In assembling a Top 12, your blogger reviewed everything several times before coming up with a ranked list. It wasn’t easy at all. Just when you thought a proper grid is in place, certain new elements (including the Primer) contribute to the constant shuffle. Care was given not to overthink the process because the danger of overlooking the big picture in favor of a small detail is always imminent.

Binibini 17 Chelsea Fernandez
Binibini 23 Nicole Borromeo
Binibini 40 Roberta Tamondong
Binibini 28 Gabrielle Basiano
Binibini 5 Karen Laurrie Mendoza
Binibini 31 Yllana Marie Aduana
Binibini 25 Annalena Valencia Lakrini
Binibini 1 Stacey Daniella Gabriel
Binibini 35 Diana Mackey
Binibini 8 Nicole Budol
Binibini 7 Graciella Lehmann
Binibini 34 Christine Opiaza

The five highest in this prediction constitute a major rumble. Any four (4) among them can easily make up a combo of titleholders. You can mix and match and still come up with a strong set of winners. But for the purpose of this forecast, let us stick to the four ladies who are likely to be the highest finishers, in my opinion:

Left to right: Nicole Borromeo, Chelsea Fernandez, Roberta Tamondong, Karen Laurrie Mendoza

Binibini 23 Nicole Borromeo
Binibini 17 Chelsea Fernandez
Binibini 40 Roberta Tamondong
Binibini 5 Karen Laurrie Mendoza

Their title assignments can be easily interchangeable. All four can do Miss International, Intercontinental and Globe. As for Miss Grand International, though, Fernandez and Tamondong can play toss-up. I wanted so much to put Gabrielle Basiano in the quartet, but I just feel like she will do a Hannah Ruth Sison.

Left to right: Yllana Aduana, Gabrielle Basiano, Graciella Lehmann and Stacey Gabriel

Since the Philippines currently reigns supreme in both Intercontinental and Globe, the best approach in achieving a back-to-back win is by sending outstanding delegates. It is here where the Level 2 quartet can enter the picture. Gabrielle Basiano and Yllana Aduana can slip into victory if the higher-ranked Binibinis fail to measure up in the final tally. Even Graciella Lehmann and Stacey Gabriel can muddle things up, in my opinion.

Now who doesn’t love a spoiler? In this batch, I can feel that three (3) Binibinis can dampen an already ironed-out finish for the top favorites. And I sure would not mind seeing one of them making a spectacular finish.

Left to right: Nicole Budol, Christine Opiaza and Annalena Valencia Lakrini

Opiaza or Lakrini can nose out one or two of the predicted winners if the break favors them. The former is like a quintessential Filipino beauty – exotic and sexy, while the latter is a statuesque Fil-German stunner who can make heads turn instantly.

But more than the two, it is Nicole Budol who just might spring a big surprise on Sunday night. Pageant fans are divided on whether she is in it to win a crown or just a Top 12 spot. And if BPCI can face the music of a different normal, then this Angono representative could very well be the brave new benchmark of Binibining Pilipinas.

My Fearful Ranking:
I might be throwing caution to the wind with one or two assignments here, but that is the essence of what I do.

My Final Rankings

Binibining Pilipinas International
Chelsea Fernandez

Binibining Pilipinas Grand International
Roberta Tamondong

Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental
Nicole Borromeo

Binibining Pilipinas Globe
Karen Laurrie Mendoza

1st RU Gabrielle Basiano
2nd RU Yllana Marie Aduana

Dear readers, this is how I see the final results happening Sunday night.

I wish all the forty (40) Binibinis the best. And may the destined winners bring us more pride and honor in the international stage of pageantry.