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All posts for the month March, 2017

#Binibini37 Sammie Anne Legaspi: “…I want to be the classic Queen with a twist…”

Posted by Norman on March 31, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Despite all the trials at the onset, your #Binibini37 is still standing up firmly

Sammie Anne at Manhattan Garden City

Very few people outside BPCI are aware that your #Binibini37 Sammie Anne Legaspi went through an ordeal after being chosen as one of the Official Candidates. She was on the brink of being asked to resign or withdraw due to an existing contract she signed with Miss Global Philippines where still reigns as 2nd Runner-Up. While her joining Bb. Pilipinas was not a big issue for the organization of the latter, she still needed to secure release papers and start her journey as a Binibini on a clean slate. This is where it got tricky because a deadline was set on when she needed to submit the said document, and the authorized signatories were still unavailable at the time. But by sheer determination, she was able to deliver on the eve of March 21. So when Press Presentation unraveled the day after, she was still part of the roster – regardless of whether she still looked unrehearsed with the choreography onstage.

Sammie Anne answered two questions from your blogger. Believe me, her outpouring of emotions was so long that I had to do some edits, as follows:

Anne (2nd from left) obviously missed the steps in choreography during the Press Presentation


1) How does it really feel like to almost lose the chance to be a Binibini – that is #Binibini37 – among all the candidates this year? How were you able to pull yourself through the obstacles that came in the way?

“To be honest, Tito Norman, I felt like I almost died the moment they told me that I might not be part of the competition anymore. The first thing that came into my mind was “where will I go? Am I going back to Carmona, Cavite where I am currently living or will I go straight to Ilocos Sur to explain everything. But then the second question really hit me so hard. “How am I going to explain everything if I wanted to protect the parties involved?”

I was so down and I was not able to hide my emotions those times. It was really painful. It wasn’t just about myself but all the people behind the whole journey. So I went back and as I watched the girls doing their rehearsal for our Press Presentation, I asked myself. “Is this worth fighting for and if so, why? After that moment, I told myself, “I can’t let them down, I can’t just sit here like a cry baby.” So I asked for one last chance and with the help of my camp (KF) and all the people who believed in me, I was able to get back on track…”

2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?

“Before joining Binibini, I told myself that all of the girls are beautiful, smart and talented. So what will be my edge in standing out among them?

Being a beauty queen is like walking perfectly even if your feet hurts, looking like photo-ready even if you’re sick and smiling with sincerity despite all of the bashers. But it does not mean that beauty queens are hypocrites. We are doing it because it is a sign that we are strong enough to turn negative things into positive ones. This is how I see myself as a beauty queen. I want to be the classic Queen with a twist. I want to show them that it is not bad to show who you really are. Stop pretending like somebody else and start opening myself like a blooming flower with thorns that symbolize my strength. Be that flower who can give light and shine to others. I am not afraid to show my flaws and admit my faults for I was created as a human being who is continuously growing and learning in the field of life.


I deserve to be a queen because I will not figuratively put the crown upon my head but place it on top of my heart…”

Win or lose, Anne believes that everything works according to God’s plan for her


Please keep on supporting your #Binibini37 Sammie Anne Legaspi in the Miss Photogenic voting. She may not be as popular as the others yet, but you know that in a contest like the nationals, surprises are always common once the final results are in.

Who knows? This Ilocana might pull a hat trick when it matters most. 🙂

#Binibini2 Arienne Calingo: “…I am committed and ready, and I am a woman of substance.”

Posted by Norman on March 31, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Your #Binibini2 Arienne Louise Calingo is committed and ready for Bb. Pilipinas


If there is a public forum/debate portion in Bb. Pilipinas, then count your #Binibini2 Arienne Louise Calingo as one of the best speakers among the Official Candidates. She has such a fluid mind that thinking on her feet is already a given. And that, my dear readers, is one quality that charms me about a Binibini even more. Her gift of gab may come off too serious for some, but trust this lady to quickly shift her style of speech to adapt to what the general public is clamoring for.

As is usual in this 2nd round of features, I asked Arienne two questions and she didn’t need the luxury of time to give me her replies:

1) A good number of pageant fans have picked you as one of the several favorites for this year’s titles. But still, you cannot do away with the doubters. What can they expect from you within the next few weeks to erase their reservations and become Arienne converts?

“I have some different surprises and ideas in mind that I hope I can bring to fruition! I’ve been practicing for the talent competition and recently finalized my choreography. I can’t wait to perform my ballet en pointe routine. Another factor that I feel makes me unique is my deep passion for learning different languages. I plan on showcasing my language skills in some special way, so please look out for that! Lastly, I have been practicing everyday for my favorite portion of the competition: Question & Answer. I really hope that I will be able to provide a powerful, relatable, and grand answer on Coronation Night, if given the opportunity. Overall, I have been preparing for the pageant using a very holistic approach. I seek to convey that I am committed and ready, and I am a woman of substance.”>

2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?

“It would be a great honor to represent our beautiful country on an international level. I’m not just vying for the crown; it is much more than that. I am vying for the opportunity to serve as an inspiration, as well as to share my advocacy–education reform–on a national and, eventually, international scale. The crown opens many opportunities. I genuinely seek to use these opportunities to reach out to the youth and represent our countrymen with pride, honor, and dignity. I had read that the Miss Universe Organization is looking for someone who possesses confidence, intelligence, personality, style, and grace. I believe that I can offer all these factors, coupled with a genuine heart to serve my fellow Filipinos.”

“…I am a woman of substance” states your #Binibini2


It really doesn’t take a lot to make your #Binibini2 get up on her feet and speak about herself with such unbridled enthusiasm. And chances are, she will handle all scheduled interviews in an impressive manner. She only needs to be given the spotlight to do just that.

In a game of basketball, the phrase “ball is on your court” is something that applies to Arienne. Once she gets the opportunity to flaunt her skills, she can be relentless.

As for the Miss Photogenic voting of Bb. Pilipinas 2017, keep on throwing in your support for #Binibini2 by visiting the pageant’s FB page or via Choicely. 🙂

Ready for take-off | Your #Binibini18 Nelda Ibe

Posted by Norman on March 30, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Nelda Ibe as a pilot and your #Binibini18


Your #Binibini18 Nelda Ibe is definitely one of the more – if not the most – empowered contenders of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 in terms of profession. As a cadet pilot, she already completed her first solo flight. And as an Official Candidate, she is ready to take off and spread her wings wider as she pursues a national beauty title to add up to her credentials.

I cornered this tall Tarlaqueña to answer two questions for this blog feature.

1) How does it really feel to be tagged the Binibini with one of the most empowering professions among all 40? Do you think this will give you a clear advantage?

“Choosing a career in a still male-dominated field has given me this chance to inspire and motivate other women to go for their dreams or aspirations no matter what the obstacles are It is fulfilling to be a Bb. Pilipinas candidate because it gives me this oppurtunity to reach out to other women….in a way, being a pilot has developed my sense of discipline and competitiveness which are also plus factors in my pursuit for a crown. But I don’t really put in mind that I have the most empowering profession among my co-binibinis as what others think. However, if people believe that I am, well it’s really flattering for me because it gives me pride and honor.
Everyone has an equal chance to win any of the crowns and I know that our professions have a big role to people’s impressions about us. But to claim a clear advantage, it’s not that easy. I really have to prove that I wear what I am.”

Nelda (leftmost) shares the frame with Rachel and Christa


2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?

“I believe I represent the modern Filipina and I have the attributes of a true Binibini..I am driven, I am passionate about my goals, I am socially aware and I respond to the need for each one of us to be an active force in promoting worthy causes. If given the chance to represent the Philippines in an international pxageant, I will show them that I am a proud Pinay who will definitely fly high to greater heights!”

Don’t forget to support your #Binibini18 Nelda Ibe in the popularity voting for Miss Photogenic – not only because she represents the new breed of the Binibini, but mainly due to the fact she is just as crown-worthy as the rest. 🙂

#Binibini15 Mariel de Leon: “…I can show people a different kind of beauty queen if I win…”

Posted by Norman on March 30, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Full steam ahead for your #Binibini15 Mariel de Leon!


Unlike last year when the Miss Universe Philippines title is being strongly tossed between two ladies – Maxine Medina and Kylie Verzosa – the battle for 2017 is shaping up to be a race among 3-4 (even more) ladies for the highest honor. One of those in strong contention is your #Binibini15 Maria Angelica “Mariel” de Leon who is definitely eyeing the biggest prize in the nationals. She wants to be Miss Philippines in the 66th Miss Universe which still remains unclear as to when and where it will be hosted.

I tracked down Mariel to answer two questions for this 2nd round of features for the ladies. Here are her answers:

1) Pageant fans have installed you as one of the favorites for this year’s titles. But still, you cannot do away with the doubters. What can they expect from you within the next few weeks to erase their reservations and become Mariel converts?

“The people who doubt me can expect the fire within me to grow and grow more as the days in Binibini go by. I can really feel in my heart that I will win a crown this year. That fire and passion within me will show through my hard work and perseverance. Those doubters will then see how much I want it and how much I’m willing to work for it and that would erase all their reservations about me.”

2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?

“I believe I should be one of the Bb Pilipinas title holders because I can show people a different kind of beauty queen if I win. A kind that isn’t afraid to voice her opinions even if it may not be the popular and safe opinion. A kind that isn’t afraid to get her hands and feet dirty in order to help others. A kind that isn’t afraid to really be herself and teach others to love and accept themselves first before anything else.”

Mariel is dead serious about winning a Bb. Pilipinas crown


The Q&A above may be brief, but you can already sense the iron-clad determination in Mariel to go for a clear victory. She will not let herself slack down during unguarded moments, and the might will grow even strong in the weeks to come.

Let’s see how the first half of April will unfold for your #Binibini15 Mariel de Leon. In the meantime, keep supporting her in the Miss Photogenic voting of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 on the FB page of the pageant or via Choicely.

Photo-Blog: The Binibinis visit Manhattan Garden City at The Araneta Center

Posted by Norman on March 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

MCPI and Empire East President and CEO Atty Anthony Charlemagne Yu welcomed the Binibinis

Arienne Calingo and Benjieleen Nama

Joselle Mariano and Maria Gail Tobes

Dane Felisse Marasigan and Leitz Camyll Ang

Camille Manalo, Angelique de Leon and Benjieleen Nama

Jamaica Ambal and Rachel Peters

Juliana Kapeundl and Kristel Guelos

Maria Angelica de Leon

See if you can identify all of them around the circle

Dindi Pajares for Manhattan Garden City

This is one of the more important sponsor visits of the Binibinis every year as Manhattan Garden City at The Araneta Center always plays a major part in the holding of the pageant each year. MCPI & Empire East President and CEO Atty. Anthony Charlemagne Yu welcomed all forty ladies to the high-rise property that has significantly changed the skyline of the Cubao commercial area.

All ladies had fun doing the “Best Selfie” contest that the hosts started plus a raffle of some juicy loot bags won by five of them.

As for the next confirmed pre-pageant event this year, mark the date for April 8 as the Talent Competition will be held either at Gateway or Farmers Plaza. After that, there will be a Santacruzan-like parade around Araneta Coliseum on April 22. 🙂

Next Attraction: T’nalak by Bragais™

Posted by Norman on March 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Alaiza Malinao models T’nalak by Bragais™ (Photo by Ahleks Fusilero)


My favorite shoemaker – Jojo Bragais – has just released his latest non-pageant heel creation. This time around, he utilized his creative mind to come up with footwear called T’nalak by Bragais™ – using the indigenous fabric from Mindanao – and pairing it with suede to come up with a boots-like creation that is definitely both unique and eye-catching.

Alaiza Malinao has been tapped to be one of the two main models for T’nalak by Bragais™. And you need to watch out for the photos of Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray as well. Both ladies were photographed by ace lensman Ahleks Fusilero.


Additional credits for the photo of Alaiza Above are Styling: Patrick Henry | Makeup by Mary Letim | Hair by Marky Buenaobra.

Bb. Pilipinas 2017: Who will wear this National Costume among the Binibinis?

Posted by Norman on March 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

One of the National Costumes that got the thumbs up from BPCI during the fittings


Consider this some sort of a delightful guessing game for Bb. Pilipinas 2017. As you all know by now, the National Costume Competition is one big pre-pageant event that allows our local designers to show their world-class talent and creativity onstage. This year, the event will most likely take place on April 22 in a Santacruzan-like presentation of the Binibinis around Araneta Center instead of the usual Parade of Beauties (either on floats or sports cars)

My good designer-friend Adriano Samar from Caticlan is one of those commissioned to dress up the Binibinis, and here is how he described his creation for one of them:

“This is a mermaid-cut Filipiniana gown accentuated with bouffant trail and exaggerated sleeves to add drama and highlight the figure of the wearer. Its’ pañuelo is highlighted with floral embellishments down to its trail to dramatize the mystique and enchanting character of a Filipina.

This Filipiniana gown is 100% made of the finest piña seda handcrafted by the women of Aklan.”

A look at the back of the Adriano Samar creation


As for the question, who will wear this Adriano Samar masterpiece for the National Costume Competition of Bb. Pilipinas 2017?

I will just give you a small hint. This particular Binibini belongs to the first half of the 40. 😉

Two Questions for your #Binibini1 Dane Felisse Marasigan

Posted by Norman on March 29, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

A refresher post for your #Binibini1 Dane Felisse Marasigan


I was really planning to start a second round of interviews with the Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017. But with their already busy schedule and my erratic coverage demands from pageants to product launches and fashion shows, I might not be able to follow through with the good intention to the end. But since I already started with more than a few of the ladies, let us give the space to your #Binibini1 Dane Felisse Marasigan who is always the lead entrant in the events and activities of the competition.

I asked her two (2) simple questions and her answers followed right after each.


1) How does it really feel to be the lead-entering Binibini, that is #Binibini1 among all the candidates this year?

“Honestly, when I was appointed to be Binibini 1, I felt pressured and frustrated because I wanted a higher number (eg 36-40). However, after a week into it, I realized that being first to be called has a lot of advantages. You get to be in front, you get to start the show and set the mood for the rest of the event. Before Madame SMA gave us our official numbers, I prayed to God to give me the best number he could give me. Although Binibini 1 wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, I’m glad I got it because I know God’s plan is greater than my plans. And because of that, I promised myself that whenever I go on stage, I would always set the mood and standards high.”

2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?

“I should be one of the title holders because I’m determined and dedicated to fulfill all the resposibilities of a Bb. Pilipinas queen. I’m committed to do my best to represent our country in an international pageant the best way that I can. I’m devoted to bring honor to our country just like the previous queens and make the whole filipino nation proud.

Thank you for this opportunity, Tito Norman and more power to you!”

Do not forget to support your #Binibini1 Dane Felisse Marasigan in the online and app voting (via Choicely) for Miss Photogenic. She would like to give her thanks in advance for your help. 🙂

Your #Binibini1 Dane Felisse Marasigan during the Press Presentation as she leads the rest of the ladies in all activities

Quick Q&A with your new #Binibini36 Gillian Eliza Colcol

Posted by Norman on March 28, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .


When Gillian Eliza Colcol blew the candles on her 25th birthday cake last Saturday, March 25, I have a feeling that the silent wish she uttered prior was to finally become a Binibini and become the chosen one to fill in the spot left void when Mae Lanie Chan was disqualified. Indeed, in less than two days after, her wish was granted – albeit belated. She now sports pin number 36 in the roster of Official Candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2017.

I immediately got into chatting with Gillian after Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores informed me of the good news and threw in questions that she willingly answered.

1) How does it really feel like to be the replacement Binibini – that is #Binibini36 – among all the candidates this year? Don’t you feel short-changed for coming in late in the game?

It’s an honor for me to be part of the official 40 of Binibining Pilipinas, regardless of how I got in. Yes, I came in late but I refuse to look at it as a disadvantage. This is my first pageant and I was already feeling lucky to have been part of the Top 55. And after getting eliminated last February 28, it stirred up a desire to try out again and win a title, and not just joining for the sake of experience.

Now that I am the new Binibini 36, I have been given an opportunity to finish what I’ve started. Plus, I’ve been told that people are talking about me, which I think is an advantage!

2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them when everyone else has already gotten a lot of lead time in the competition?

I should be a Binibining Pilipinas titleholder because I know that I can represent my country well in an international pageant and I will work very hard for it! I have so much love for the Filipino people that I want to uplift their spirits, make them proud, and inspire them to pursue goodness in our society.

3. How do you plan to make the most of the remaining weeks of Bb Pilipinas?

As the new Binibini 36, I will cherish each moment and make each day count by putting my best foot forward to win the crowd, the judges and hopefully a Binibining Pilipinas title.

One can definitely feel the excitement brewing inside Gillian Eliza Colcol. She is more than ready to battle it out with the 39 other Binibinis. And mind you, she is not looking at herself as a filler, but a potential winner.

Best of luck, #Binibini36! 🙂

Bb. Pilipinas 2017: The Binibinis invade Camayan Beach

Posted by Norman on March 28, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

The Binibinis in a group shot in Camayan Beach Resort in Subic Bay (Photo credit: Alco Guerrero)

Jennifer, Angelica, Joanna and Nichole joined the Binibinis

Late last week, the Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 went to Subic Bay for teambuilding and the shoot of the pageant primer (by ABS-CBN). They were joined by reigning Queens Jennifer Hammond, Joanna Eden, Nichole Manalo and Angelica Alita (left photo). It was a great time for everyone to know each other better and eventually build a sisterhood for this batch. Above is the group photo as shot by Alco Guerrero. Below is the video taken by BPCI’s Gines Enriquez showing the ladies enjoying Camayan Beach Resort.

courtesy of Gines Enriquez