Ria Rabajante (L) and Mariel de Leon: fighting for the same peg? (Photo credits: Jonas Yu/Critical Beauty and OPMB Worldwide)

If you look at the side-by-side photos of Bb. Pilipinas 2013 aspirants Ria Rabajante and Mariel de Leon Above, you’d be inclined to think that they were styled by one and the same person. But no. Ria is an indie, while Mariel comes from Aces & Queens. There is a somewhat similar peg with their looks such that even their respective smiles appear to be almost a match.

Anyways, how do I size up these two lovelies?

Ria arrived for the Bb. Pilipinas screenings and created a stir with her arresting facial features and vavavoom body. Ooh, and her eyes definitely have that ferocious stare She was an instant hit and continues to climb the popularity ranks as a major spoiler for the entries of the three main beauty camps. While she may be only fiddling along the 5’7″ height, the stark reality is that she has the killer stance that can make onlookers drop down on their knees and shout joyous hallelujahs. Right now, she seems like a good fit for any of the crowns at stake. And that is because her looks can easily stand out in a long lineup of international delegates. But do I see her leapfrogging to the top of the heap come finals in April? Right now, not yet. She could be going the route akin to Michelle Arcangel, the BBP1999 1st Runner-Up who wowed everyone with her exotic looks and sexy body. But that’s just me.

Mariel and Ria: who will get lady luck on her side? (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

And Mariel? Her pedigree cannot be ignored. The daughter of celebrity parents Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, she definitely got the beauty of her mother and added a spicier twist to the same. At first, nobody gave this 5’8″ enlister a second look when she submitted her application late last month. When she made her second appearance during the screenings, however, not a few nodded their heads in approval. And why not? She turned into a strong contender right then and there. Her angular face, made more prominent by a strong jawline, is something that not very many girls can carry with such ease and pride. And it’s exactly the feature that sets her apart from the rest. Will she get a crown in her first attempt? Possibly, but not strongly so just yet. Let’s see what aces she still has up her sleeve. If I get to like what I see and hear, then maybe – just maybe – I may elevate her ranking on my list. And mind you, I am not even factoring in the clout (if it indeed exists) of her folks.

Anything to add, dispute or correct, dear readers? 😉