I titled this blog entry as such because – like it or not – the former Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental is the woman to beat in Miss World Philippines 2018.
But I am telling you right now – Katarina is not invincible in the competition. The crown is hers to lose, so one misstep can easily allow the rest to step in and take her place.
Katarina, Alyssa and Maureen
For the Miss World Philippines 2018 crown, she has two big threats – Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez and Maureen Montagne – who cannot be taken lightly. The top title is really a three-cornered fight among them. They all have the Miss World template cut out precisely – articulate, beautiful, full of purpose – and everything will depend on who will get the highest scores (or the most #1 nods) among the judges.
Alyssa, Kim and Arienne
Now, if Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez is deemed to be a better fit for Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas (being a celebrity performer and all), then she will now face the stiffest fights from two other beauties – Kim de Guzman and Arienne Calingo – who are being eyed as potential grabbers of Win-Wyn’s national crown.
Katrina, Denj and Marianne
Now let’s go to Miss Eco Philippines. Here, we can see the field being narrowed down to Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez (once more) against the emerging spoiler favorites Marianne Marquez, Denj Magno and Katrina Acaylar. This is interesting because if we go by the peg of reigning Miss Eco International Cynthia Thomalla, then either Alyssa or Katrina will get the edge. But the former wants to get a better win so I would go for Katrina first and Marianne second. Denj is the darkest (no pun intended) horse in this one.
Pearl, Paulina and Monique
That leaves us with the Miss Multinational Philippines sash that will be another three-way contest among Pearl Hung, Paulina Labayo and Monique Tuzon. This is – by far – the trickiest to predict because Sophia Seneron poses a profile that would benefit Kylah Sanchez who is only 16 years old. So the latter is out. Sadly. I will go for either Pearl or Paulina winning this title.
The cuts for Sunday’s finals – I was told – will be Top 16 moving to Top 10 and the announcement of winners from there after a rigorous Q&A challenge. There will be two runners-up to the four crowned contenders.
So just to make a lineup of my Top 16, I would list:
1. Katarina Rodriguez
2. Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez
3. Maureen Montagne
4. Kim de Guzman
5. Arienne Calingo
6. Katrina Acaylar
7. Denj Magno
8. Marianne Marquez
9. Pearl Hung
10. Paulina Labayo
11. Monique Tuzon
12. Kylah Sanchez
13. Elaiza Alzona
14. Jerelleen Rodriguez
15. Rose Murphy
16. Angelica Estrevillo
#1-#10 above are already my personal Top 10 for the competition.
So who’s afraid of Katarina Rodriguez? I would say none. Because at this juncture, everyone is in fierce contention. I just made a predicted short list above based on how performances in the different challenges have unraveled.
If you won’t be able to watch live on October 7, the TV telecast will follow on GMA-7 at 10:30PM. Same night.
In shots taken by Mark Neto Diaz with Creative Direction and Styling by Vhee Co plus swimwear by Bench Body, here are the 40 Beach Beauties of Miss World Philippines 2018.
By the way, they did their own makeups using BYS Cosmetics PH.
Be vertically challenged now with Official Candidates 1-40. Then share your personal favorites below:
This quartet is easily getting the biggest initial noise with their just-announced candidacy for Miss World Philippines 2018 – Katarina Rodriguez, Maureen Montagne, Kim De Guzman and Arienne Calingo. And it is up to them (and their respective fans/supporters) to keep the momentum on their side or allow the other contenders to make significant inroads into the competition itself.
Personally, I would never take anything lightly because there are so many potential winners among the thirty-three other successful aspirants. I can name at least 1/4 of the rest as capable of pulling a win (but not for now). And we still haven’t seen the three ladies from the overseas Filipino Communities who will complete the roster of 40.
Above are just 36 of the ladies who are being screened right now for Miss World Philippines 2018. More should already be inside the restricted judging area. Around sixty-five (65) aspirants are expected to take part.
The more familiar faces and names who showed up so far are: Katarina Rodriguez, Kim de Guzman, Maureen Montagne, Arienne Calingo, Elaiza Alzona, Rose Murphy, Jerelleen Rodriguez, Maria Gail Tobes, Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, Pearl Hung and Chanel Morales.
With the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Talent Competition scheduled to take place at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area this coming Saturday – February 10 – I thought it would be appropriate to take a look-back at last year’s version where the more memorable presentations were placed in a video grid above. Included are the opera number of Mariel de Leon, the ballet performance of Arienne Calingo, the Taekwondo exhibition of Ma. Camille Manalo, the interpretative dance of Gillian Colcol and the bass guitar skills of Elizabeth Clenci.
Now if you want to get relatively up close and personal with this year’s Binibinis, then the above-mentioned upcoming event will be your best bet for some sort of a limited meet-and-greet.
I was told that around fifteen or so ladies will display their talents that are mostly in the song, dance and song-and-dance formats, with one doing a rhythmic gymnastics exhibition.
See you there!
Below are some shots taken from 2017 by Joseph Gerard V. Jose for normannorman.com.
Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Top 25 Finisher Arienne Calingo
Arienne is spending time in London at the moment
Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Top 25 Finisher Arienne Louise Calingo has already moved on from the journey in the nationals she concentrated on since late last year. Once she finished the pageant right after her tracks were cut short going into the Top 15, the realization must have dawned that her fate could lie somewhere else. And it looks like she finally found her true calling in London, UK where she is staying at the moment.
Her status update reads:
Happy that I found something I genuinely love and want to pursue for the rest of my life — education reform. It was an honor being the youngest attendee/presenter at the Going Global conference hosted by the British Council in London. I’ve learned how important it is for the youth voice to be heard in our efforts to transform education systems and create positive change. It’s time for us to stop just talking about change; be the change.
I have always thought of Arienne as cut out for a different path in life. So I am genuinely pleased that she can now use her voice (and heart and mind) towards a cause that will make her efforts more fruitfully rewarding in the long run.
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. 🙂
Your Binibini 2 is very serious about winning a Bb. Pilipinas crown this year
“It’s not about how much I want to win, but more about the amount that I can give from winning. I seek to give my full 100% energy and dedication in representing our country, the Philippines, with pride and honor. I don’t perceive winning as the end goal; rather, it is the start of an amazing—and perhaps universal–journey!”
Those are statements given to me by Arienne Louise Calingo when I asked how much she wants to win Bb. Pilipinas. And she is one not to give just the usual reply. Now if you really want to see how seriously spontaneous she can get, the determination to win is even more strong. Her answer can be very targeted. But that’s something that she shared with me in confidence so I’d prefer to skip the part first.
Your #Binibini2 is proud of her linguistic skills – with Thai, Spanish and Arabic as three of the six tongues she can converse in. And she is aware that this can be a good edge if she plays it up the right way. Watch her video below promoting the Miss Photogenic online voting in Thai.
Setting aside her facility in several languages, though, there is still an intense fire in her belly to prove that she is as deserving as everyone else to do well in the finals. She may not be as tall as the rest, but her might can be seen in areas where the others are not as good in. Her expressiveness can be quite reassuring. And when she tips on the smart keys, her overall aura can turn convincing. She walks the walk, just as she talks the talk.
Let’s see how far your #Binibini2 can bring her fight for a crown. In just a little over a week from now, we will know if all her efforts have handsomely paid off. 😉
David Charlton of David’s Salon posed with the Binibinis and their precious loot bags
Team normannorman.com was all accounted for!
The whole of Monday was literally spent by team normannorman.com at the David’s Salon Academy in Makati City where Joy Arguil, Joseph Gerard Jose and I bonded and took photos with the Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 upon the exclusive invitation of Marketing Manager Lotte Villarosa-Agraviador. The event started with a short lecture on the role of the salon company in the nationals, followed by delightful games that were gleefully participated in by the ladies and the stylists. Right about lunchtime, everyone was treated to a simple but yummy buffet before the pampering sessions started. Everyone was treated to relaxing back massages, mani/pedi and foot spas that were accompanied by cool loot bags that contained products that will help them maintain healthy hair and nails.
Hair and Make-Up consultations were also made with the assigned stylists for each Binibini and were given experimental approaches as to what facial applications best suit them. And to cap everything off, David’s Salon owner David Charlton dropped by to have group photos with the ladies and even brought them easter egg chocolates which came all the way from London.
The Binibinis had HMU consultations with their assigned stylists
There were also fun games that set the mood right for the day
The Binibinis were also given pampering back massages, foot spas and mani/pedi
It was fun all throughout, especially for your blogger who really took the opportunity to spend quality time talking to almost everyone. I can now safely say that this is a 99% cool batch of ladies who have the right attitude and personalities to compete for the crowns at stake. Why did I say 99%? Well, you do the math. No batch is uber perfect since there will always be an odd one out in terms of chemistry with everyone. I won’t name a name anymore since she is just one different apple in terms of character and disposition. Who knows, she might still improve her ways and turn out good in less than two weeks’ time.
Allow me also to point out the quality bonding I spent with random Binibinis. I say random because I caught them by their lonesome at given moments and the initial pleasantries turned into more meaningful chats in the process. Big shoutout to #Binibini2 Arienne Calingo, #Binibini19 Rachel Peters, #Binibini20 Christa Borja, #Binibini21 Jamaica Ambal, #Binibini23 Arah Salientes, #Binibini31 Katarina Rodriguez, #Binibini32 Charmaine Elima, #Binibini33 Istie Cequeña, #Binibini37 Sammie Anne Legaspi and #Binibini39 Elizabeth Clenci. I loved practically all of them, though!
David Charlton with the Binibinis and the stylists assigned to the ladies
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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In shots taken by Mark Neto Diaz with Creative Direction and Styling by Vhee Co plus swimwear by Bench Body, here are the 40 Beach Beauties of Miss World Philippines 2018. 
This quartet is easily getting the biggest initial noise with their just-announced candidacy for Miss World Philippines 2018 – Katarina Rodriguez, Maureen Montagne, Kim De Guzman and Arienne Calingo. And it is up to them (and their respective fans/supporters) to keep the momentum on their side or allow the other contenders to make significant inroads into the competition itself.
With the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Talent Competition scheduled to take place at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area this coming Saturday – February 10 – I thought it would be appropriate to take a look-back at last year’s version where the more memorable presentations were placed in a video grid above. Included are the opera number of Mariel de Leon, the ballet performance of Arienne Calingo, the Taekwondo exhibition of Ma. Camille Manalo, the interpretative dance of Gillian Colcol and the bass guitar skills of Elizabeth Clenci.
“It’s not about how much I want to win, but more about the amount that I can give from winning. I seek to give my full 100% energy and dedication in representing our country, the Philippines, with pride and honor. I don’t perceive winning as the end goal; rather, it is the start of an amazing—and perhaps universal–journey!”
normannorman.com 