The Nine Binibinis of Central Luzon (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

Outside Metro Manila which has a total of fourteen (14) representatives, Central Luzon (comprised of seven provinces indicated in the map on the left) has the biggest contingent in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, numbering nine (9) as follows:

12 Sarah Jireh Asido from Balagtas, Bulacan
14 Emma Tiglao from Mabalacat City, Pampanga
20 Kenneth Santiago from San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija
21 Racquel Kabigting from Mariveles, Bataan
29 Krischelle KC Halili from Tarlac City, Tarlac
32 Jeslyn Santos from Hagonoy, Bulacan
36 Krystal Alonday from Paombong, Bulacan
38 Janine Asanion from San Marcelino, Zambales
40 Vessica Sambo from Malolos City, Bulacan

So how are the nine (9) lovelies doing in the competition?

Is Emma the best from the region?

As far as I know, the sole Kapampangam entry, Emma Tiglao, has been upping the ante in almost every pre-pageant activity. She knows how to work it well and to the delight of many spectators and followers alike.

Racquel Kabigting’s enviable and glamazonic height has been the subject of a good number of positive comments. And if she could only turn that advantage to her favor all the time, then she might just be able to find herself doing better than personally expected.

Kenneth Santiago, the 2nd tallest, is also being favorably noticed. While the running reviews are mixed, there is still a decent chance of pulling a surprise. She just needs to stand out with that extra degree of fierceness.

Between Janine Asanion and KC Halili, my gut feel is that the former has been getting the edge of late. But that’s not saying a lot, to be honest. Both ladies seem to be neither here nor there. People tend to veer more towards the preferred candidates. I hope they do something to accelerate their beautiful presence.

Jeslyn (32) and Sarah (12) try their best to stand out in a field of 40. (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

Finally, we go to my beloved Bulakenyas – all four (4) of them. I reckon that Sarah, Jeslyn, Krystal and Vessica are doing their best despite being outpowered by the prime picks. But are they doing enough to collectively or individually upset the field? In my mind, Binibini 40 is leading the quartet. She is getting her fair share of notices from pageant enthusiasts. I hope I can say the same to the remaining three. All is not lost, however. Between now and March 30, they can still squeeze every ounce of competitiveness in them to shine. Who knows, a spot might be reserved for one of them.

In summary, I may not be over the moon in anticipation of a major victory for Central Luzon at the moment. But I am always a sucker for pleasant surprises. Serendipity is not my favorite English word for nothing. ;-)

Our reigning Bb. Pilipinas titleholders for Creme Silk

Let’s do some quick grouping of ladies according to the possible international pageants they are likely to be good fits for.

Top of my head, I took the liberty of dividing the forty (40) Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidates into five (5) groups of eight (8). Each group is assigned a specific title to be handed out on March 30, under which the likeliest placers are included. See if your choices compare close (or not so close) to mine.

Miss Universe Philippines 2014
4 Parul Shah
8 Pia Wurtzbach
13 Kris Tiffany Janson
15 Kimverlyn Suiza
17 Diana Arevalo
22 Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti
25 Mary Jean Lastimosa
35 Yvethe Marie Santiago

Bb. Pilipinas International
1 Julian Aurine Flores
2 Mary Ainjely Manalo
5 Hannah Mariz dela Guerra
7 Aiza Faeldonia
11 Laura Victoria Lehmann
14 Emma Mary Tiglao
23 Nichole Marie Manalo
40 Vessica Sambo

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism
3 Joana Angelica Romero
6 Anabel Christine Tia
9 Joy Antonette Diaz
10 Shauna Indra Curran
16 Zahara Mae Soriano
26 Hannah Sheena Manuel
32 Jeslyn Santos
34 Leonalyn dela Cruz

Bb. Pilipinas Supranational
12 Sarah Jireh Asido
20 Kenneth Santiago
24 Ednornance Agustin
27 Hannah Ruth Sison
29 Krischelle Halili
30 Joy Marie Gangan
33 Gabrielle Tilokani
36 Krystal Alonday

Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental
18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
19 Mae Liezel Ramos
21 Racquel Kabigting
28 Carla Jenina Lizardo
31 Angelique Celine de Leon
37 Vanessa Saliba
38 Janine Asanion
39 Ladylyn Riva

This is all for a bit of fun, although I’m sure you will take it seriously. :-)

Ten (10) Binibinis guested on the DZMM radio program of Ariel Ureta and Winnie Cordero.

I’m not sure how the ten (10) Binibinis were selected to guest on the afternoon radio program of ABS-CBN’s morning show hosts Ariel Ureta and Winnie Cordero – “Todo Todo Walang Preno” – on DZMM. But these ladies – Parul Shah, Joy Marie Gangan, Nichole Manalo, Angelique de Leon, Vessica Sambo, Jeslyn Santos, Zahara Soriano, Leonalyn dela Cruz, Krystal Alonday and Racquel Kabigting – got lucky in a way after getting interviewed on-air. They were able to promote the upcoming finals of Bb. Pilipinas 2014 as well.

Five of them are from Team JDV so the ladies from this camp must be favored over the others. ;-)

As John dela Vega puts it, “JDV GIRLS SILENTLY COMPETING FOR THE CROWN”.

I love the way John dela Vega expresses support for his girls. In one of his Facebook updates, he made a photo collage of the nine Binibinis from Team JDV and stated that they are “silently competing for the crown“. And if I may add to that, one or two of them might just go for the kill when it matters most.

Joy Diaz, Shauna Curran, Sarah Asido, Kenneth Santiago, Racquel Kabigting, Jeslyn Santos, Leona dela Cruz, Krystal Alonday and Vessica Sambo may not be the most hyped or most heralded, but they still know how to make their presence felt. Maybe not to the degree most of us pageant watchers expect, but still enough to make heads turn for some of them. Aside from having the two tallest candidates (Racquel and Kenneth), the camp also has the lady with the most soulful eyes (Vessica Sambo) and the one who possesses the most intriguing mix (Scottish-Igorota Shauna Curran).

I’m pretty sure there is at least one (or two) among them who will surprise on March 30. Who could it be? ;-)

Play the music video of “Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen” before slowly scrolling down to read the post below for extra heartwarming effect.

courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Only seven (7) ladies won. So where does that leave most of the remaining 33 aspirants? The sulking and crying leave-me-by-my-lonesome period is thankfully over.

Consider this post an epilogue to Bb. Pilipinas 2014. Just like in a book or in the movies, the end credits show updates on what’s new or what has now become of the characters we just watched. For sixteen of the less than-successful Binibinis, life goes on as follows:

Bininini 1 Julian Aurine Flores is back to her first love - modelling.

Binibini 21 Racquel Kabigting just auditioned for Bodyshots 2014

Binibini 6 Anabel Christine Tia is back in Ozamiz City where she recently re-activated her art/cooking/dancing classes (aptly called Bb. Summer 2014 now) to kids and teens in a much bigger space.

Binibini 28 Carla Lizardo went back to her radio DJ work (seen above being visited by close pals Pia Wurtzbach and Bianca Guidotti) inside the booth. She has also resumed news presenting at PTV4.

Binibini 33 Erika Tilokani has been reuniting with her friends plus officially graduating from her course at Rizal Technological University.

Binibini 14 Emma Tiglao is also back to modeling like the hair-designing stint she did above for Maggie Wilson-Consunji.

Binibini 16 Zahara Soriano has also resumed work accepting modelling and promo gigs like the one she did for Smart above.

Binibini 10 Shauna Indra Curran (shown above with her father Bruce) has returned to Baguio to manage the family business.

Binibini 31 Angelique de Leon has returned to job hunting and is actually considering/deciding on a few good offers by now. She might even get an endorsement offer soon.

Binibini 32 Jeslyn Santos just spent the past weeks in Hagonoy, Bulacan before resuming her modeling assignments here in Manila.

Binibini 20 Kenneth Santiago is still keeping her 3feety shoe business alive while training at Philippine Airlines.

Binibini 34 Leonalyn dela Cruz has touched base with her auditing job again, but has also screened for Bodyshots 2014.

Binibini 29 KC Halili (2nd from right) will be resuming her Medical studies at UST.

Binibini 15 Kimverlyn Suiza has returned to work behind the camera.

The Instagram update of mentor Arnold Mercado above should give us a hint on what Binibini 17 Diana Arevalo could be up to next.

As for Binibini 8 Pia Wurtzbach, she has beautifully moved on from the Binibini experience and is currently mulling over other career options, like a resumption of her showbiz life perhaps?

So as you can see, these ladies have already learned to let go of the Binibini dream for now. Real life beckons and it’s time to process the next chapters of their individual journeys.

By the way, you can also add up developments about the other unfeatured Binibinis by replying below.. :-)

Jeslyn Santos promoting the search for Reyna ng Bulacan 2014

The experience during Bb. Pilipinas 2014 may not have been fruitful in terms of a crown, but it definitely yielded a wealth of training and polishing that should allow her to move on to Miss World Philippines 2014 with more confidence and grace. The question is, will the House of JDV enter her name for the latter?

I have a strong hunch we’ll see Jeslyn queuing for Ms. Cory Quirino’s pageant towards the end of this month. ;-)

From this group of thirty, 20 Official Contenders will be chosen for Pinay Beauty Queen Academy.

Three familiar faces who joined the reality show.

Former Binibinis Jeslyn Santos and Joana Angelica Romero from Bb. Pilipinas 2014, plus Miss Philippines Earth 2014 Top 10 finisher Leslie Ann Pine from San Leonardo, N.E. have been seen slugging it out with the other enlisters who will most likely make it to the next cut and be part of the show.

Will they achieve the fame and fortune they missed in their respective national pageants and become stronger and more confident beauties after the show is over?

That we’ll have to see. Anyways, good luck to all three girls! :-)

Above are four of the 1st round glamshots for Pinay Beauty Queen Academy

Remember Janelle Olafson? She’s the girl who won Ms. EcoTourism Philippines-The Mossimo Bikini Summit 2011.

Remember Pircelyn Pialago? She’s the girl who represented Dalaguete, Cebu in Miss Philippines Earth 2014 and who got her 15 minutes of fame via the “she passed away” comment when a fellow candidate (Leslie Ann Pine) fainted during the swimsuit competition.

Remember Jeslyn Santos? She’s my kababayan from Hagonoy, Bulacan who was Binibini 32 during Bb. Pilipinas 2014 and was originally crowned in the province for MWP2014 but decided to do this reality program instead.

Remember Joana Angelica Romero? She’s the Bicolana more popularly called Binibini 3 during Bb. Pilipinas 2014 and is more interested now to explore the possibility of a TV career than otherwise.

They are just four of the twenty-one beauties who made it to the program proper and who will be seen in the show once it starts airing on GMA News TV soon. Check out their Facebook page to get updates on telecast dates. ;-)

Winners all (L-R) Reyna ng Bulacan 2nd runner up Diane Abigail Santiago of Obando; Bodyshots Bulacan May Ann Singh of Bustos; Reyna ng Turismo Bulacan Wilma Balatbat of Marilao; Miss Philippines-Earth Bulacan Jesas Aniceto of City of Malolos; Bb. Bulacan 2014 Vianca Louise Marcelo of Bocaue; Miss Philippines–World Bulacan Rickie Mae Bernabe of Baliwag; Miss Grand International Bulacan Edenielle Rio Domingo of Hagonoy; Festival Queen of Bulacan Blessing Sison of City of Meycauayan; and First Runner up Dianne Punzal of Norzagaray. (Photo credit: Joselito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

I’ve always been amused with the annual Reyna ng Bulacan Beauty Contest, and the way they assign specific national pageants to their top winners even if such are not strictly followed once their respective competitions start screening applicants.

Just look at the 2013 results where Vessica Sambo was picked for Bb. Pilipinas, Jeslyn Santos for Miss World Philippines and Sarah Jireh Asido for Mutya ng Pilipinas/Miss Tourism International. We know that all three of them – by way of The House of JDV – applied for and were accepted as Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2014. After that, two of them no longer bothered with their assignments anymore, just like Geisha de Leon who was originally earmarked for MPE2014 but was a no-show. It’s a good thing that Aira Inoue took to hers and still joined Bodyshots Philippines 2014 – her original regionally-sashed title.

Below are the seven crowned winners. Let’s if they will be pageant-specific for 2015 or if Bb. Pilipinas will be their only contest of choice.

Reyna ng Bulacan 2014 Winners (Photo credit: Joselito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

Congratulations to all the Reyna ng Bulacan 2014 titleholders! :-)

Watch out for this reality beauty pageant search on GMA News TV beginning October 4!

Host Ali Forbes with some of the hopefuls

Hosted by Miss Grand International 2013 3rd Runner-up and Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-up Ali Forbes, the show will have four (4) respected mentors – Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss World 1973 1st Runner-up Evangeline Pascual, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1985 Joyce Ann Burton-Titular and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1982 Maria Isabel Lopez – who will each be assigned their team of wannabes similar to what is being done by the US/UK program “The Face”.

Six of the familiar faces in the show (clockwise from top left:) Janelle Olafson, Jeslyn Santos, Joana Angelica Romero, Pircelyn Pialago, Steffy Gerona and Leslie Ann Pine

Let’s set aside our doubts and give this show a chance, dear readers. Who knows, it might even turn out better than expected. :-)

P.S. By the way, you can support your favorite Pinay Beauty Queen Academy contender by texting PINAY(Number of Candidate) and send to 2929.

Remember Jeslyn Santos from Bb. Pilipinas 2014 and Pinay Beauty Queen Academy Season 1? Well, the girl from Hagonoy, Bulacan (my hometown) who was discovered by John dela Vega of Team JDV will now realize her dream of representing the country in an international pageant. She will be Miss Philippines during Miss World Peace 2015 which will happen in Hong Kong and culminate in the grand finals at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on September 26.

This hardworking Bulakenya has really paid her dues in the local pageant world. And by now, she will already have been a fully-trained entrant for the bigger competition abroad. Jeslyn’s experience during the Bb. Pilipinas Pageant and the long, arduous challenges during PBQA have equipped her with the right mental and physical framework to do well in Hong Kong.

I wish you all the best, Jeslyn! :-D

Miss World Peace Philippines 2015 Jeslyn Santos

Our pretty Bulakenya is aiming for a crown-worthy performance once there. And she wants to be 100% ready for the finals at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on September 26.

Best of luck, Jeslyn! :-)

Jeslyn doing her training at Gold's Gym (Photo credit: Angelo Mendez)

Miss World Peace Philippines 2015 Jeslyn Santos (left) and Miss United Continents Philippines 2015 Anabel Christine Tia during an event in Malolos, Bulacan

Proudly wearing their crowns and sashes

Anabel will be leaving soon for Guayaquil, Ecuador to wear the Philippine sash in Miss United Continents 2015. Jeslyn, on the other hand, will follow by next month and travel to nearer Hong Kong for Miss World Peace 2015 which will have its finals at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

I will follow their individual routes online to see how well they will represent the Philippines abroad. Hopefully, both or at least one of them will bring home the proverbial bacon.

Best of luck, ladies! :-D

Hong Kong and Ecuador, watch out for these ladies!

Jeslyn Santos displays her NatCos for Miss World Peace Pageant (Photo credit: Lito Caleon for Fabmanilaph)

Jeslyn, an alumna of Bb. Pilipinas and Pinay Beauty Queen Academy, was in high spirits and all-around excited to finally go into an overseas pageant mission for the Philippines. And handler John dela Vega couldn’t be prouder of how he was able to prepare and transform the lovely Bulakenya for the competition.

Let us wish Jeslyn Santos all the best in Miss World Peace Pageant 2015! Do us proud, girl! :-D

Miss Philippines Jeslyn Santos in various shots for Miss World Peace Pageant 2015 in Hong Kong

Will Jeslyn do well to bring an additional international pageant victory for the Philippines in the competition? We’ll see later this week (September 26 to be exact) if she has been doing enough to nail a win.

Best of luck, my kababayan!

Good luck, Jeslyn!

Jeslyn Santos: back for a second serving of Bb. Pilipinas?

This year, and after turning over the crown of Bb. Republica Filipina to her successor just recently, Jeslyn is reported to be making a second trip to Bb. Pilipinas. I kidded her in person about it, and she just gave me a meaningful smile. Must be true, I reckon. She is a far more prepared contender now compared to her first try. I’m interested to see how much she has really grown as a pageant competitor. After all, it doesn’t happen often that someone from my provincial hometown would step it up for the nationals.

Good luck, Jeslyn! ;-)

Clearer skies for Jeslyn Santos in Bb. Pilipinas 2016?

Pride of Bulacan both, Mark Louie Bornilla and Cariza Francisco

Here now is an exclusive interview I made with the two. They may have entirely different personalities to show, but the pride in their twin achievements is certainly brimming in their answers.

1) Did it matter that you both represented the Province of Bulacan in winning the titles? Didn’t you feel uneasy that it was a sweep?
Mark Louie: The competition was not easy. For me, it didn’t matter that we both represent the province of Bulacan because we both gave our best to win the titles. At first, I felt really uncomfortable that it was a sweep for Bulacan winning both titles because people might think that it was a “cooking contest” but in the end I just smiled at them because I gave my very best and I deserved wearing the crown.
Cariza:At first yes as I know that others may say it was only because of homecourt advantage that we won. But I really gave my best in the competition and based on my performance that night, I know and madaming nagsabi na I deserve it.

2) How do you take the responsibility of being the role models for 2016 and hopefully beyond that?
Mark Louie: Role Models are a facet of everyday life. I take full responsibility of being a role model by boosting young people’s motivation. By being their educator, leader, and even just an ordinary person encountered in everyday life. A true model is not the person with best title or the greatest fame to his/her name but anyone that inspires a child to achieve their potential in life.
Cariza:It was a big responsibility and I started being conscious with myself. I try to make sure that everyday, I am a good influence to others.

3) What are your personal advocacies and how do you plan to implement them?
Mark Louie: As a person who loves nature, my first personal advocacy is to protect our Mother Earth. We all know that we are now suffering climate change and natural disturbances that affect us. So the first thing that we all must do is the simple proper segregation of garbage. By that, we can prevent pollutions, flash floods and other calamities. Second is to inform the other Filipino youth how important Malolos Republic is. It gave us the freedom and voice that we are experiencing until now. Today, I’m still studying every part of our history specially the Malolos Republic to have enough knowledge so that I can spread and share to my fellow youth its importance. Sabi nga ni Hon. Mayor Christian Natividad,” HINDI LANG DAPAT MALOLOS ANG NAGDIRIWANG NG FIRST REPUBLIC, DAPAT AY BUONG BANSA”.
Cariza:My personal advocacy is yung mas mabuhay pa ang kasaysayan at mas mapabigyang halaga ang Malolos Republic. Madami kasi sa atin ang hindi lang aware sa mga ganitong kaimportanteng bagay. I’ll start by using social media.

4) If you are given the chance to campaign for a politician or party list for the upcoming national elections, what will be your foremost concern for the youth today?
Mark Louie: My foremost concern for the youth today is about education and employment. Because I know that education equips everyone with knowlegde and skills in order to suffice the job demands.
Cariza:Education. I still believe in the words of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal na ‘Ang kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan’ and I will encourage them to give more importance to education.

5) What makes the two of you the best representatives of Fiesta Republica?
Mark Louie: Maybe because I know the history of the first republic and the participation of Bulacan in our history. I can also say that I’m prepared for the pageant and I really did my best to win and i think that makes me the best representative of Fiesta Republika.
Cariza:For me, it is my eagerness to be a beauty queen and an advocate of the Philippines.

6) What advice can you give your fellow candidates who did not win to make their participation in G&BB Republica Filipina more meaningful?
Mark Louie: To my fellow candidates who did not win, all I can say to them is, if they failed to win this pageant just try again because it’s not the end of their career. Always remember that FAIL stands for F-irst A-ttempt I-n L-earning, so take this pageant as a stepping stone to improve themselves and aim higher.
Cariza:We did not join the pageant just to win, we joined because we want to be a part of history. And as part of it, win or lose, it is our duty to serve others and bring to life the importance of Malolos Republic.

7) How are Mark Louie and Cariza as ordinary young individuals? How normal are you on a daily basis?
Mark Louie: Me as an ordinary individual? I’m just a simple man who loves dogs (pitbulls), enjoys adventures (biking, hiking and trekking), goes to the gym and also likes to inspire others by giving them advices and some “hugot lines” hehe.. On a daily basis, my routine is to wake up late in the morning then feed my dogs then talk and play with them, then prepare and cook for my lunch then I read my manga till afternoon (it’s like a comic book in cellphone), go to gym for two hours and then ride my fixie bike at night.
Cariza: I am an Engineering student so most of the time nag aaral po ako and active din po ako sa mga educational training programs. I also make sure I have quality time with friends and family.

 

Mark Louie and Cariza by Edmund Chua of Fabmanilaph

 

Mark Louie and Cariza have relatively big steps to fill after their predecessors Wize Estabillo and Jeslyn Santos have made good achievements during their reign. The former is now a Flight Attendant of Philippine Airlines for its international routes, while the latter went on to represent the country in the inaugural edition of Miss World Peace in Hong Kong.

I have no doubt in my mind, though, that the two Prides of Bulacan can also mold their own destinies in a way that will make their fellow Bulakenyos proud of what they are capable of doing during their reign. :-)

The Forty (40) Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2016 in group shots taken by Bruce Casanova.

Front row (left to right): Anjellica Lopez, Paula Rich Bartolome, Maria Lina Anil Prongoso, Jessica Gonzales, Marlan Flores, Angela Ritter Valdez, Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz, Vina Openiano, Daziella Gange, Angelique de Leon, Leonalyn Dela Cruz, Jeslyn Santos, Christianne Ysh Ramos, Jennyline Carla Malpaya, Janelle Olafson, Jehza Huelar, Jennifer Hammond, Crescent Anne F. Samaco, Kimberle Mae Penchon and Aniger Wiji C. Cruz.

Back row (left to right): Mariella Castillo, Kristine Angeli Estoque, Nichole Manalo, Joanna Louise Eden, Alexandra Faith Garcia, Maria Gigante, Apriel Smith, Nicole Cordoves, Kim Ross delos Santos, Maria Mika Maxine Medina, Kylie Verzosa, Sheena Seinne Bolaños Dalo, Dindi Pajares, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Angela Lauren Fernando, Loren Artajos, Angelita Angel Tripp Alita, Riana Pangindian, Tatiana Maher and Roshiela Navarro Tobias.

Congratulations, Binibinis!

Here is another group shot of the ladies from Bruce Casanova:

These six beauties come from the smaller pageant training groups for Bb. Pilipinas 2016

John Dela Vega of Team JDV who has Jeslyn Santos and Christianne Ramos making it.

RL de Leon Lacanienta of R-L’s Angels for getting in Angelique de Leon and Daziella Gange.

The siblings Jontie & Nickky Martinez of Galatea for stepping it up for Jennyline Carla Malpaya and Leonalyn dela Cruz

Truth be told, each one of them can give really good fights in the competition despite being the Davids to the Goliaths of Aces & Queens and KF. During last Friday’s screenings, in fact, Angelique de Leon (for her wit and joie-de-vivre), Jeslyn Santos (for her much improved version) and Jennyline Carla Malpaya (for her very exotic features and color) registered very well among members of the panel.

Also, you just cannot simply count out Daziella Gange who is Miss Heritage Pilipinas 2015 (she represented us and placed 1st Runner-Up during Miss Heritage in South Africa), Christianne Ramos who is Miss Charity Queen Philippines 2015 (she represented us during Miss Charity Queen International 2015 in Taiwan) and Leonalyn dela Cruz, a Professional Model who has vastly gained a lot of experience on the ramp to strut her way more confidently.

Who will shine bright? JDV, R-L or Galatea?

We shall see! ;-)

Who do you see shining among them?

Remember the 40 names and faces of our Official Candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2016 now because you can never tell if each one of them will stay in the game till the day of the Finals come April 17. You see, previous editions have seen one, two or three (hopefully not more) backing out or getting disqualified and replaced posthaste. The reasons vary – from conflicts with endorsement contracts to prior commitments that could no longer be avoided to questions about submitted documents to citizenship issues or, quite simply, not being able to take in all the demands and pressures that come with being a Binibini.

Daily behavior – and that includes lack of punctuality, frequent absences, innate laziness, irritating tantrums and stubbornness habitual in nature – are given premium demerits by the people in charge of supervising their pageant-related affairs.

True. It ain’t easy getting in. And even more true. It ain’t easy keeping up with the pre-pageant stress. So by the time the new winners get to be crowned, the deserving ladies take their spots because they have earned their stripes the hard way.

Consider Bb. Pilipinas a boot camp stricter than the pageant trainers prior to joining. It will strive to weed out the undesirables and zero in on the most deserving to represent the Philippines internationally.

After all, other countries are not looking up to us for nothing. We know how to play the game well. And the organizers are fiercely equipped with the right kind of whips to shape up a Binibini into a full-pledged Binibining Pilipinas. :-)

Look at them now.

Consecutively by numbers now: Aniger, Riana, Daziella, Leonalyn, Loren and Angel

Consecutively by numbers now: Angela V., Marlanne, Tatiana, Jennyline, Crescent and Nichole

Consecutively by numbers now: Roshiela, Jehza, Angela F., Angelique, Edjelyn and Sheena

Consecutively by numbers now: Vina, Kimberle Mae, Priscilla, Kim Ross, Maxine and Apriel

Consecutively by numbers now: Dindi, Kylie, Mariella, Jeslyn, Nicole and Jennifer

Consecutively by numbers now: Joanna, Anjellica, Kristine and Janel