With only two (2) titles at stake (unless a surprise crown is announced at the last-crowning-minute), it leaves me with a sad heart accepting the fact that the casualty rate for Binibining Pilipinas 2023 is higher than all editions of previous years.

But instead of dwelling on the feeling of discontent, I opt to look at the silver lining of future possibilities and anticipate new pageant franchises being made known in the weeks or months to come. For now, I would really like for BPCI to temporarily restore the Bb. Pilipinas Tourism crown just so that the winner is already known to many as the first-reserve-in-waiting, as are the runners-up.

Among the 40 Binibinis, I have been consistent in my choice for Binibining Pilipinas International from the start and she is Trisha Martinez of Laguna who fits the template of the Japan-based pageant to a T. With her gorgeous face, sweet demeanor and competitive height, Binibini 29 easily ticks all the boxes associated with Miss International.

As for Binibining Pilipinas Globe, I see two ladies fighting closely to win this honor – Binibini 24 Anna Valencia Lakrini of Bataan and Binibini 5 Gianna Llanes of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. These two come from entirely different molds but they have the common qualities that make good fits for The Miss Globe. Let’s see who among them will good fortune favor on Sunday night.

Binibini 29 Trisha Martinez of Laguna: my choice to win Binibining Pilipinas International 2023

But not to discount the chances of the rest in my Top 12, I can also see the likes of Binibini 3 Lyra Punsalan of Pampanga, Binibini 6 Angelica Lopez of Palawan, Binibini 35 Sofia Lopez Galve of Rizal, Binibini 27 Zeah Nestle Pala of Tarlac Province and Binibini 11 Kiara Giel Gregorio of Cabanatuan City not making it easy for my top three choices. One or two of them can come from not-so-far-behind and steal the limelight at the most opportune moment. We’ll see!

Anyways, the rest of my Top 12 can also be considered spoilers if breaks head their way. And they are Binibini 8 Mirjan Hipolito of Angeles City, Binibini 14 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano of Albay, Binibini 16 Atasha Reign Parani of Cavite and Binibini 38 Lea Macapagal of Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Good luck to all the Binibinis! I hope and pray that the incoming super typhoon will deviate direction and not dampen the pageant proceedings at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.