In another part of the globe – Tirana, Albania in particular – Kacey Coleen Lim of the Philippines just became the first Filipina to be crowned Miss Summer World.
She was trained for the competition by the London-based pageant group of Romulo Palma who is responsible for sending us Christa Borja during Bb. Pilipinas 2017.
Congratulations!
The finals stage in El Gouna
I asked my friend and fellow blogger Héctor Joaquín Colón-González (from Bayamon, Puerto Rico) about our bet Christa Borja and he said that she is doing great in the competition. Hopefully, she will continue to wow the judges and the organizers so that she will land a very good placement, if not the big title itself.
Here are more photos of Christa in the pre-final events.
courtesy of Detlev Helmerich
From London to the Philippines to El Gouna, Christa Borja is now a Philippine sash wearer
You used to tag her as Binibini20 of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 and a proud Top 15 finisher. Now, Christa Borja is in El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt wearing the Philippine sash as our representative in the 24th Edition of Top Model of the World which will have its finals on July 14. And at the moment, the tall Londoner is having the time of her life, making friends with new ladies from all over the globe and putting her best foot forward to hopefully add another achievement to the performance of Filipinas in international competitions.
Christa is on Cloud 9 and optimistic. She knows that the contest is looking for a potential winner who can rule the catwalk (something she revels in doing) and can bring to the table a new face that will make the organization evolve into a more sought-after search in years to come.
Below are more early photos of Christa in the competition.
To give you an idea of how the 23rd edition unfolded last year, below is a video you can watch courtesy of Detlev Helmerich.
I can vividly remember one of the lines uttered to me by your #Binibini20 Christa Borja during our intimate conversation last Monday afternoon at the David’s Salon Academy. There was a lull during the pampering sessions and she so happened to be seated beside me while retouching her makeup. We talked about a lot of things – London, her boyfriend, our commin friends and the entire Bb. Pilipinas 2017 journey.
“I don’t want this to end, Tito Norman. I’m having so much fun. I hope that there will be a good reason for me to go on staying here. Life in London is good. But Binibini is giving me a new purpose…I miss my boyfriend very much but he is very supportive. He knows how much I want this…But whatever happens in the finals, I know that it’s already fate telling me something…”
Christa has one of the best bodies in the competition
My simple reply to Christa?
“Ball’s on your court, my dear. You still have a good control of your destiny in Bb. Pilipinas. Just make sure that you are always at your 100% for the remainder of the competition”
Dear readers, what are your thoughts about #Binibini20’s chances? 🙂
David Charlton of David’s Salon posed with the Binibinis and their precious loot bags
Team normannorman.com was all accounted for!
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
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
Till our next event, Binibinis!
April 16, 2017 – Easter Sunday
The Plot: Your blogger is the Easter Egg Master who decided to set off all forty (40) Binibinis on an Egg Hunt unlike any other – all eggs are less than soft-boiled and can easily crack into half if they fall off the small wicker basket.
The ladies were given important tasks to accomplish before they can get clues as to where the expertly-hidden eggs can be found. First, they have to be at their most beautiful on the outside. Second, they need to slip into their two-piece swimwear and show how much their shapes have improved ever since becoming Binibinis. Third, they will be asked to wear the most awe-inspiring National Costumes that will make each one of them inspiring enough to show off to the world. Fourth, they have to put forth personalities that can blend well with practically anyone, while proving that they can talk the talk. And lastly, they should pass the eagle-eyed scrutiny of the Easter Egg Master as to who possesses a regal quality that will qualify them to become the new Bb. Pilipinas titleholders at this juncture – just two weeks away from the finals.
Practically half of the forty were able to hunt for five glistening Easter Eggs – the perfect number. However, only five were able to race to the Easter Egg Master’s booth without breaking any. Another five almost made it to the booth intact, but one egg got pressed inside the basket and cracked in two. That’s good for just four and a half Easter Eggs. Five more almost got everything right, but one egg fell from the basket and only four were submitted for scoring.
As for the remaining twenty five (25), they got an assortment of Three and a Half, Three and Two and a Half to finish the Easter Egg Hunt on time.
These are the five who presented the basket with five solid Easter Eggs:
1. Jehza Huelar
2. Charmaine Elima
3. Sirene Sutton
4. Maria Angelica de Leon
5. Rachel PetersThese are the five who completed the activity with four and a half Easter Eggs:
1. Elizabeth Clenci
2. Christagale Borja
3. Dindi Pajares
4. Nelda Ibe
5. Katarina RodriguezAnd here are the five with four Easter Eggs per Binibini:
1. Arienne Louise Calingo
2. Mae Liezel Ramos
3. Chanel Olive Thomas
4. Ruffa Nava
5. Ma. Camille Manalo
Next week, a string of new real-life and non-fantasy challenges will face the Binibinis – the National Costume Competition, the Preliminary Judging and the Parade of Beauties. There are those who will move up and some who will slide down. I am certain that those who didn’t figure out well in your blogger’s Fantasy Egg Hunt above will step up their gameplan more strongly and hopefully shake up the rankings.
Team normannorman.com will see who’s really in it for the crowns.
As for now, I’m back to the kitchen to prepare my favorite midnight snack – Spicy Tomato and Mushroom Omelette with a slice of baguette on the side.
Happy Easter everyone! 😀
Is your Binibini 20 starting to peak in the competition?
Pageant observers are starting to think that your #Binibini20 Christagale Borja is being underrated in the thick of the competition for Bb. Pilipinas 2017. And I can’t help but agree. Here is a lady who is slowly inching her way inside the radar of enthusiasts from their coming-out event during the Press Presentation till now. She has this banging body that cannot be ignored, a good height that puts her on top of the pack and communication skills that will convince the grammar nazis with her gift of gab. What’s more, she has this sweet and engaging personality beneath the fierce anf unsmiling aura she projects onstage.
I finally cornered Christa with my two questions, and below are her answers:
1) A good number of pageant fans have installed you as one of the dark horses for this year’s titles. But still, you cannot do away with the doubters. What can they expect from you within the next couple of weeks to erase their reservations and become Christa converts?
“I’m incredibly grateful already. To be at this point of the competition and my efforts are being recognised? It feels amazing. I didn’t expect to have this much support from other people apart from my family of course. Prior joining to Bb. Pilipinas, I already knew its impossible to please everyone and criticism is inevitable. The fact that this year’s batch is composed with so many beautiful ladies, I knew its going to be a tough competition. What people can expect from me for the next couple of weeks is that I will still continue being myself. I’ll continue working hard towards my dreams but also remembering to stay grounded no matter what happens. I’ll keep enjoying this once in a lifetime experience! I’ve also learned from the past that life is not always about the destination, its about enjoying the process. People can expect that I’ll continue being a catwalk diva! Only because I TRULY enjoy strutting down the runway! It’s my favourite thing to do! People can expect more fierceness and of course my smile! People are telling me to smile more but in all reality I am! I just love being fierce in front of the camera.”
2) In just a little over a month from now, a new set of Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will be crowned. Why should you be one of them?
“I believe what sets me apart from the rest is my character. I am an empowered individual but I keep myself grounded. Having lived in the UK for more than a decade, I am proud that I still have my Filipino values and traditions intact -which for me is important especially when one is vying to represent the country in an international pageant.
Also being an immigrant myself, I hope to be relatable to many OFWs around the world. I’ve experienced a lot of hardships in life i.e bullying and discrimination. I want to share these and use it to raise my personal platforms and advocacies. I want to be a leader of change and inspire others that beauty pageants are more than just skin deep, it’s beauty with a purpose.”
What do you think of Christa now, dear readers?
Anyways, please keep on supporting your Binibini20 in the Miss Photogenic voting. Check out bbpilipinas.com for the options or cast your votes via Choicely.
Christa (leftmost) with the other Binibinis during an ABSCBN event
Your Binibini 20 Christa Borja is from London, UK for Bb. Pilipinas 2017
For my second feature this Sunday, I am giving Binibini 20 Christa Borja the space as she actually composed a well thought-of write-up about herself. She details the joirney that led her to this participation in Bb. Pilipinas 2017. Read on.
“SOMEONE’S OPINION OF YOU DOES NOT HAVE TO BECOME YOUR REALITY.
Hello everyone! My name is Christagale Borja, but you can all call me Christa for short. I’m an individual full of aspirations, compassion and dreams!
My roots come from both Bulacan and Samar. I am blessed to be a part of such loving family that possesses strength and diligence. My father is a Structural Engineer and my mother on the other hand is a Senior Staff Nurse in London. Both of my older sisters graduated in University of the Philippines. Christine Borja is a Division Chief Head of Correspondence Office (Office of the President Philippines); while Chriszelle Borja is a MA Marketing graduate from London School of Business and Finance.
I moved to London at the age of 14 to seek a better future with my mom. I struggled during my first few years in Britain. I found it challenging trying to adapt in a foreign country with different culture and people. I was even bullied in school for reasons that I was not sure of. I was once pushed on the stairs that it took me off guard. There were times I wanted to give up and fly back home but I told myself to continue being strong. My parents helped me overcome those rough times. They taught me to always have faith (in myself and God) and never lose sight of my dreams. As my dad would always say: ‘because in life there should only be one direction –and that is to go up!’
A decade after, I managed to graduate with First Honours (equivalent to Magna Cum Laude). I worked with several British designers as an intern and eventually landed a permanent role in the corporate scene for Marks and Spencer’s Head Office. I have a great life in London! I do miss my friends, my adopted pets, my family (my mom and sister, Chriszelle who are still based there) and the amazing Filipino community in Britain whom supported me since the day I won Miss Philippines UK.
Now I’m in a different chapter of my life and I’m so excited for what’s in store. Having the fortuity to represent Philippines and standing alongside with so many beautiful/inspirational candidates is an honor already. I can’t even express how grateful I am to my family for being the biggest support system that anyone could ask for. Win or lose in the competition I know I’ve pushed myself mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s been tough for the past few months training towards Binibini Pilipinas, however I wouldn’t change this experience for the world. I’ve come to realize that it’s important to live my life with no regrets and taking risks is okay. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone is an opportunity for self-development. Whatever the outcome is for the competition, I know I can handle anything in life with poise, grace and beauty.”
You need to see Christa’s sexiness in person
26 of the 30 Kagandahang Flores entries for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 were presented earlier
Earlier in the evening at House Manila, the entries of Kagandahang Flores were presented to select members of the press plus special guests and beauty queens in a mock pageant. Thirty were supposed to be introduced, but one came in late and could only join in the very last group walk, while three were unable to come for various personal reasons.
Anyways, the roster of KF 2017 for the nationals is a mix of fresh faces, repeaters, crossovers, camp crossovers and one national beauty titlist who already competed in a major international beauty competition. They are:
1) Angelika dela Cruz
2) Rachel Peters
3) Gillian Eliza Colcol
4) Maria Benjielyn Nama
5) Thoreen Halvorsen
6) Sarah Jireh Asido
7) Karen Borbon
8) Beatrice Valente
9) Liezel Ramos
10) Larah Grace Lacap
11) Christina Marie Coloma
12) Jeanena Mae Rafer
13) Zarah Bianca Saldua
14) Henna Santos
15) Pamela Grace Janson
16) Christa Borja
17) Marie Sherry Ann Tormes
18) Angelique Celine de Leon
19) Jamaica Ambal
20) Mia Alysson Howell
21) Henna Kaizzelle Nicole Cajandig
22) Sarah Bona
23) Stephany Stefanowitz
24) Elizabeth Clenci
25) Krystel Guelos
26) Daisha JimenezLate:
27) Ruffa NavaAbsent:
28) Sammie Anne Legaspi
29) Dorothea Ibe
30) Caitlyn Chao
Photo grid of the 26 KF ladies
I will present to you the girls in three batches in my next few blogs so that you will appreciate them better.
From London, UK, here comes Christa Borja for Bb. Pilipinas 2017
Christa Borja may have migrated with her family to London, England when she was only 14, but she has maintained her Filipino values and qualities. Credit goes to the strong Pinoy communities in England that allowed her to keep everything intact despite living a Londoner’s lifestyle for practically a decade now.
5’9″ Christa reigned as Miss Philippines UK 2015, and is now aiming for a Binibini slot in Bb. Pilipinas 2017 if all things fall into place. She previously worked as Merhandising Assistant of Marks & Spencer, while doing volunteer work with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Christa has been dutifully preparing herself for the screenings by attending fitness workouts at Golds Gym and getting into pageant training mode at the KF camp in QC.
Christa during her workout at Golds Gym
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