
A fully covered Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz in the show-stopping number from Rocky Gathercole / Photo credit: Roj Miguel

Jojo Bragais provided all the shoes worn by the models which also include Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis.
A fully covered Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz in the show-stopping number from Rocky Gathercole / Photo credit: Roj Miguel
Jojo Bragais provided all the shoes worn by the models which also include Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis.
This should be an interesting watch as the public will get to know more of the individual who comes up with some of the most dazzling and meticulously-crafted collections I have seen. In the fashion show portion of the same (styled by Patrick Henry Mergano and accessorized by Christopher Munar with shoes by Jojo Bragais), he is reunited with one of his muses (right photo) – Priscilla Kim dela Cruz – who wore his attention-grabbing national costume during Bb. Pilipinas 2016.
This coming Saturday, all roads will lead to the Ali Mall Activity Area for the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Talent Competition
In the meantime, here are archived photos from last year’s Talent Competition to align this feature with the Throwback Thursday theme. If you will recall, Vina Openiano (first photo below among the performing Binibinis from 2016)
Remember the 40 names and faces of our Official Candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2016 now because you can never tell if each one of them will stay in the game till the day of the Finals come April 17. You see, previous editions have seen one, two or three (hopefully not more) backing out or getting disqualified and replaced posthaste. The reasons vary – from conflicts with endorsement contracts to prior commitments that could no longer be avoided to questions about submitted documents to citizenship issues or, quite simply, not being able to take in all the demands and pressures that come with being a Binibini.
Daily behavior – and that includes lack of punctuality, frequent absences, innate laziness, irritating tantrums and stubbornness habitual in nature – are given premium demerits by the people in charge of supervising their pageant-related affairs.
True. It ain’t easy getting in. And even more true. It ain’t easy keeping up with the pre-pageant stress. So by the time the new winners get to be crowned, the deserving ladies take their spots because they have earned their stripes the hard way.
Consider Bb. Pilipinas a boot camp stricter than the pageant trainers prior to joining. It will strive to weed out the undesirables and zero in on the most deserving to represent the Philippines internationally.
After all, other countries are not looking up to us for nothing. We know how to play the game well. And the organizers are fiercely equipped with the right kind of whips to shape up a Binibini into a full-pledged Binibining Pilipinas. 🙂
Look at them now.
Left to right: Marlan Flores, Angela Lauren Fernando, Riana Pangindian, Sheena Seinne Bolaños Dalo, Jennifer Hammond, Kylie Verzosa, Vina Openiano, Apriel Smith, Kim Ross Delos Santos, Nicole Cordoves, Dindi Pajares, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Maxene Medina, Jezha Huelar, Angel Tripp, Kimberle Penchon, Loren Artajos and Tatiana Maher
Priscilla Kim dela Cruz is the 19th girl of Aces & Queens
Marlan Flores, Angela Lauren Fernando, Riana Pangindian, Sheena Seinne Bolaños Dalo, Jennifer Hammond, Kylie Verzosa, Vina Openiano, Apriel Smith, Kim Ross Delos Santos, Nichole Nicole Cordoves, Dindi Pajares, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Maxine Medina, Jezzeh Huelar, Angel Alita, Kimberle Mae Penchon, Loren Artajos, Tatiana Maher
But soon after the excitement of the announcement settled down, the list grew to nineteen (19) with the inclusion of Priscilla Kim dela Cruz to the fold. I know that she used to be with KF, but don’t ask me the reason/s behind the move anymore as it could be a tad too personal for the Olongapo-hailing beauty.
So there, with 19 bets for 2016, Aces & Queens is on a roll. But much as I want to select my personal favorites among them right away, it would still be premature. Yes, the likes of Kylie Verzosa and Kim Ross delos Santos seem to be flag-bearers at this point. May I interest you, however, to also keep an eye on Jehza Huelar, Tatiana Maher, Sheena Dalo, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa and Nicole Cordoves first (aside from the rest)? These five contenders are underrated for now. But it will only take more public appearances and online interest to see through their potential winning merits.
I also suggest that you review the other entries in the big group. There are real gems, for sure. You just need to give them the chance to prove themselves. 😉
Happy Hearts Day to all!
The Forty (40) Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2016 in group shots taken by Bruce Casanova.
Front row (left to right): Anjellica Lopez, Paula Rich Bartolome, Maria Lina Anil Prongoso, Jessica Gonzales, Marlan Flores, Angela Ritter Valdez, Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz, Vina Openiano, Daziella Gange, Angelique de Leon, Leonalyn Dela Cruz, Jeslyn Santos, Christianne Ysh Ramos, Jennyline Carla Malpaya, Janelle Olafson, Jehza Huelar, Jennifer Hammond, Crescent Anne F. Samaco, Kimberle Mae Penchon and Aniger Wiji C. Cruz.
Back row (left to right): Mariella Castillo, Kristine Angeli Estoque, Nichole Manalo, Joanna Louise Eden, Alexandra Faith Garcia, Maria Gigante, Apriel Smith, Nicole Cordoves, Kim Ross delos Santos, Maria Mika Maxine Medina, Kylie Verzosa, Sheena Seinne Bolaños Dalo, Dindi Pajares, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Angela Lauren Fernando, Loren Artajos, Angelita Angel Tripp Alita, Riana Pangindian, Tatiana Maher and Roshiela Navarro Tobias.
Congratulations, Binibinis!
Here is another group shot of the ladies from Bruce Casanova: