It was a meet-and-greet I simply couldn’t say no to. For starters, having an event like this happens in Alabang (or the south of Metro Manila) very rarely. Since I reside in Parañaque, going to Molito Lifestyle Centre is a breeze. Secondly, I discovered my not-so-distant blood relations with the honoree. My paternal grandmother and her father are aunt and nephew, respectively. And for that matter, the very first Bb. Pilipinas – her aunt Myrna Panlilio – is also common in our thread.
Here are some photos and videos from the meet-and-greet with #Binibini1 Samantha Alexandra Panlilio of Cavite and invited members of the pageant media.
Below, she answers a few questions from your blogger:
Now, she talks about part of her advocacy as a potential Beauty Queen:
And will she be the next “Samantha” to be crowned Bb. Pilipinas?
Samantha Panlilio – in person – tends to give me an Elizabeth Clenci vibe to be honest. She has this cool aura about her. If she can channel more of this and up her ante even more, then I won’t be surprised if she finds herself on the shortlisted beeline for one of the crowns on April 17.
Good luck, Sam!
The Philippines did not participate during the first and second stagings of Miss Supranational. It was only during the third outing when a Filipina representative – Lourenz Grace Remetillo – was part of the roster, albeit with less funfare or media mileage. But when BPCI started to field delegates in 2012, the blossoming partnership began with Elaine Kay Moll placing 3rd Runner-Up. It got even better the following year when Mutya Datul was crowned winner. From there, all the Bb. Pilipinas Supranational titleholders went to Central/Eastern Europe and placed either in the Top 10 or Top 20/25 in alternating fashion – from 2014 to 2019. Quite a respectable record, I must add.
The Philippines’ relationship with Miss Grand International can be compared to a “love-hate” affair of sorts. We all know that its first two editions were still under John dela Vega who was able to prepare Ali Forbes all the way to a very good finish during the inaugural edition. It was only in 2015 when BPCI sent its first appointed delegate in the person of Parul Shah who placed 3rd Runner-Up. That started Top 5 placements that would stretch to 2016 with Nicole Cordoves getting 1st Runner-Up and 2017 when Elizabeth Clenci sustained a 2nd Runner-Up finish. After that, something turned sweetly sour. In the process, the missions of both Eva Psychee Patalinjug and Samantha Ashley Lo can be considered fleeting to say the least. But to be fair, our participation last year was saddled with a number of controversies that cannot be directly blamed to pageant owner Nawatt Itsiragrisil. 
I’m über glad that Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2017 and Miss Grand International 2017 2nd Runner-Up Elizabeth Clenci is widening her career path. She recently hosted Miss Grand Australia – a stint she definitely enjoyed doing.
Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018 Eva Psychee Patalinjug appears to be the first among the 2018 Queens to wage a beauty battle abroad. Miss Grand International 2018 will be held (for the first time) in the Golden Land of the World – Myanmar – on October 25. 
Prior to the actual National Costume Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2018, the forty (40) Binibinis walked the stage in Jag Jeans and showed their fiercer and sexier side while showing off their curves in the latest collection of the denim brand. Reigning titleholders Rachel Peters, Mariel de Leon, Chanel Olive Thomas, Elizabeth Clenci, Nelda Ibe and Katarina Rodriguez led the group. Here are some photos from the said segment of the fashion show held last Saturday night.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Store Tour of the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Official Candidates will happen in select establishments at Araneta Center starting at 2pm. Their first stop will be Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen at Ali Mall before heading straight to the Taco Bell at the Cyber Park beside Novotel.
With the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Talent Competition scheduled to take place at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area this coming Saturday – February 10 – I thought it would be appropriate to take a look-back at last year’s version where the more memorable presentations were placed in a video grid above. Included are the opera number of Mariel de Leon, the ballet performance of Arienne Calingo, the Taekwondo exhibition of Ma. Camille Manalo, the interpretative dance of Gillian Colcol and the bass guitar skills of Elizabeth Clenci.
Miss Philippines Rachel Peters is heating up!
Aside from the Triple Send-Off for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Queens Rachel Peters, Chanel Olive Thomas and Katarina Rodriguez, it was also a Double Homecoming Presscon for The Miss Globe 2017 1st Runner-Up Nelda Ibe and Miss Grand International 2017 Elizabeth Clenci that made the entire event more meaningful for all members of the Press who attended.
27 year-old Maria Jose Lora of Peru was crowned Miss Grand International 2017, succeeding last year’s Ariska Putri Pertiwi, during the (initially rain-drenched) finals at the Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort and Villas.
Elizabeth wore a Val Taguba gown for the finals.
