She answers to the full name of Maria Benjieleen Nama, but you can call her MJ for short. She is aged 24 and will represent Sta. Cruz Laguna in Bb. Pilipinas 2017 as your Binibini 6. She is part of KF.

A multi-tasker after finishing her degree in BS Psychology from the University of the East, MJ worked first as the HR Supervisor/Head of an audit firm. In the process, she got into the groove of developing her skills as a Career Speaker, while attending a Business Management Training Program of Harvard Business Publishing. Last 2013, she won Binibining Unibersidad 2013 and represented the country at the World Miss University finals held in Korea.

If you have chanced upon watching a couple of IBC-13’s morning shows in the past, you might have already seen MJ co-hosting the show “Tukaan” which talks about anything and everything about cocks, cockfighting and the like. Below is a sample of an episode she appeared in.

courtesy of All New Tukaan

What are MJ’s thoughts on making it as a Binibini for 2017?

“Out of 97 beautiful ladies down to 40, it was a blurry moment for me when my number and name was called as an official candidate of Bb. Pilipinas. I did not expect it at all! As a first timer, I want to enjoy, have fun and cherish all the moments being here rather than put all the pressure to myself and be on a “competition mode” without cherishing the journey at all.

As an HR leader in this male-dominated industry, I think I have empowered and directed people, most especially women in my generation to strive towards being a leader in the future, too.

I want to be remembered, not just a person who wears a million dollar smile, but someone who has helped the economic status of my country by influencing people, most especially women, using my profession as a tool, to become empowered leaders and break the double standards in the workplace. I want people to be appreciated for the work that they put in and their potential.”

Your thoughts on MJ Nama, dear readers? 🙂