Sharing with you the second part of our video discussion with Nicole Cordoves. This time, the focus was on making hot picks, a few TOTGA (The one that got away) ladies and a pageant horror story of sorts that was thankfully edited after our host accidentally spilled a specific name that could have started another round of controversy if left as is.
Watch now.
Dindi and Kimberly Pajares are back as FAs of Philippine Airlines
For the older Kimberly, one attempt as Binibini would be enough since her current age (26) won’t allow re-joining. As far as Dindi is concerned, I don’t think she would be motivated enough to try her luck for a third time given reasons we already know.
For now, let us close the Pajares chapter in Bb. Pilipinas as both ladies continue to move ahead with their professional lives in the nation’s flag carrier. Who knows, a sweeter fate awaits them up in the air or in a foreign land.
Dindi (6th from left) and Kimberly (6th from right) during the PAL 330 Tri-Class Launching
Dindi Pajares: the complete snub last Sunday night caught everyone by surprise
Everyone inside the Araneta Coliseum was abuzz with loud whispers the minute hosts Pia Wurtzbach and Xian Lim announced the names of the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Top 25 last Sunday night where fifteen (15) Binibinis became the first casualties in the proceedings. Why wasn’t Binibini 24 Dindi Pajares called to step up? Why was she left in tears waiting for her name to be part of the first cut when it was all down to the last qualifier and Binibini 38 Ana Patricia Asturias was summoned instead? It’s as if something unimaginable happened. What went wrong?
Well, the list of 25 names was accurate. Dindi Pajares surprisingly did not make it far enough to even participate in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Was she the 26th in rank or worse? That is a question that will now remain unanswered.
Since Day 1, I know that the forty (40) Binibinis have been strictly observed and assessed by BPCI like a pool of teachers and advisers (or Prefects of Discipline if you will) grading them almost on a daily basis, or at least everytime they had to report for duty and fulfill their duties as Official Candidates. You can say that all of them began with perfect scores of 100 at the onset and it’s up to the ladies on how to keep the mark perfect or sacrifice deductions along the way. This could be inclusive of attendance, punctuality, deportment and overall conformity to the house rules and regulations. Having covered beauty pageants for the longest time, I know this to be a regular practice. While I’m not specifying or confirming on any irregularities in Dindi’s accord (or lack thereof) with what BPCI prescribed and demanded, I can see no other valid reason why she would fall short of pageant performance. She deserved to make Top 25 at the very least if the sole basis would be the public and social media judgment of the line-up this year. In fact, she could have easily breezed through Top 15 just like last year when she joined for the first time.
Whatever the hard truth is behind the snub of Dindi Pajares, I will stop from further investigating into the question because this is already something beyond the parameters of my media-related business with Bb. Pilipinas. And even if I reach clarity on the matter, it would have been shared to me in confidence. Off the record, I must add.
Watch the opening number and introduction of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 now – the first and last part where Dindi got her share of the spotlight during Sunday night’s TV telecast.
courtesy of Hot Picks
Above are my Top 20 Binibinis of Bb. Pilipinas 2017 before I let go of Dane Felisse, Maria Benjieleen, Ruffa and Sammie Anne to trim down the choices to a manageable field of 16
Late last month, it finally dawned on me how the Philippine pageant sphere has sharply polarized into several competing combinations for the new Bb. Pilipinas 2017 titleholders. Just when I thought that I have assembled an almost perfect batch of titleholders and runners-up, small but significant factors topple what I have already set my mind into using as the strong foundation for my fearless forecast. Thing is, whoever I put on top and in succeeding placements will not necessarily jibe with the differing ideas and opinions of the reading public. So in order to lessen the load of stress bogging down my mind of late, I covered my ears, focused on my personal notes/assessments and came up with what I believe could be my best possible final winning configuration.
Your blogger with independent Binibinis (left to right): Arah, Camille, Clarice and Istie
Dear readers, it took me a long time to build the Binibinis included in the first cut of my predictions. Here now are my Top 16 (I couldn’t go lower than this number anymore) for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 arranged according to their assigned numbers first:
My Top 16 in their National Costumes
#Binibini2 Arienne Louise Calingo
#Binibini10 Jehza Huelar
#Binibini12 Angelique Celine de Leon
#Binibini13 Sirene Sutton
#Binibini15 Maria Angelica de Leon
#Binibini17 Maria Camille Manalo
#Binibini18 Nelda Ibe
#Binibini19 Rachel Peters
#Binibini20 Christagale Borja
#Binibini21 Jamaica Elysse Ambal
#Binibini22 Chanel Olive Thomas
#Binibini24 Dindi Pajares
#Binibini31 Katarina Rodriguez
#Binibini32 Charmaine Elima
#Binibini38 Ana Patricia Asturias
#Binibini39 Elizabeth Clenci
You know too well that nobody can make instant guesses on who are guaranteed to ace the Q&A. But if your main basis is the ABS-CBN Primer shown last Sunday night (watch sample videos below), then it would be safe to speculate that a good majority of the sixteen Binibinis above will acquit themselves very well; unless, the unexpected happens and those deemed to easily deliver will buckle under extreme pressure.
videos courtesy of Pageanthologist Network
There is that one crucial minute where anything can happen. It may depend on which judge will ask the question or what question will be asked of a particular candidate. However at this juncture, the favored ones are already starting to shape up as the eventual winners and they simply need to give a decent job of answering. One or two may surprise the judges and the audience, but if they don’t belong to the “initially chosen” (keep in mind that the closed door panel interviews conducted yesterday were of utmost importance), then the anticipated judges’ deliberations (in the presence of key BPCI Officials) afterwards seal (or unseal) whatever their placements will be once and for all.
Before moving on, let me make mention of the 9th and 10th placers on my list who nearly entered the winners’ circle but were still edged out due to the high level of competitiveness and consistency in this batch. They are Katarina Rodriguez and Arienne Louise Calingo, respectively.
My Top 8 in reverse order
I placed Sirene Sutton and Dindi Pajares as my 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively. I need not explain the importance of these two positions. With no titles – save for the status of being ladies-in-waiting – to show off, they can immediately rejoin the following year and capitalize on their inclusion in the winners’ circle for around 10 months. Both ladies are crown-worthy, but given the company of Binibinis they are stuck with in this edition, I wouldn’t mind seeing them compete again in 2018. Sirene still needs to comfortably get out of the professional model look and mold that sticks to her skin like an ultra-adhesive glue. Dindi, on the other hand, has stayed the same way as last year – brightly competitive but still missing that one note to fully break into the game of crowns.
For the six titles, I have narrowed down the selection to an equal number – Maria Angelica de Leon, Charmaine Elima, Rachel Peters, Nelda Ibe, Chanel Olive Thomas and Jehza Huelar.
I can see #Binibini10 getting the Miss Globe Philippines crown from Nichole Manalo. Jehza Huelar has proven that – inspite of having such a strong lineup to deal with – she can still rise to the occasion and pocket a victory. She has really leveled up from 2016. I may have pinned her to the least aspired sash among the most victorious, but it is an achievement that will stay in her credentials forever. What’s more, her easy-to-work-with attitude is a trait that needs no further proof to the organization.
Chanel Olive Thomas is my pick for Grand International. This one is the result of a very close tussle between her and Arienne Louise Calingo (whose fluency in Thai is an edge nobody else can claim to. It is her biggest ace to get on the good side of Nawatt Itsaragrisil in the bigger mission up ahead). But Chanel has a playful charm and cheerful disposition that she can use to her advantage. Given that both ladies can express themselves better than most, this is what the Fil-Aussie displayed to nose out the multi-lingual Kapampangan.
Supranational-wise, Nelda Ibe is the lady I can see taking the spot soon-to-be-vacated by Joanna Eden. It’s no secret among some near-insiders that this gorgeous natural beauty (she can proudly state her enhancement-free status if need be) is one of those wearing a halo (since Day 1 almost) of admiration from those who matter. She could easily upset the stronger favorites if getting into auto-pilot mode (pun intended) can be avoided. I can honestly see her making waves in Poland or any other European country where Miss Supranational 2017 will be hosted. She has always mesmerized me during our encounters, and relying only on photographs to size up her chances will be doing a great disservice to what she is capable of delivering up close and personal.
I have placed Rachel Peters for the Intercontinental assignment for more than two weeks now. The competition abroad remains unpredictable in terms of their choice for a big winner. And I still believe that Jennifer Hammond was unfairly upended in Sri Lanka last year. So sending your #Binibini19 to whichever part of the globe the next edition of Miss Intercontinental will take place in should be a good risk to take since she has the qualities that could make the organizers sit up and take notice, the same way they did when Christi McGarry competed and placed 1st Runner-Up. Who knows, she could just really be what the Doctor ordered in the game – a woman of racial mix with the right amount of saucy allure.
And now we’re down to the two highest titles of the Bb. Pilipinas season – Universe and International. Two beautiful ladies stand before me, each with their distinct pluses to make it as the last two Binibinis standing – Maria Angelica de Leon and Charmaine Elima. Anyone of the two would make an excellent representative to the 66th Miss Universe, the same way that either one of them can go fast and furious for a still impossible back-to-back win in Japan for Miss International. So who stays longer and be kept in suspense as to where Iris Mittenaere will crown her successor? And who goes with Kylie Verzosa to Tokyo and be constantly pressured in competing for a title that her compatriot is currently holding?
Maxine Medina moves forward and stops on the side of your #Binibini15 and leaves Charmaine Elima in the arms of Miss International 2016. Except for the unstinting focus and dedication to win, Maine is like the antithesis of Kylie Verzosa in more ways than one. And I’m all for taking the risk of sending a safe opposite of the reigning winner to Japan.
Photo credit: Erwin Totanes Oning
Putting it all together, my winners for Bb. Pilipinas 2017
Shots from the lobby of Novotel Manila Araneta Center when the 2016 Binibinis checked in last year
Miss Universe 2015 in front of Novotel
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!
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Your #Binibini24 Dindi Pajares is ready for a title when Bb. Pilipinas is!
Last year, your #Binibini24 Dindi Pajares has firmly readied herself for a victory during Bb. Pilipinas. But it seems that her time to capture a title that would catapult her bid to a national achievement wasn’t yet right. Will she claim the much-coveted victory this coming Sunday, April 30?
It’s so easy to fall for the charms of Dindi. The minute she turns on that 100-megawatt smile, the bright-as-a-sunshine disposition suddenly appears and you know that she can easily melt your heart even more once the caring and people-centered attitude starts reeling anyone in. She has an undeniable glow that attracts, coupled with a soft-spoken self, a shapely frame and sparkling eyes.
Is Dindi ready for the big win in your eyes, dear readers? I have always placed her under my radar for the longest time. And while she may have stalled quite a bit somewhere in the middle of competition period, she has restored the fighting heart that describes the soul of a potential winner. And a bit of fun obervation. Compared to 2016 when she would shout her province of origin (Bataan) during introductions in an oh-so-flirtatiously mellow voice, she now screams “Bataan!” with zest.
courtesy of Rex Rovannie
Where does #Binibini24 huddle in your list of favorites? The pack of leaders on top or still approaching to qualify?
Let’s hear your thoughts now. 🙂
Dindi during the Jag Live Style and Beauty Sessions
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! 😀
Are they really the favorites so far?
It is way too premature to make early predictions on Bb. Pilipinas 2017. After all, the Press Presentation won’t happen until Wednesday, March 22, next week. But from my end, I have fine-tuned my pageant radar to pick up signs from everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean from even the unlikeliest of places to pick up clues from. It’s like small stones strategically thrown along a clear path. Problem is, these stones take the color of the pavement so I need to wear my trusty eyeglasses to see clearly and pick them up right away.
So do I sense Binibinis 15, 10, 24, 19, 32 and 13 as front-runners? And do I see the numbers 31, 18, 22, 28, 39 and 38 following the trail? Hey, don’t think of these early picks as definitive. The dozen is a result of inquisitiveness and a keen observance of goings-on from all corners. The signs could still be shaken in the weeks to come. But be happy that most of the ones you like are slowly shaping up to be potential leaders of the pack.
In the meantime, here are video greetings from some of the Binibinis as they do their shoutouts for normannorman.com. 🙂
The sister also rises. Your Binibini 11 Kimberly Pajares will.
When sisters compete in the same beauty pageant, sparks are expected to fly. In the case of Dindi and Kimberly Pajares from Bataan, will their simultaneous participation in Bb. Pilipinas 2017 excited you, dear readers? Both flight attendants of Philippine Airlines, they bring color to the competition for sure. But who will prevail in the end? Let’s hear it straight from your Binibini 11 now.
“Hi, I’m Kimberly Lacane Pajares, 26 years old from Balanga City, Province of Bataan. I’m a nurse by profession and I worked for a government hospital for 2 years prior. I am currently a flight attendant working for the nation’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines.
It is a dream come true being an official candidate of Bb. Pilipinas. I remembered when Dindi and I always played with blankets and converted them to gowns and then conducted a small pageant in our rooms pretending to be beauty queens. And look at us now, competing in this prestigious contest together. It’s a pleasure having my sister with me in this journey. Because whatever the result maybe at the end of the day, we are still family. 😊”
courtedy of Beauty Pageant Updates
A veritable sister act – Dindi and Kimberly Pajares
Will Kimberly level up enough to become your next Bb. Pilipinas? 🙂
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