One of the 8 ladies above could spring a surprise on Sunday night.

Every year, a surprise or two in the official results of Bb. Pilipinas (even Miss Universe) make us look closer at the TV screen (or the stage if watching live) more intently. It’s as if we missed this one girl who is suddenly performing beyond everybody’s expectations.

Last year, a petite and less regarded – albeit photogenic – Ali Forbes stunned amused watchers when she placed 2nd Runner-Up which translated to a year-long Top 5 appearance with Janine, Nicole, Katrina and Elaine. The year before that, the surprise was relatively minor when the likes of less popular Sarah Nicole Clenci and Wendy Lucas made it to the Top 15. And the year before that, Czarina Gatbonton floored everyone by becoming the last Filipina to wear the Bb. Pilipinas World sash.

For 2013, who will provide us with that eyebrow-raising moment? For your consideration, I short-listed eight candidates who just might sneak into the magic circle of Top 15 or Top 10 or even Top 5 when nobody’s looking (or taking a restroom break in between commercial gaps).

Cebuanas Angeli Dione Gomez and Herlie Kim Artugue head the group. Their excellent communication skills – and acceptable facial attractiveness – might not be lost on the judges’ scorecards. Same goes with Law student Ivy Kristel Gonzales and UK-raised Zandra Flores. And how about the youthful beauty of 17 year-old Imee Schweighart? She could turn on the charm that we have been ignoring for so long.

And then there is also Best National Costume winner (and Mutya Datul deadringer) Ma. Teresita ‘Mateane’ Baccay plus sexy Abby Monderin who may possibly complicate the field even more. Finally, let’s not forget the statuesque Valiry Vispo whose 5’10” frame can be hard to ignore in a less competitive year.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there is likely to be one shocking contender for this year. Her identity remains a mystery, though. After all, what’s Bb. Pilipinas without one? 😉