Board topnotcher is new Bb. Pilipinas - Universe

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty-four year-old Shamcey Supsup won the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe title at the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 pageant held Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The candidate no. 26 bested 39 other contestants who competed in this year’s pageant, which was aired over ABS-CBN.

Shamcey was an early favorite, owing to her impeccable academic credentials. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines College of Architecture and topped the Architecture board exam in July 2010.

The mestiza beauty from General Santos City will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011.

Other winners include last year’s first runner-up, Dianne Necio (no. 33), who returned this year and went on to win the Bb. Pilipinas-International title, while Isabella Manjon (no. 25) was declared Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism, which has replaced the Bb. Pilipinas-World title, which now has a separate franchise.

Janine Tugonon (no. 27) was first runner-up while Mary Jean Lastimosa (No. 34) was second runner-up.

This year’s pageant had its share of minor controversies at its onset, after it dropped two of its candidates, including Cebuana Roxanne Cabanero who was alleged to have figured in sexy photos being circulated in the internet. Cabanero has since denied she was the girl in the photos.