Congratulations to the newly-elected queens of the 57^th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.  Last night’s subdued but still glittering coronation presentation still managed to create excitement among fans who have long wished to see this batch finally come to the end of their pageant journeys. 

Many pageant aficionados say this year’s edition has been one of the least controversial batches of candidates in recent years.  There have been no incidents of hair-pulling, mud slinging and even sabotage stories hurled against any of the contestants or participating camps. 

All have worked quietly and in harmony for the pageant’s advantage. However, a pageant is still a pageant and when you put competitive ladies and their equally-competitive pageant teams together, it is impossible not to have some juicy behind-the-scenes stories.  Here are some of them:

UNFAZED PAGEANT VETERAN

This story is about a candidate who is surely not a first timer in pageantry.  In fact, she has already shouted “Philippines” in an international competition before.  One time, she was asked to comment on a much-talked about candidate who is also among the major favorites in this year’s contest.  The remark given was quite unexpected: “I don’t find her attractive.  She’s overly done,” said the pageant queen, referring not to her rival’s make-up but on her medically-enhanced beauty.  So, who are the ladies in this story?  Well, a lot of fans actually love them both not just for their potentials but because their names actually speak a lot of about how sweet they truly are!

ENHANCEMENTS HERE AND THERE

Speaking of enhancements, the lady being accused of being overly done is, obviously, an aesthetic doctor’s suki.  Having been a Binibini once before, fans couldn’t help but compare her before and after photos.  She’s really proof of how science can improve people’s lives, starting with their looks.  Teeth, check.  Nose, check.  Skin and other body parts, check.  She’s really a giant when it comes to withstanding needles and stitches! Amazing! (Note: Let’s be kind to her.  She’s not the only one who has had enhancements.  A huge percentage of the girls have had their share of trips to their respective doctors’ clinics, whether paid or sponsored!)

THE BIG GUY’S GIRL

One of those hyped to win last night is someone who is rumored to be the girlfriend of somebody “big.” So big that she once used a very expensive prop in a pageant activity (we’re talking here of an aircraft!). That’s what you call exclusive access!  Well, this petite lady is also among the faces of the competition, especially when she’s totally glammed up.  She perfectly fits the Barbie doll mold.  Then again, she’ll really be best remembered for how she can pull the strings when necessary.  That truly made people say: “Tarush!”

BINIBINING MRT

On the other hand, this year’s batch also has a Binibini who commutes to and from Araneta via public transport, specifically, the MRT.  She’d have her glam team do full-packed make up at home, in a province that’s not too far from Manila, and then, to save on fares, would take public transport even with full make up on (false eyelashes and all).  This is, not at all, surprising since this Binibini has never been ashamed of admitting that she’s been working her butt off since she was a teener just to send herself to school.  This girl’s Cinderella story is truly very poetic.

HOW MUCH, HOW MUCH

It is quite understandable how pageant participants would really be willing to go unimaginable lengths just to ensure they win a crown.  This is especially true on the parts of parents who wish to secure their children’s lifelong dreams.  This story is about a parent who, prior to the pageant, has been making calls to Binibini sponsors and “powers-that-be" just to secure the daughter/candidate’s place in the winners’ circle.  That’s really a shame since the girl is actually worthy, on her own merits. A gay fan says: “Grabe sila! Pasabog talaga!”

Well, the pageant lady has sung.  The choices have been revealed.  Let’s just wish our Binibinis the best of luck in their future undertakings, whether they be on- or off-stage!