It was a Swimsuit Presentation that involved the taming of floor-length “wings” and the incessantly playful wind.

In a pasarela route that somehow mimicked the one during the Swimsuit Preliminaries of Miss Grand International 2020 at lebua atop the State Tower in Bangkok, the 34 Binibinis traversed the entire poolside of Novotel Manila Araneta City coming from the higher stagger of a split level portion, going down the steps and establishing midway in a small platform before finally walking freely around the landing of the pool area until the final pose.

It sure wasn’t easy for the uninitiated, moreso for someone who had to worry about how to avoid tripping on the flowing wings that tend to wrap around their legs or heels. Add to that the wind that loves to blow their hairs out of styling and you’ve got a scored preliminary event that is sure to separate the masters from the relative newbies.

Presented according to their numbers, below are the ones who stood out in my eyes. Mind you, I did not focus on curves. Instead, I checked on the ones who navigated their steps like pros and projected with ease and grace:

Samantha Panlilio
Meiji Cruz
Patricia Denise Babista
Maureen Montagne
Karen Laurrie Mendoza
Hannah Arnold
Gabrielle Basiano
Francesca Taruc
Honey Grace Cartasano
Alexandra Faith Garcia

For sure, there will be differing opinions on some. But that is the beauty of this exercise. Every Binibini gave their best. So it all boils down to a matter of preference, I reckon.