By the time my column comes out next Monday, a new set of Binibining Pilipinas queens would have already been crowned. After more than a year of waiting, the 34 surviving candidates of the country’s longest running pageant will finally see the culmination of their Binibini journeys next Sunday, July 11th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with outgoing queens Patricia Magtanong, Emma Mary Tiglao, Leren Mae Bautista and the three Bb. Pilipinas Grand International titlists, Samantha Ashley Lo, Aya Abesamis and Samantha Bernardo, finally relinquishing their crowns to their successors.
That said, this may actually be my last chance to do a forecast on who, I believe, have the biggest potentials of bagging the crowns. Lest I fail miserably in my assessment of the ladies, let it be said that I am doing this list at a disadvantage. I totally have no idea on how the ladies fared in their preliminary interviews. That will only be shown on the pageant’s official YouTube channel later this week with no less than the King of Talk, Boy Abunda, hosting the pageant primer. This forecast is based only on what I have seen from the ladies so far, especially on what they have shown us in the pageant’s online competitions—making this prediction list truly “FEARLESS.”
CROWN CONTENDERS
Binibini 17, Hannah Arnold. She’s my choice for the top crown of Binibining Pilipinas International. She’s tall, angel-faced and very sweet in her demeanor. She’s definitely the Miss International prototype and possesses the kind of beauty that usually hits mark for the pageant’s Japanese organizers. My only apprehension, for now, is on her Q and A skills, an area where she faltered in her previous Binibini stint. Knowing what we know of Miss International, however, where the final consideration is a fully-prepared and memorized speech, then I really don’t see this as being a huge problem for this Binibini.
Binibini 15, Karen Laurrie Mendoza. This Ilongga is one candidate who was able to use the pageant’s extended run to her advantage by creating enough buzz for herself during the pandemic. From being a newbie to the national pageant scene, she rose to being one of pageant fans’ top favorites, and for a good set of reasons: she’s naturally beautiful, tall and is also able to project a sweet persona. Karen Laurrie is a good alternative for Binibining Pilipinas International, but may be given a Runner Up post and reserved for a later year if she does not end up winning the top crown.
Binibini 10, Maureen Montagne. She is a combination of sugar and spice; of sweet and fierce. She possesses the kind of beauty that, while undeniably stunning, is also full of edge and spunk. Given her eloquence and past pageant experiences, this stage veteran is perfect for the Binibining Pilipinas Grand International. She’s just got to be it!
Binibini 14, Justine Felizarta. This Davaoena is exotically captivating. She’s a performer on stage and has managed to polish her ramp skills. Now on her second attempt for a Binibini crown, she knows exactly what to expect come finals night and is bound to do a better job that her first outing. Based on what I’ve seen from her online interviews, she can surely up her game to a level that can allow her to snatch the Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental crown.
Binibini 7, Meiji Cruz. Another second-timer who came totally prepared for battle is Valenzuela’s Meiji. This is one lady who really did her homework after a lackluster performance in her first Binibini attempt. If she’s a product, then I’d say she’s been able to come up with a “new and improved” version of herself for this edition of the pageant. She ticks the boxes for upgrading herself in terms of physical preparedness, stage deportment and even self-confidence, which may be her tickets to possibly winning the Binibining Pilipinas Globe title.
POTENTIAL RUNNERS UP, SEMI-FINALISTS
Binibini 8, Patricia Babista. I am loving this girl. She’s a very beautiful Filipina with a jet-black hair and fine Morena complexion. She is also an achiever, being a bank manager at a very young age. Watch out for her, she might just pull off a crown surprise!
Binibini 1, Samantha Panlilio. She has pageant ancestry and likewise screams: crown me too! She’s got a good swimsuit body and naturally exudes a lot of confidence. She’s got to be there come finals night.
Binibini 6, Shannon Tampon. I don’t know why this girl reminds me of Samantha Bernardo, but she does. If Binibini is out looking for he same mold as Samantha’s for a winner, then Shannon can very well make it.
MAKE OR BREAK. For its first cut, Binibining Pilipinas will be pruning down its 34 candidates to the top 12. Since I have already given my top 8 picks, here are some of the other ladies who, I think, may have a crack at penetrating the semis.
Binibini 19, Gabrielle Basiano. This Borongan, Samar representative photographs really well. I haven’t seen a picture of hers that isn’t stunning.
Binibini 25, Honey Grace Cartasano. Great support system and pageant machinery. Everything about her campaign is well-engineered.
Binibini 16, Kimberly Anne Tiquestiques. If the pageant wants an inspiring Cinderella story, then she can be a solid contender. She has also proven her mettle as a performer and a tough competitor during the pageant.
Binibini 24, Maria Francesca Taruc. I love this girl. I think she’s really pretty and she’s had previous international pageant experience as well. I’d say “take this girl seriously.” She means business.
OTHER MEMORABLE GIRLS. Don’t count these ladies out yet. They might just surprise all of us on finals night: Alexandra Faith Garcia, Graciella Lehmann and Micca Rosal.