Hosting the event are Richard Gomez, Paolo Bediones and Raymond Gutierrez (not his twin brother Richard as earlier reported). The theme is "fantasy/fairy tale."
Be alert as you watch the ceremonies and try to pick out lookalikes of showbiz celebrities and former Binibini title-holders, such as Dindi Gallardo, Nancy Castiglione, Rachel Alejandro, Tetchie Agbayani, Tisha Silang, Sherilyn Reyes, Gemma Cruz, Carmi Martin, Miriam Quiambao, Michelle Reyes, Yasmien Kurdi, Maricar Balagtas, Kaye Abad, etc.
The 23 (originally 25 but two dropped out at the last minute) official candidates were presented to the media two weeks ago. Funfare’s "beauty experts" Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib were there. Here are their Top 12 "Most Likely" choices (at random):
#8 Carlene Ang Aguilar- 22, 5’9", 129 lbs, 35-24-35 1/2 (She was Miss Philippines in 2001, semi-finalist Miss Earth 2001 and second runner-up Ms. Chinese International 2004.) She has appeared in TV shows here (Klasmeyts) and in Hong Kong. With her vast pageant experience, classic oriental features and knock-out figure; most pageant aficionados believe that she would be the best girl to send to the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. With barely two months to prepare, Carlene would be ready to face the challenge.
#17 Gionna Jimenez Cabrera- 22, 5’9 1/2", 34-25-35 ( An Integrated Marketing and Communications student at the University of Asia and the Pacific. Has the prettiest face in the pageant, a neophyte in the pageant scene.)
#15 Melanie Lariosa Ediza- 22, 5’8", 125 lbs, 33 1/2-24-35 1/2 (A registered nurse, she was Miss Cebu in 2002.)
#22 Precious Lara San Agustin Quigaman- 22, 5’5" 1/2, 100 lbs, 33-23-34 (A Bristol-based freelance web writer who finished a course in Media Production at the Filton College. She was a Binibini candidate in 2001, TV Babe first runner-up in 2000 and Circle of 10 also in 2000.)
#18 Kristine Garcia Santiago- 19, 5’7" 1/2, 125 lbs, 35-25-35 1/2 (An athlete from Pampanga)
#3 Ricamarie Ann Beltran Taylor- 20, 5’6", 117 lbs, 35-26-36 (A Philosophy major and Literature minor from DLSU, this girl exudes class and confidence. The aspiring lawyer was a semi finalist in the Bikini Open in 2003.)
#6 Joanna Rasay Rumohr- 18, 5’7", 125 lbs, 34-25-35 (A sophomore Nursing student from FEU. She was last year’s first runner-up in the Miss Teen Philippines pageant and also a runner-up in the Miss Robinsons search in 2003.)
#7 Joanna Rafbel Minerva Serrano- 23, 5’8 1/2", 34-25-36 (A semi-finalist in the 1999 Binibini search and now works at the front desk reception of the Peninsula Manila.)
#2 Ameurfina Lim Koc- 24, 5’5 1/2", 118 lbs, 34-25-35 (A DLSU graduate and aspiring lawyer from Valenzuela.)
#20 Stephanie Florence Velasquez Magali- 21, 5’6 1/2", 115 lbs, 34-23-34 (A Medical Technologist at the Tropical Disease Foundation of the Makati Medical Center. She was a candidate in the 2001 Global Queen Philippines.)
#11 Katherine Reyes Aban- 23, 5’10", 122 lbs, 34 1/2-24-35 1/2 (A Foreign Service graduate from La Union, she was a semi-finalist in the 2002 Binibini and Mutya pageants.)
#1 Wendy Manalus Valdez- 22, 5’5 1/2", 113 lbs, 34-25 1/2-35 1/2 (She was Ms. Navotas in 2000.)
In our 12 years of covering the Binibining Pilipinas pageant as a group, it has happened so often that a girl would come from behind and shine on pageant night and give the potential winners a run for their money. We will not discount the remaining 11 girls who are as beautiful, stunning and intelligent as the top 12 picks. They are:
#4 April Jean Manago -23 (brand manager in a retail company.)
#5 Allain Christi Asuncion- 23 (A student at the University of Asia and the Pacific.)
#9 Mary Jane delos Santos dela Cruz- 18, Bb. Bulacan 2003
#10 Monifer Manlapaz Samonte- 22 (magna cum laude graduate in Accountancy)
#12 Marie May Rosalien Malabonga Paloma- 23, works at the National Center for Mental Health
#14 Aulorence de Guia Alipoon-21, Mutya candidate 2002, a photography buff
#16 Joanne Bustamante Padilla-23, SM Supermodel runner-up
#19 Mari-flor Danganan Perez-23, flight attendant for PAL
#21 Ma. Mikaela Isabel Natividad Gana Padilla-21 (Mutya candidate 2004 and Philippine bet for Ms. Globe 2004, member of Synchronized Swimming Philippines.)
#23 Lois Timbang Montes-25 (A UP graduate and member of the UP Diliman Streetdance group. Bodyshots 2002 candidate.)
#24 Maricris Cruz Franco-24, Miss Taguig 2004