Bb. Pilipinas 2016

All posts tagged Bb. Pilipinas 2016

Binibini VS Binibini for Cebu: Apriel and Maria

Posted by Norman on August 31, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , . 42 Comments

There is a cool competition going on in the first-ever search for Binibining Cebu. There may be fifty-four (54) candidates vying for the crown, but all eyes are focused on two former Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas on opposite sides once more – Apriel Smith representing Badian and Maria Gigante bannering Bantayan.-

Maria representing Bantayan

Apriel representing Badian

This is not the first time that both ladies are facing-off in a high-profile pageant. Last year, they already did during the nationals with the former gaining the edge after making it to the Top 15.

How will their respective destinies unfold in Binibining Cebu 2017? The finals won’t be until October 28 at the Waterfront Hotel, but it should be pure viewing pleasure seeing both ladies goes head-to-head in the Queen City of the South.

Of course, the 52 other competitors are not handing the Top 2 slots to Apriel and Maria that easily. So we’ll see how everything pans out in the weeks to come. 🙂

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Exclusive! What’s the latest on Jehza Huelar?

Posted by Norman on August 1, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , . 11 Comments

Team normannorman.com with the beautiful Jehza Huelar

Andrew Wolff joined us as well

During last Sunday night’s finals of Miss Tourism Philippines 2017, Bb. Pilipinas 2016 2nd Runner-Up Jehza Huelar was in the audience. My coverage partner Joy Arguil quickly pulled her aside to the sidelines where I was stationed. And boy oh boy, I didn’t recognize her at first with those full bangs and all. Slimmer and with a more stress-free aura nowadays, she and I had a very happy talk where she gave me updates on the latest about the things she is preoccupied with and just a tiny bit about her lovelife. Here’s a short video for all of you to watch.

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Jehza with her inspiration, TJ Simon

And who is keeping Jehza more inspired at the moment? PBA Basketball player TJ Simon of Star Margarine Hotshots that’s who. The two are presently on an exclusively-dating status, and definitely in a happy place in terms of a progressing relationship.

I’m proud of how this beautiful Dabawenya has moved on from her life in pageantry. She definitely gave it a good go, and is pleased that she has improved for the better as a person overall. 🙂

Angelica Alita: Future Perfect

Posted by Norman on June 15, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , . 23 Comments

Angelica Alita’s look during the Mega Millennial Ball courtesy of Carissa Cielo Medved


When photos of Bb. Pilipinas 2016 1st Runner-Up Angelica Alita before and during the recently-concluded Mega Millennial Ball came out, I just had to stop and think of a blog entry dedicated to her. She is, quite simply, blooming in all aspects. Her face is always radiant whenever we see each other, just as her public appearances always elicit oohs and aahs from curious individuals who can’t help but gaze at her glowing presence.

And this leads me to the heart of this post – Angel’s planned 2nd foray into the nationals by way of Bb. Pilipinas 2018. She intentionally skipped the recent edition in order to fulfill all her responsibilities to BPCI and complete the 18-month contract before finally jockeying up for position in next year’s beauty derby. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect. She is ready to shine and finally own up a title lock, stock and barrel. The risks will always be there, but she has calculated her next moves to make sure that the future will be perfect. 😉

Angel wearing Rau Uson Ablaza during the Mega Millennial Ball

Watch out for this beauty in 2018!

Sunday Senti Specials: Crowning Moments of Bb. Pilipinas 2016

Posted by Norman on April 30, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 109 Comments

courtesy of ABS-CBN

Bb. Pilipinas 2016 winners and runners-up

Your blogger and Maxine Medina

88.401%

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.

Mabuhay kayong lahat! 😀

Throwback Thursday: When the 2016 Binibinis checked in at Novotel 

Posted by Norman on April 27, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 11 Comments

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 – as much as 50% off for stays until May 1, 2018! Head to our booth at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall from April 28 – 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.

Throwback Thursday: The Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Talent Competition 

Posted by Norman on April 6, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 60 Comments

This coming Saturday, all roads will lead to the Ali Mall Activity Area for the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Talent Competition

This coming Saturday, April 8, thirteen (13) Binibinis will showcase their talents in singing, dancing, speed painting, and martial arts, among others. And it will all happen right at the Ali Mall Activity Area starting at 3pm.

In the meantime, here are archived photos from last year’s Talent Competition to align this feature with the Throwback Thursday theme. If you will recall, Vina Openiano (first photo below among the performing Binibinis from 2016)

Vina Openiano who was named Miss Talent

Maria Lina Prongoso

Edgelyn Gamboa

Sarah Bona

Jennyline Malpaya

Anjellica Lopez

Angela Gene Valdez

Kristine Estoque

Priscilla Kim dela Cruz

Apriel Smith

Redefining your Binibini 10 Jehza Huelar 

Posted by Norman on March 5, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , . 82 Comments

Will last year’s 2nd Runner-Up be one of this year’s titleholders?

When Jehza Huelar made the final decision to give Bb. Pilipinas 2017 a go, it was initially to sustain the momentum brought about by her 2nd Runner-Up last year. She knew that there is still a very good chance of improving on her 2016 placement. And with how she was able to further improve on her personality and potentials the past nine months, it wasn’t too hard committing to another stint in the nationals.

I asked Jehza to share with me the thoughts running inside her head and heart nowadays and here is how she expressed herself:

“I am turning 22 this April 2, and for Bb. Pilipinas 2017, I will represent Davao City once more.

Joining for a 2nd time made me become more mission-driven. Exposed to many activities with the titleholders last year as 2nd runner up, it made my vision more vivid and strong enough to pursue this career. Many people always ask me why too soon. However, I believe if it is really my passion, I cannot let this opportunity just pass me by. It’s like sunrise… if I wait too long, I will miss it. And just like sunrise… it will never be the same — I believe it’s worth taking a risk. Who knows what lies ahead.

In terms of pressure, I know it is there. For me it is relative. Kung paniniwalaan kong pressure ang mga bagay, magiging pressure talaga sila. I view it as an opportunity and a challenge to grow and to better know my capacity. In fact I never thought I would place last year. This time, it’s a whole new ballgame where you will see the new me…


I never imagined I will be joining a beauty pageant competition. Growing up with brothers, I hardly saw myself in this field. But since I wanted to share my story – overcoming adversities in life such as hardships, death of both parents while young and becoming an independent, responsible woman – I know that my life can serve as an inspiration to others. What made my mission even stronger is the people who messaged me because they have the same story as well. I want to represent them. I want to be the voice of these young people. And if I have to go through this competition for a second time and see myself through, I will gladly do it, Tito Norman. My heart is here and I have a mission to do. I cannot let go of this chance pass by.”

It’s going to be a whole new Jehza Huelar for Bb. Pilipinas 2017!


“Since I wanted to share my story, I made constant efforts in taking part in the activities of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP). Now Tito Norman, I am the ambassador of FAP Mindanao Chapter. We encourage children and youth to share their stories through films. From there, the possibilities are endless.”

There is really something new and progressive in the mind-set and focus of Jehza. Sure, she wants to win a crown first and foremost. But she also plans to use the possible victory to strengthen her platform for the youth in Mindanao and beyond.

Will she be more triumphant this time around? What do you think, dear readers?