There are two dozen official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2010. From this group, the favorites have already emerged and names like Gwendoline Ruais, Maria Venus Raj, Dianne Necio, Helen Nicolette Henson and Krista Mae Kleiner are almost always in everyone’s list. But we know for a fact that there will always be at least one or two who will spring a surprise come pageant night. Take for example Kristine Alzar in 2002 when she came out of nowhere to claim the Bb. Pilipinas-International title. There is also the more surprising Carla Gay Balingit who entered the contest in 2003 and managed to snare the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe crown from everyone and booked a ticket to the Miss Universe Pageant in Puerto Rico. Both ladies came unnoticed and ended up victorious in the end.

For this year’s batch, I would like to present a trio of ladies who are capable of stealing the thunder from the front runners. They are:

Candidate #1 - Mariella Castillo (Photo credit: Gelbert Aplal)

Mariella, being Candidate #1, will always be tagged as one of the shortest among the candidates. But although standing at barely 5’6″, she has this gorgeous face that both Pinoys and foreigners adore. There is a distinct sharpness in her facial features that sets her apart from the others and it helps that she is very camera-friendly. I’m not sure if she will make the Top 3 for 2010, but I wouldn’t be caught off-guard if she does.

Candidate #12 Reina Mae Maerina (Photo credit: Gelbert Aplal)

Reina Mae, the second tallest candidate this year at close to six feet tall, does not strike you right away as outstanding, save for her impressive height. But after a second and third look, her beauty starts to shine in a very Filipina way. She may not be your proverbial Miss Photogenic winner, but she has the beauty and charm that can captivate more in person than in pictures. If she gets called in the Top 10, I might raise an eyebrow, but not for long.

Candidate #17 Rose Ann Aguilar (Photo credit: Gelbert Aplal)

Rose Ann, coming in as #17 this year, has one of the sweetest faces among the 24 entries. If there was still a Miss Young Pilipinas title available, she would be a shoo-in. Regardless, she is one of the dark horses who might pull in the nod with her endearing face and gentle charm. She may not be on top of my armchair list, but she is constantly bubbling under, just waiting for the right time to strike.

Indeed, 2010 is proving to be a strong year for Binibining Pilipinas! High five to the 24 ladies who are all stepping up to the plate…and how!