When I mentioned before the high level of difficulty in judging the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 Official Candidates, I literally meant it. This is such a strong group that – after the winners are announced on March 15 – the defeated ones can still be assessed to assemble another set of titleholders ready to compete abroad for the following year.

And during last Tuesday’s Press Presentation, the thirty-four (34) Binibinis proved once more that not one of them will let up in the hunt for a crown. Every member of the quad-media saw the level of competitiveness in their eyes – to each her own and may the best of the best prevail.

This must be the reason why something that already looked like preliminary judging took place. Headed by BPCI’s Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta, this large group of around 10-12 individuals already took to the task of scrutinizing each Binibini. In fact, deliberations were made right after. And I reckon that the results of the same are likely to form part of their eventual recommendations to the finals night judges.

Nothing unusual about that. It has already happened before. But this year, they must really want to see all the ladies in their fiercest forms, unlike during closed-door sessions where the level of spotlight pressure is considerably less jarring to the candidates with no press cameras clicking one after another.

This much I can say. Whoever will be crowned the new Bb. Pilipinas Queens will have passed through the eye of a regular needle – one with a really narrow passage to get through at that. 😉

At the Sunset Pavilion of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the Press Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2015 was held with a full-packed attendance of quad-media reps.

The thirty-four (34) Official Candidates gave their most shining projection to the constant clicking of cameras inside the Tent of the Sunset Pavilion. Endless poses, twirls and group shots delighted all photographers around.

Afterwards, everyone was brought indoors for the Binibinis’ group shot by the spiral staircase leading to the lobby. And then, it was time to move on to the poolside where even the foreign tourists were in awe at the beauty of our candidates.

In summary, my twelve overall standouts in this event are: (in this order)

Binibini 11 Janicel Lubina
Binibini 34 Teresita Ssen Marquez
Binibini 10 Pia Wurtzbach
Binibini 19 Christi Lynn McGarry
Binibini 12 Kylie Verzosa
Binibini 28 Hannah Ruth Sison
Binibini 21 Alaiza Malinao
Binibini 24 Ann Lorraine Colis
Binibini 29 Nancy Leonard
Binibini 26 Anabel Christine Tia
Binibini 23 Justine Felizarta
Binibini 3 Ria Rabajante

P. S. The strong contenders for Best in Swimsuit, in my opinion, are Teresita Ssen Marquez, Janicel Lubina and Alaiza Malinao.