Binibini 32 Sharmaine Magdasoc of Ortigas, Pasig City was named the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice during the grand coronation of the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 beauty pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, May 28.

Magdasoc, 26, won the Classic Manila Hotel Experience worth P100,000 and one-year free subscription of the Manila Bulletin newspaper. The prizes were presented on stage by Barbie Atienza, Head of External Affairs, Manila Bulletin; and Badette Cunanan, Public Relations Manager, Manila Bulletin.

Prior to joining Binibining Pilipinas, Magdasoc has been gradually making a name in showbiz.

After she won Miss Fashion World in Malaysia in 2019, Sharmaine decided to try her luck in the entertainment industry. With her beauty and charm, Sharmaine received offers in modelling and supporting roles in drama and comedy.

Sharmaine Magdasoc 

Years went on, the beauty queen received major offers to do mature roles. But Sharmaine said mature roles are not her cup of tea. So she made a brave decision to take a break from showbiz and focus on pageants once again.

“I’ve been into many movies as a supporting actress. I am yet to have my big solo break, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hope you could support me in that. Most of the genres I star in are drama and comedy.

“It has been a great experience working with huge names in the industry. On a side note, if I may share, I’ve been offered numerous times to play lead in mature projects but I didn’t accept any of it because it is not really my thing and more of that I know that i’ll be back on the pageantry stage again.

“So far I can say that it is the best decision for me and I am so proud of myself for taking such courage,” said Sharmaine, in an online interview, recently.

Sharmaine also said that beauty pageants like Bb. Pilipinas are still relevant because they empower women.

“Pageants will always be relevant for as long as it provides a platform for women and for as long as people patronize and watch it. In pageants, it is where a modern queen is made and celebrated in our contemporary times.

“To add, it is a celebration of feminism where we can showcase our beauties, strengths, talents, life stories and advocacies. Aside from being that external outlet, pageants also teaches us the essence of womanhood and sportsmanship.

“Lastly, through beauty pageants we can inspire and reach out to more and more women across the world," added Sharmaine.

Here are the other winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 special awards:

* Anna Lakrini - Best In Swimsuit and Jag Denim Queen

* Trisha Martinez - Binibining Ever Bilena, Binibining PAL, and Best In Evening Gown

* April Barro - Binibining Pizza Hut

* Loraine Jara - Binibining Bingo Plus

* Candy Vollinger - Binibining Talent

* Mary Chiles Balana - Binibini Friendship

* Julia Mae Mendoza - Face of Binibini

* Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano - Best In National Costume

Anna Lakrini - Best In Swimsuit and Jag Denim Queen

Trisha Martinez - Binibining Ever Bilena, Binibining PAL, and Best In Evening Gown

April Barro - Binibining Pizza Hut

Loraine Jara - Binibining Bingo Plus

Candy Vollinger - Binibining Talent

Mary Chiles Balana - Binibini Friendship

Julia Mae Mendoza - Face of Binibini

Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano - Best In National Costume