Okay, I am not making any premature Bb. Pilipinas 2014 predictions yet. Just to join in the fun of readers laying down their cards as early as now, I’m putting in my two cents worth based partly on the results of the pageant in the last few years with a sprinkling of crazy gut-feel going into days before we actually see the ladies in action. By then, our perception of each will most likely change for the better or otherwise.

Fortaleza or bust for one of these A&Q bets?

First off, my hunch is that Miss Universe Philippines will come from Aces & Queens once more – not a very unique statement to begin with considering that the camp has already fine-tuned its training skills to adapt to the profile the bigger pageant has evolved into. True, they only have a 1st Runner-Up at best to deliver so far. But let’s admit it. The best of their offerings have already started being molded in the template Mr. Trump prefers in a Miss Philippines. And for BPCI’s own trainers to take over by April, it only means a continuation of what’s in place. Yvethe Santiago, Bianca Guidotti and Pia Wurtzbach could be the names literally circling around the judges’ scoresheets as the organizations’ preferences.

The Manalo sister, the former Miss Cebu or the professional model?

Next in line is Bb. Pilipinas International. While this title is not (and will never be) declared as exclusive to the Kagandahang Flores team, it doesn’t require too much use of brain cells to state that the title can be compared to a marked territory. If Aces & Queens knows the demands of Miss Universe, Rodgil Flores and his experts can read Miss International like the palm of their hands. And this is where top options like Kris Tiffany Janson and Jaja Flores would come in. But one wild theory to consider is the presence of Nichole Manalo. Her sisters have already been sent to Miss Universe (Pamela Bianca) and Miss World (Katherine). Won’t it be a sweet thing to have the youngest sister capture the remaining major title and complete some sort of a Grand Slam within the family? I dread thinking this way, but the vision keeps coming back like a Groundhog Day scenario.

Do you like your Tourism girl sweet, sweeter or sweetest?

How about the relatively negligible Bb. Pilipinas Tourism title? If Katrina Dimaranan and Cindy Miranda had it in their powers, they would lobby for this one to go to a girl outside of A&Q. But since a 2nd crown is almost always an eventuality for the camp, there is a good possibility that one of theirs will succeed the reigning lady again. Consider Laura Lehmann, Hannah Mariz dela Guerra and Ainjely Manalo as selections.

Who deserves to be rewarded for determination the most?

Now we go to the currently controversial Miss Supranational and the potential Philippine reps who will aim for a back-to-back in the competition. This honor is fair game. It can go to any team, if you will. But looking at the repeaters who are definitely worth giving an overseas pageant assignment, any one among Parul Shah, Mary Jean Lastimosa and Diana Arevalo could be Mutya Datul’s successor in the end. Either that, or a fellow Isabelanon will be favored. Toss coin between Joy Marie Gangan and Sheena Manuel, I reckon in half-jest.

The Fil-Am, the Bulakenya or the Six-footer?

Please don’t take it the wrong way when I say that First Runner-Up should be the rightful placement for a Team JDV member. And Annalie Forbes has nothing to do with it. Just look at it from this angle. Their camp’s best-placed entry will eventually be sent by John dela Vega to Miss Grand International 2014. And what better way than to single out the best choices from his wards to occupy the fifth slot in the magic circle. Unless Madame Stella will not cooperate in sharing her future runner-up to another international competition of which BPCI is not the franchise holder, then it might be a three-way tie among Vessica Sambo, Joy Diaz and Racquel Kabigting. Soulful eyes, articulate communicator with a Gloria Diaz connection or excellent height? Take your final pick.

Let me repeat. These are not my fearless predictions or anything. Take my thoughts with a grain of salt or if you want to seriously factor them in your personal analysis, leave some leeway for improvements or a change of heart. After all, we should not stress too much with the final results because it is still too early in the game. 🙂

Note: This post may be the only other one for the day. I labored on it for a good hour and ten minutes yesterday afternoon, reason why it’s extra long. But if the rumored entry of Aiza Faeldonia and Carla Lizardo as OCs will be confirmed, there will be a slight game-changing tweak in my presentiments. 😉