Binibining Pilipinas urges candidates to cut costs amid oil crisis
The ongoing oil crisis is making its mark even on the country’s most prestigious national beauty pageant.
During the sash ceremony for the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant held at Novotel Manila in Araneta City on April 6, Gines Enriquez, marketing head of Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., said the organization has been actively advising candidates to practice financial restraint.
"We're making adjustments to make things easier for the girls, as we need to be sensitive to rising costs. Logistically, fuel will affect everything. We remind them not to overspend on gowns and related items. They have to find ways to economize and make adjustments. Nobody expected this to happen, so we are asking the candidates not to be excessive," Gines said during an interview after the event.
Gines assured that pre-pageant activities will continue as planned. "We will ensure they align with our vision without compromising quality," he said, adding that the organization is also working with performers and guests for the pageant finals.
"Like, sometimes we ask our artists to reconsider their talent fees. But of course, we will meet halfway," said Gines.
On the sponsorship front, Gines expressed gratitude, noting that partners have remained committed despite the economic headwinds. "We're happy that the sponsors are still supporting us," he said.
Pageant fans are buzzing with anticipation — could a brand-new crown be added to the lineup come coronation night this July?
As it stands, two coveted titles are up for grabs on coronation night — Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe. But could a third crown soon join the stage?
The 36 official candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2026 beauty pageant and localities:
Binibini 1 Britney Angel Rubino - Caluya, Antique
Binibini 2 Gwyneth Jemimah Bombeo Chan - Cagayan De Oro
Binibini 3 Nicole Sobria - Makati City
Binibini 4 Trisha Irish Marie Nadal Rosales - General Trias, Cavite
Binibini 5 Zilanni Eve P. Rojas - Zamboanga City
Binibini 6 Mary Adeline Cacho Ramirez - Malabon City
Binibini 7 Mylene Bataclan Manschus - Tanza, Cavite
Binibini 8 Elli Rose Lim Elola - Negros Occidental
Binibini 9 Arah Josmin Bernabe Reguyal - Occidental Mindoro
Binibini 10 Joahnna Lee Longos Ucol - Ilocos Norte
Binibini 11 Ma. Kathrina Pauline Gonzales Cudia - Jaen, Nueva Ecija
Binibini 12 Gwendoline Meliz Frias Soriano - Baguio City
Binibini 13 Sasha-Juli Belle Penuliar Lacuna - Tarlac Province
Binibini 14 Shara Maxine Mendoza Barber - Palawan
Binibini 15 Julie Mae Panaga Villanueva - Ilocos Sur
Binibini 16 Angelica Arwin Camu Evora - Oriental Mindoro
Binibini 17 Ain Niqyla Saladaga Abad - San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Binibini 18 Anne Klein Escoto Castro - Pampanga
Binibini 19 Tracy Mae C. Sunio - Bacolod City
Binibini 20 Samantha Marie B. Zabarte - Damarinas, Cavite
Binibini 21 Alisa Keith D. Irugin - Cavite City
Binibini 22 Iris I. Oresca - Bicol Region
Binibini 23 Georgette Nicole Restrivera Coronacion - Carmona, Cavite
Binibini 24 Kristeen Mia SJ. Lucero - Bulacan Province
Binibini 25 Jarina Kumari Sandhu - Cauayan City, Isabela
Binibini 26 Nathalie Magat - Bais City, Negros Oriental
Binibini 27 Marinella J. Catangay - Quezon City
Binibini 28 Camille Bernadette T. Martin - Malolos, Bulacan
Binibini 29 Julianne Raine Amigo Antonio - Dumaguete
Binibini 30 Kaye Pastelero - Cavite Province
Binibini 31 Patricia Lynn Beerda - Iloilo
Binibini 32 Pauline Thea Ann Esguerra Ibuyan - Aklan
Binibini 33 Anjali C. Pradeep Kumar - La Union
Binibini 34 Stacey C. De Ocampo - Pangasinan
Binibini 35 Christine Jorelle F. Usaraga - Cebu
Binibini 36 Ivy R. Padilla - Misamis Oriental