agustin, 7. Bianca Guidotti, 8. Kimverlyn Suiza, 9. Diana Arevalo)
This week, I decided to make a complete Top 15 for my hotpicks since I’ve evaluated all of the 40 girls and I’ve laboriously yet gladly watched their web interviews, videos and pictures over the week and I’ve to say that some of the girls really are stepping up their game! This could easily change though once I get the chance to see them in person more but for now, this is what I came up with.
HOT PICK 1: Yvethe Marie Santiago for Miss Universe Philippines
Yvethe has one miss in mind upon entering this competition and that is to win it all. But her mission is not just to win one of the crowns, it is to win the top plum which is the Miss Universe Philippines. Yvethe could easily do this. She’s got the goods and the only thing that’s getting on her way at this stage is if she will be favored by the judges and the organization (at this early on) come finals night or if she choke during the final question and answer which seemed to be an all-important factors basing on the recent queens wins!
SPOILER: Guidotti, De Leon, Lastimosa
HOT PICK 2: Kris Tiffany Janson for Bb.Pilipinas-International
After making my initial hot picks, I felt that I did something wrong by not considering this Cebuana beauty with one of the crowns. I was so wrong by not considering the pageant that clearly has a predictable prototype and that is the Miss International! They want their winners to either be doll-like or someone who exudes elegance. If they can’t get both, the winner must atleast have one. Luckily for Kris, she’s got both going on her.
SPOILER: Wurtzback, Nichole Manalo
HOT PICK 3: Mary Jean Lastimosa for Bb.Pilipinas – Supranational
Last year, the Miss Supranational organization crowned a “miniature” winner with the face of an angel and that is our very own Mutya Datul. I can’t see any reason why they won’t do the same if we send a beauty with such high caliber. MJ’s last try may just be the lucky break she’s been waiting for. She’s got the face and sheer confidence that makes a room go quiet upon entering it. That makes her much more superior than most of the girls.
SPOILER: Faeldonia, Mary Ainjely Manalo
HOT PICK 4: Nichole Manalo for Bb.Pilipinas – Tourism
With China hosting the pageant annually, I figured that we don’t have a very big chance of winning a crown. But that’s not saying that we shouldn’t send a good candidate. Based on their most recent winners, they want them tall and “meztisa” and I think Nichole Manalo might just fit the bill.
SPOILER: Laura Victoria Lehmann
5. Pia Wurtzbach
6. Bianca Guidotti
7. Angelique De Leon
8. Aiza Faeldonia
9. Ainjely Manalo
10. Ednornance Agustin
11. Parul Shah
12. Diana Arevalo
13. Kimverlyn Suiza
14. Laura Lehmann
15. Racquel Kabigting
pictures via bbpilipinas official fb page and OPMB Worldwide alterations are for entertainment and depiction purposes only. no copyright infringement intended.
This week, the final 40 candidates had their press presentation showing off their bikini bodies and great personalities while sashaying the stage mounted at the Sofitel Hotel Manila. Amongst the 40 hopefuls, these are the 10 girls who really made an impression on me upon seeing their pictures and videos!
(L-R): Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti
Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa; Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo
In every competition, there is what we call a frontrunner. It’s either a single individual or a group that is touted to win it all. But with frontrunners, winning isn’t always the case. Take for instance the classic case of Ruffa Gutierrez who’s a favorite to win the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title but ended up as the Binibining Pilipinas World after Dindi Gallardo was adjudged the winner. Ruffa’s case isn’t that bad though because she still won one of the crowns and got to represent the Philippines in Miss World winning second runner up in Johannesburg in the process. Just last year, the frontrunners Charmaine Elima and Maria Angelica De Leon were touted to go home with crowns in their pretty heads, lo and behold – both of them went empty-handed. For this year’s Binibining Pilipinas, we easily catapulted some of the girls to frontrunners position thus leaving them open for more criticism and most of the time, malicious bashing. So without further ado, let me present to to you this year’s touted frontrunners for the four crowns up for grabs this edition.
These are the six considered frontunners based on the hype, connections, background or whatever you wanna call it. They have it.
Binibini No.35 Yvethe Marie Santiago was said to be the one to beat.
Yvethe won the Miss Bicolandia title in 2012 and was also a cum laude in College. Now this sounds like Venus Raj’s background right? And wait, she’s also 5’9″ like Kween V. So no need for a lengthy explanation, the girl is said to be THE ONE TO BEAT by many forums and pageant sites.
Binibini No. 22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti
Bianca Guidotti isn’t a frontrunner for nothing. This 5’10” stunner is fluent in Tagalog, English and Portuguese having spent her childhood in Brazil and is one of the tallest in this year’s batch. If the girl can talk like her educational background, then she’s in it!
the lone runner up from last year’s pageant, Binibini No. 8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Last year, she vowed to return and make a splashing comeback and I believe she really wanted to win the Universe title. Aside from the advantage of having a year of Binibini training, it could also play well with her this time thus securing her one of the titles.
the last Manalo sister to give it a go!
Sisters Katherine Anne and Pamela Bianca have already represented the country in Miss World and Miss Universe respectively and this girl is now targeting the Binibining Pilipinas International crown to complete the triangle. Nichole may very well be on her way to winning this one because of her connections alone but don’t take the credit away from the girl yet. This girl is one of the tallest this year and has the qualities of a Miss International prototype. Let’s just see then.
peaking too soon? Binibini No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson
She’s one of the girls in the first batches who submitted their application and was easily favored to win it all. Now, this stunner from Cebu is still a force to reckon with in the competition. After winning Miss Cebu in 2009, she eventually landed some modelling contracts. Considered the body of the competition, Kris Janson – whether she peaked too soon is no doubt one of the girls you could easily see getting a crown.
Is third time’s a charm for Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa?
Whether you like it or not, Mary Jean or MJ is still one of the biggest threat for the newbies. This returnee who won second runner-up to Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and a finalist in 2012 won’t let go that easy until she snatch one of the crowns. Her Achilles heel in 2012 was the question and answer portion and I believe that this year, she has mastered everything to win it all. It’s all or nothing for her since this is her last hurrah to win a national pageant.
I know that this list may not include you favorites but I totally based it on different sites and blogs, the number of views, likes on facebook and even the number of bashings etc… 🙂
Their faces and names are already posted in different sites and some of them are already creating enough buzz and hype but it’s the final night on March 30 that matters the most. So after weeks of grueling screening process, callbacks and all – the over 100 applicants of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas were trimmed down to 40! I’ve to say how impressed I am with the quality of the candidates this year. There are a lot of fresh faces who are all very much qualified to win any of the crowns as well as the repeaters who are more ready and more beautiful this time! So here are our Top 40 in groups of 5…
Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra
Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran
Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza
Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago
Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa
Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan
Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago
Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo
