Four new queens were proclaimed at the grand coronation of the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Aug. 1

Crowned were Nicole Borromeo, of Cebu, Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 Gabrielle Basiano, Borongan, Eastern, Samar, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022; Chelsea Fernandez, Tacloban City, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2022; and Roberta Tamondong, San Pablo, Laguna, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2022.

Nicole Budol, of Angono, Rizal, was first runner-up, while Stacey Gabriel, of Cainta, Rizal, 2nd runner-up.

From 40 official candidates, the girls were narrowed down to 12 semifinalists who competed in swimsuits, evening gowns, and the final question-and-answer round.

Despite Borromeo winning the top title, Hannah Arnold, who won last year's Bb. Pilipinas International, will represent the Philippines at the Miss International 2022 pageant in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 13. Borromeo will vie for the international title next year.

The three other queens - Basiano, Fernandez, and Tamondong - will compete in their respective pageants abroad later this year.

In the final Q&A portion, Borromeo was asked by guest panelist actor Donny Pangilinan. His question was: "The question is, on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself as a responsible Filipino citizen and why?"

Borromeo answered: "As a responsible Filipino citizen, I'd like to give myself a good 8, because I always know there's room to improve. There's so much I don't know. But there's so much I'm willing to learn. And I hope to do that with you."

Only Budol answered in Tagalog-English or Taglish. Judge Cecilio Asuncion asked her: "A beauty pageant is a space for transformation. What has been your biggest character transformation since you joined, and how could this make you deserving of a crown tonight?"

Later, Asuncion translated it in Pilipino. He said, "Ang beauty pageant ay isang lugar para sa transpormasyon. Anong transpormasyon na importante ang nangyari sa ’yo habang nandito ka sa Binibining Pilipinas?"

Budol answered: "Maraming salamat po. Para sa akin, isang karangalan na nakatungtong ako dito sa Binibining Pilipinas bilang isang binibining hindi inaasahan. Para sa akin, ang sarap palang mangarap. Ang sarap mangarap. Walang imposible. Isa po akong komedyante na laki sa hirap. At ang aking transpormasyon ay ang magbigay ng inspirasyon because I know ... because I know for myself that I am beautiful ... because I know for myself that I am uniquely beautiful with a mission."

Other judges and guest panelists include Hon. Alfredo Pascual, guest panelist Sen. Risa Hontiveros, broadcaster Rico Hizon, actors Joshua Garcia, Jane De Leon, former Miss Globe Anne Colis; George Barcelon, president, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.

Budol, a rising comedian, was the runaway winner during the telecast presentation of special awards - Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice, Bb. Shein, Bb. Pizza Hut, Bb. Kumu, Jag Queen, Bb. Silka, and Bb. World Balance.

Other winners of special awards were Basiano, Best In Swimsuit, and Best In Evening Gown; Fernandez, Bb. Ever Bilena; Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Bb. Moist Diane Shampoo; Graciella Lehmann, Best In National Costume; Ma. Isabela David, Bb. Talent; Yllana Marie Aduana, Face of Binibini; Eissel Rosalita, Binibini Friendship; and Tamondong, Bb. Philippine Air Lines.

Also in the Top 12 were Jashmin-Lyn Dimaculangan, Diana Mackey, Jasmine Omay, Karen Laurie Mendoza, Annalena Valencia Lakrini, and Anna Carres De Mesa.

* Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice

Budol won the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice, as awarded by Barbie Atienza, Head of External Affairs, Manila Bulletin; and Badette Cunanan, Public Relations Manager, Manila Bulletin.

The Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award was presented in partnership with the Manila Hotel.

Budol, 22, is a social media influencer and vlogger who loves rapping. Currently, she is starring in the online series "Ang Babae Sa Likod ng Face Mask."

As the readers' choice, she will get the Classic Manila Hotel Experience worth P100,000.00; and a one-year free subscription to the Manila Bulletin.

Hosted by former beauty queens Catriona Gray and Nicole Cordoves, the three-hour special telecast was graced by popular P-pop group SB19, who rendered a modern pop rendition of the classic Bb. Pilipinas theme song entitled “Win Your Heart.” Also joining as segment hosts were Samantha Bernardo and Edward Barber. Maymay Entrata also provided a special number with her bouncy hit song "Amakabogera."

It was the first time that former Miss International actress Precious Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz was also introduced as a member of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. Executive Committee.