On a 0-100 scale, that is the final mark that I am giving to the collective performance of our six (6) Bb. Pilipinas 2016 titleholders. Using the grade point system of my alma mater – the University of Santo Tomas – the percentage is equivalent to 2.0 or Good. Not bad.
Their individual grades are as follows:
Maxine Medina – 93.02% for placing in the Top 6 of the 65th Miss Universe which had 86 candidates
Kylie Verzosa – 100% for winning Miss International 2016
Jennifer Hammond – 76.19% for placing in the Top 15 of Miss Intercontinental 2016 which had 63 candidates
Joanna Eden – 71.83% for placing in the Top 20 of Miss Supranational 2016 which had 71 candidates
Nicole Cordoves – 97.36% for placing 1st Runner-Up in Miss Grand International 2016 which had 76 candidates
Nichole Manalo – 92% for placing 3rd Runner-Up in The Miss Globe 2016 which had 50 candidates
Honestly, 88.401% won’t be a hard mark to surpass on my performance tally for the next batch of winners. And with the continuous strong showings of our delegates internationally, I am confident that it can be achieved. But that’s getting far ahead of what 2017 has in store for our new Queens.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maxine, Kylie, Jennifer, Joanna, Nicole and Nichole for showing the best of the World-Class Filipinas in the global pageant stage. This is no major tribute but a simple way of showing my appreciation for all your efforts in solidifying the noteworthy performances of the Bb. Pilipinas titleholders.
Re-watch the 65th Miss Universe below, if you will.
courtesy of AxiomaticVids
Will tonight’s Bb. Pilipinas 2017 take inspiration from the above, format-wise? That is the talk in pageant circles as details of the show have allegedly been “leaked” by individuals either directly involved or privy to the production/inner workings of the special project.
So if we are to follow to a certain extent, there will be a Top 25 for the first cut as determined by the closed door interviews held last Thursday. These ladies will do Swimsuits and Evening Gowns.
Afterwards, the information detailed that there will be a cut to Top 15 Q&A (the list now includes one lucky Binibini who will skip the lines and forge ahead by virtue of the People’s Choice Award). Hence, the number of qualifiers dwindle as the competition advances.
So the format could really be 25-to-15, then Q&A then announcement of winners.
Does the alleged new approach excite you, dear readers?
Okay now. Here’s another video you can watch.
Talk is that “Move Your Body” by Sia will be the song used for the opening dance number. While the choreography will not be what you can see above (the steps can get too challenging while wearing Bragais platform heels), I bet that Joan – the person in charge of the moves – has prepared something unique as many of the Binibinis are stage-worthy dancers.
Sneak peek into the dress rehearsals of the Binibinis
Tonight, six (6) of you will bring home the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 crowns, with two (2) runners-up separately flanking both sides. My fervent wish is – to whoever among you will be destined to win – please remain just the way you are. As Confucius says, “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues”. Use this as the core value of your reign so that you won’t change. Value every individual along the way to success and embrace the victory with kindness in your hearts. Ralph W. Sockman puts it very clearly:
True humility is intelligent self-respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.
Congratulations in advance to the new Queens!
Below are the latest photos of the Binibinis in Sunfish Swimwear as photographed by Owen Reyes.
Additional credits for the shoot above:
Assisted by Red Sebastian
Makeup by David’s Salon
Styling by Yves Marcelo, Kelvin Quibael, Olive
Accessories by Christopher E Munar, BJ Chavez
Shoes by Jojo Bragais
courtesy of Myra
Aside from the latest TV commercial of Myra E Vitamin above which is frequently being shown on the small screen of late, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014 and Miss Intercontinental 2014 2nd Runner-Up Kris Tiffany Janson has also started co-hosting “PhilRice” on PTV4 – the Government Network – which airs Saturday nights at 10:30PM. The informative show was made in cooperation with the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
You may also get to see Kris on the same network’s “Like Pinas” travel specials done in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency.
During yesterday afternoon’s formal opening of the Ice N Cream by Novotel | Carmen’s Best at the Ground Floor of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, I was able to corner the popular photographer who always shoots the Binibinis in their official pictorials and will definitely be the one in-charge of the photoshoot of the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 winners a day or two after April 30.
From a lensman’s point of view, he singled out five (5) names among the forty (40) ladies after asking him who his favorite subjects are. Without the need to think long, he immediately mentioned the names of Sirene Sutton (just as I had expected) and Mariel de Leon, followed in succession by Charmaine Elima, Larah Grace Lacap and Jehza Huelar. He also included Rachel Peters and Elizabeth Clenci. Except for your #Binibini16 and #Binibini39, the rest are all expected to do well on Coronation Night.
Let us see if Raymond’s preferences will go well with the actual winners. Who knows, he might have found something special in Larah’s and Elizabeth’s photographic faces that we still haven’t seen through his lens. đ
Raymond SaldaĂąa (foreground) accidentally shot by your blogger during yesterday’s Ice N Cream opening at Novotel
The TV telecast of the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Coronation Night over ABS-CBN just got a little boost with the pre-empting of GGV (Gandang Gabi Vice) to give way to an on-the-dot 10pm start of the slightly delayed proceedings from the Araneta Coliseum. This means that it will follow “I Can Do That” immediately. During the meeting with the PR Department of Araneta Center, Inc. and BPCI yesterday afternoon, we were told that the last few segments of the competition will be in sync with what is happening inside the Big Dome in real-time. This should be better than last year when only the actual announcement of winners was in simultaneous live feed.
As I have previously mentioned, your blogger – as a media outlet – is not allowed to post regular updates of the competition here or on my Facebook timeline. Let us wait for everything to unfold because we were also sounded off on a planned twist in the format. I still have no idea what it is (could be about the cut/s or process of elimination/s) so let’s keep the element of surprise going and not spoil the excitement!
The Binibinis during the Ice N Cream Opening at Novotel Manila Araneta Center
Above are my Top 20 Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 before I let go of Dane Felisse, Maria Benjieleen, Ruffa and Sammie Anne to trim down the choices to a manageable field of 16
Late last month, it finally dawned on me how the Philippine pageant sphere has sharply polarized into several competing combinations for the new Bb. Pilipinas 2017 titleholders. Just when I thought that I have assembled an almost perfect batch of titleholders and runners-up, small but significant factors topple what I have already set my mind into using as the strong foundation for my fearless forecast. Thing is, whoever I put on top and in succeeding placements will not necessarily jibe with the differing ideas and opinions of the reading public. So in order to lessen the load of stress bogging down my mind of late, I covered my ears, focused on my personal notes/assessments and came up with what I believe could be my best possible final winning configuration.
Your blogger with independent Binibinis (left to right): Arah, Camille, Clarice and Istie
One factor that I uniquely enjoy as your blogger is the friendship I have established with all of the Binibinis – something that is neither deep nor superficial but enough to give me precious hints as to which six contenders deserve to be glorified in the end. At first, camp affiliations threatened to sway me back and forth. Believe it or not, I consciously distanced myself from both so as to keep my eyes transfixed on the personal merits of each one of them and not be influenced by who handles who or whose clout could be more widespread than the other. I also moved away from the “independent” angle because it only tends to muddle the whole process.
Dear readers, it took me a long time to build the Binibinis included in the first cut of my predictions. Here now are my Top 16 (I couldn’t go lower than this number anymore) for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 arranged according to their assigned numbers first:
My Top 16 in their National Costumes
#Binibini2 Arienne Louise Calingo
#Binibini10 Jehza Huelar
#Binibini12 Angelique Celine de Leon
#Binibini13 Sirene Sutton
#Binibini15 Maria Angelica de Leon
#Binibini17 Maria Camille Manalo
#Binibini18 Nelda Ibe
#Binibini19 Rachel Peters
#Binibini20 Christagale Borja
#Binibini21 Jamaica Elysse Ambal
#Binibini22 Chanel Olive Thomas
#Binibini24 Dindi Pajares
#Binibini31 Katarina Rodriguez
#Binibini32 Charmaine Elima
#Binibini38 Ana Patricia Asturias
#Binibini39 Elizabeth Clenci
You know too well that nobody can make instant guesses on who are guaranteed to ace the Q&A. But if your main basis is the ABS-CBN Primer shown last Sunday night (watch sample videos below), then it would be safe to speculate that a good majority of the sixteen Binibinis above will acquit themselves very well; unless, the unexpected happens and those deemed to easily deliver will buckle under extreme pressure. videos courtesy of Pageanthologist Network
There is that one crucial minute where anything can happen. It may depend on which judge will ask the question or what question will be asked of a particular candidate. However at this juncture, the favored ones are already starting to shape up as the eventual winners and they simply need to give a decent job of answering. One or two may surprise the judges and the audience, but if they don’t belong to the “initially chosen” (keep in mind that the closed door panel interviews conducted yesterday were of utmost importance), then the anticipated judges’ deliberations (in the presence of key BPCI Officials) afterwards seal (or unseal) whatever their placements will be once and for all.
Before moving on, let me make mention of the 9th and 10th placers on my list who nearly entered the winners’ circle but were still edged out due to the high level of competitiveness and consistency in this batch. They are Katarina Rodriguez and Arienne Louise Calingo, respectively.
My Top 8 in reverse order I placed Sirene Sutton and Dindi Pajares as my 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively. I need not explain the importance of these two positions. With no titles – save for the status of being ladies-in-waiting – to show off, they can immediately rejoin the following year and capitalize on their inclusion in the winners’ circle for around 10 months. Both ladies are crown-worthy, but given the company of Binibinis they are stuck with in this edition, I wouldn’t mind seeing them compete again in 2018. Sirene still needs to comfortably get out of the professional model look and mold that sticks to her skin like an ultra-adhesive glue. Dindi, on the other hand, has stayed the same way as last year – brightly competitive but still missing that one note to fully break into the game of crowns.
For the six titles, I have narrowed down the selection to an equal number – Maria Angelica de Leon, Charmaine Elima, Rachel Peters, Nelda Ibe, Chanel Olive Thomas and Jehza Huelar.
I can see #Binibini10 getting the Miss Globe Philippines crown from Nichole Manalo. Jehza Huelar has proven that – inspite of having such a strong lineup to deal with – she can still rise to the occasion and pocket a victory. She has really leveled up from 2016. I may have pinned her to the least aspired sash among the most victorious, but it is an achievement that will stay in her credentials forever. What’s more, her easy-to-work-with attitude is a trait that needs no further proof to the organization.
Chanel Olive Thomas is my pick for Grand International. This one is the result of a very close tussle between her and Arienne Louise Calingo (whose fluency in Thai is an edge nobody else can claim to. It is her biggest ace to get on the good side of Nawatt Itsaragrisil in the bigger mission up ahead). But Chanel has a playful charm and cheerful disposition that she can use to her advantage. Given that both ladies can express themselves better than most, this is what the Fil-Aussie displayed to nose out the multi-lingual Kapampangan.
Supranational-wise, Nelda Ibe is the lady I can see taking the spot soon-to-be-vacated by Joanna Eden. It’s no secret among some near-insiders that this gorgeous natural beauty (she can proudly state her enhancement-free status if need be) is one of those wearing a halo (since Day 1 almost) of admiration from those who matter. She could easily upset the stronger favorites if getting into auto-pilot mode (pun intended) can be avoided. I can honestly see her making waves in Poland or any other European country where Miss Supranational 2017 will be hosted. She has always mesmerized me during our encounters, and relying only on photographs to size up her chances will be doing a great disservice to what she is capable of delivering up close and personal.
I have placed Rachel Peters for the Intercontinental assignment for more than two weeks now. The competition abroad remains unpredictable in terms of their choice for a big winner. And I still believe that Jennifer Hammond was unfairly upended in Sri Lanka last year. So sending your #Binibini19 to whichever part of the globe the next edition of Miss Intercontinental will take place in should be a good risk to take since she has the qualities that could make the organizers sit up and take notice, the same way they did when Christi McGarry competed and placed 1st Runner-Up. Who knows, she could just really be what the Doctor ordered in the game – a woman of racial mix with the right amount of saucy allure.
And now we’re down to the two highest titles of the Bb. Pilipinas season – Universe and International. Two beautiful ladies stand before me, each with their distinct pluses to make it as the last two Binibinis standing – Maria Angelica de Leon and Charmaine Elima. Anyone of the two would make an excellent representative to the 66th Miss Universe, the same way that either one of them can go fast and furious for a still impossible back-to-back win in Japan for Miss International. So who stays longer and be kept in suspense as to where Iris Mittenaere will crown her successor? And who goes with Kylie Verzosa to Tokyo and be constantly pressured in competing for a title that her compatriot is currently holding?
Maxine Medina moves forward and stops on the side of your #Binibini15 and leaves Charmaine Elima in the arms of Miss International 2016. Except for the unstinting focus and dedication to win, Maine is like the antithesis of Kylie Verzosa in more ways than one. And I’m all for taking the risk of sending a safe opposite of the reigning winner to Japan.
Photo credit: Erwin Totanes Oning
Maria Angelica de Leon, you are the new Miss Universe Philippines for me! It is you who I can see being dramatically transformed for the Universe. That is where I am pulling out all my defense in your favor. And the achievable vision is starting to excite me. This much I can say – your detractors ain’t seen nothing yet.
Putting it all together, my winners for Bb. Pilipinas 2017
P.S. This is such a long narrative of predictions. If only I possessed the power of reading minds, I would immediately look at Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta and make this exercise short and sweet. But thank you for staying up with me. The finals this Sunday will definitely be a nail-biter. After all, media is not allowed to post any kind of live updates in whatever form in deference to the exclusive rights of ABS-CBN to broadcast the finals on TV. If at any, it will give your blogger the chance to watch without constantly grabbing the iPhone or tablet to post sashay-by-sashay happenings inside the Araneta Coliseum. First report on the winners should be posted by 2am of May 1 the earliest. đ
Binibini 1 Dane Felisse Marasigan (wearing Rau Uson-Ablaza) for the People’s Choice Award
Just as I expected, there is a renewed excitement in supporting the Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 after yesterday’s launch of the Smart/Voyager tie-up for the fan votes of the competition, or the People’s Choice Award if you will.
Just take Binibini 1 Dane Felisse Marasigan, for example. Her fans and supporters have started moving with the campaign to help her get the SMS votes to automatically crack the Top 15. To do that using your Smart, Globe and TM numbers, just text BB1 and send to 2929022. And if you’re using ABS-CBN Mobile, you only need to send BB1 to 2131. That simple.
To be honest, I really won’t mind seeing anyone among the 40 Binibinis get the People’s Choice Award. It could be Binibini 1, for all we know. I have personally met and bonded with all of them so it would be nice to get the assurance of making it to the Top 15. đ
Using Binibini 1 as example, above is the format of voting by SMS using the Voyager Innovation gateway or ABSCBN Mobile
Shots from the lobby of Novotel Manila Araneta Center when the 2016 Binibinis checked in last year
Miss Universe 2015 in front of Novotel
It’s Throwback Thursday time, and with the clock ticking fast in the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Coronation Night countdown, I decided to make a feature about last year’s Binibinis when they checked-in at the Official Residence – Novotel Manila Araneta Center – which is so conveniently located right beside Araneta Coliseum where the Big Night will happen.
I can still remember a few fun observations last year:
– eventual runners-up Angelica Alita and Jehza Huelar were inseparable as they also roomed together at the hotel;
– Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa got Jennyline Malpaya – who is once more in the thick of the fight for 2017 as your #Binibini7 – as her roommate;
– Miss Globe 2016 3rd Runner-Up Nichole Manalo shared the room with Dindi Pajares who continues to compete in the current batch as your #Binibini24 and;
– Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach checked-in as well and helped in formally welcoming the ladies to Novotel. We all know by now that Queen P will be hosting the finals this year.
Anyways, I reckon that the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Official Candidates will start checking-in at Novotel tonight or early tomorrow. After all, they will all grace the formal opening of the Ice and Cream outlet at the ground floor soon!
Novotel has a special Labor Weekend treat promo going on
Now if you fancy staying at Novotel Manila Araneta Center over the long Labor Day weekend (lengthened by the ASEAN Summit being hosted in the country) and be a stone’s throw away from the finals venue, they have a treat just for you!
Time strengthens the bonds of family.
Make time with loved ones with our Labor weekend treat â as much as 50% off for stays until May 1, 2018! Head to our booth at SM Megamallâs Mega Fashion Hall from April 28 â May 1 to avail our limited stay offer for Php 4,200 nett, inclusive of buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids ages 15 and below!
Call (02) 990 7888 or visit bit.ly/NovotelManilaLaborWeekend2017 for details.
Your #Binibini24 Dindi Pajares is ready for a title when Bb. Pilipinas is!
Last year, your #Binibini24 Dindi Pajares has firmly readied herself for a victory during Bb. Pilipinas. But it seems that her time to capture a title that would catapult her bid to a national achievement wasn’t yet right. Will she claim the much-coveted victory this coming Sunday, April 30?
It’s so easy to fall for the charms of Dindi. The minute she turns on that 100-megawatt smile, the bright-as-a-sunshine disposition suddenly appears and you know that she can easily melt your heart even more once the caring and people-centered attitude starts reeling anyone in. She has an undeniable glow that attracts, coupled with a soft-spoken self, a shapely frame and sparkling eyes.
Is Dindi ready for the big win in your eyes, dear readers? I have always placed her under my radar for the longest time. And while she may have stalled quite a bit somewhere in the middle of competition period, she has restored the fighting heart that describes the soul of a potential winner. And a bit of fun obervation. Compared to 2016 when she would shout her province of origin (Bataan) during introductions in an oh-so-flirtatiously mellow voice, she now screams “Bataan!” with zest.
courtesy of Rex Rovannie
Where does #Binibini24 huddle in your list of favorites? The pack of leaders on top or still approaching to qualify?
Let’s hear your thoughts now. đ
Dindi during the Jag Live Style and Beauty Sessions
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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