Back in 2016, Riana Agatha Pangindian was still a 19 year-old pageant newbie who joined Bb. Pilipinas mainly for the experience. And what a journey she fondly relishes from that stint. An inclusion in the Top 15 was almost unexpected – given that she had to battle with the likes of Maxine Medina, Kylie Verzosa, Nicole Cordoves, Jennifer Hammond, Nichole Manalo and Joanna Eden who went home with the crowns. But she was actually part of that essential cut.
Instead of pushing herself into joining more beauty contests after that experience, Riana opted to finish her studies first. She graduated June of last year and took the board exams. She is now licensed to teach Biological Science. Her plan is to return to pageantry one more time before she finally focuses on becoming a full-time Educator. Her personal advocacy is actually inspired by her profession:
“I would like to focus on the importance of mentorship to the next generation. Growing up, I have been exposed to this process until I ventured to the field of education up to now that I am already a Professional Teacher. I learned that this is a key method to exponential wholistic growth of a person, whether young or old. So if we can invest on our current and future teachers – by supporting them emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually – it could help inspire and rekindle their joy and passion to teach with love and have respect for one another, moreso to the students they encounter.
This might be a huge undertaking, and I know I can’t do it on my own. So for now I’m starting small by mentoring younger women in my community which I believe is vital in their journey to adulthood. In all of these I know that I’m not alone because I have a God who is able to do far more than what I can think.”
I would really like to see the much-improved version of Riana in the coming months. And it’s looking like we can all see her return. As to which national pageant, let’s just wait and see.
Here is another Cebuana who – I was told – is also keen on making the big move in 2020 by way of Miss Universe Philippines 2020. After her stints during Bb. Pilipinas 2016 and Binibining Cebu 2017, she is definitely ready for a return to national pageantry. She has the looks and the articulate self to hold her own side-by-side the other polished ladies who will join the battle royale. 
Someone very dear to me will finally hang her pageant heels for good and become a beautiful bride and a love-filled wife before the year ends. And I am truly happy for her. 
#BinibiniWishList2019: Apriel Smith
Dear readers, I need not give all of you a long list of credentials or heavy introduction on your Binibini 31 Jehza Huelar. As 2nd Runner-Up last 2016, she returned last year and reached Top 15. 
Short and sweet. Yes, your Binibini 31 Jehza Huelar is now committed to boyfriend PJ Simon (right photo). But it doesn’t mean that she can no longer aspire to become a Bb. Pilipinas Queen. 
During yesterday afternoon’s Presentation Show of Aces & Queens for its Class of 2018, one of the ladies who stood out was Edjelyn Joy Gamboa of Oriental Mindoro – your Binibini 12 during Bb. Pilipinas 2016. She is definitely more stunning now compared to the first time that she joined. The almost two year-rest has given her a more solid foundation for this return, aside from earning the life experience of being a Flight Attendant with Philippine Airlines. 
For 2018, Edjelyn is hoping that she will be able to fulfill the long-time dream of being a national beauty queen. The will and determination are in place. All she needs right now is a healthy dose of good luck that will prompt her lucky stars to align. 
One thing is for sure. Bb. Pilipinas 2016 1st Runner-Up Angelica Alita will be rejoining the nationals. The question is – which year?
