I reckon that the atmosphere at the BPCI Offices is anything but cheerful. While no official statement has yet been released by the LCS Group of Companies about their takeover of the Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines, the matter has already spread like wildfire in the hearts and minds of those in the know around Araneta Center. From this point onwards, it should be just a short wait till everything gets finalized.

While gut-feel already made me sense that something big is going to happen in the Philippines with the inclusion of Richelle Singson-Michael in the all-female panel of judges that selected Catriona Gray as the successor of Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, I was initially anticipating more of another Philippine hosting in the works. But no, it is turning out to be so much more of a shocker than anything else.

With Miss Universe Philippines as the lead title at stake for Bb. Pilipinas, its pending removal from the roster is going to give a mighty blow to the organization. I simply can’t imagine our favorite national pageant without the honor. What’s even more disconcerting is the (serious) buzz that the Philippine franchise for Miss International is also being negotiated with a potential new owner and National Director. This one is going to hammer another painful realization to BPCI that when big businesses reel its interest on a particular matter, then all they can do is to either match/better the offer or give up completely even if its going to badly hurt where it matters most. For one, Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta is the very first Miss International.

Sadly, it doesn’t stop there. Negotiations for the Philippine franchise of Miss Supranational is also being privately discussed. I will not name names anymore so as not to spoil the Holiday Spirit brought about by Catriona’s victory in Bangkok. And just today, I was also sounded off that the Miss Intercontinental franchise for the Philippines is being offered for a possible changing of guards. You all know that the 47th Edition of the said pageant will be hosted here in Manila next month. You try to connect the dots for now.

So let me repeat the title of this entry. Can you imagine a near-future without Bb. Pilipinas? I can clearly remember the statement I gave to ABS-CBN News field reporter Ganiel Krishnan when she interviewed me about what will be the implication of Catriona winning Miss Universe. Without any knowledge whatsoever then of the new developments happening in the national pageant scene today, I told her that it will establish a new order in Philippine pageantry. I was coming from an angle where independents will now be more confident of vying for Bb. Pilipinas without the support of either A&Q and KF. I didn’t think it would be this big, though.

Dear readers, please share your thoughts after watching the nostalgia-inducing videos below.