Bb. Pilipinas trivia

The Bb. Pilipinas season is upon us, with the search for the 2006 batch (for Misses Universe, International and World) now open to applicants (one of them could be Charo Ronquillo, 17, who finished second runner-up in the recent Supermodel search). To mark the Binibini search, Funfare is putting out the following trivia compiled by "the other beauty expert" Celso de Guzman Caparas:

• 1964 semi-finalist Chiqui Somes is the daughter of Jose Vergara, a character actor of Dalisay Pictures and former Manila cop. Introduced in Mga Kanang Kamay (1964, starring Zaldy Zshornack), Chiqui was cast in action films such as Daigdig Ng Mga Matatapang and Hangga’t May Hininga (1964, both with Romeo Vasquez) and Kami Ang Kriminal (1965), among others. Chiqui was also Miss Visayas (second runner-up) to 1963 Miss Philippines — Universe Lallaine Bennett.

• 1964 semi-finalist Nina Zaldua became a movie and stage actress. Her films include Codigo Trece (1965), Jeepney Boy (1966, with Joseph Estrada and Zaldy Zshornack) and Mr. Thunderball (1966, with Chiquito). Nina performed at Clover Theater (Pamilya Garapal with Chiquito in 1966). She is the mother of Rannie and Lance Raymundo.

• Elizabeth Ann Jolene Luciano Winsett, then a flight stewardess (for PAL domestic flights), tourist guide and PTTA receptionist, was first runner-up in 1966. She received movie offers from Dr. Jose Perez of Sampaguita Pictures, but Jose Nepomuceno won over her. She became local movielandia’s Liza Lorena after she was chosen from among 64 candidates who read the lines of Esperanza for Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak topbilled by Charito Solis and Ric Rodrigo. 

• 1967 Bb. Pilipinas - Universe Pilar Delilah Pilapil was only a runner-up to 1967 Bb. Pilipinas - Cebu (and Miss Caltex 1968 semi-finalist) Mercedes Uy, who became Pilar’s third runner-up in the Bb. Pilipinas national pageant.  Pilar handily won after she delivered the most convincing, sincere and honest speech in her signature modulated voice:

"I joined the contest to have a chance to travel and see places. If I win, I will try my best to bring honor and glory to my country. So, please, judges, make me win to be able to fulfill my dreams."

This prompted then Tarlac Gov. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. (chairman of the Board of Judges) to comment, "(She) just floored the judges."

Pilar was crowned by French actress and 1958 Miss World first runner-up Claudine Auger, also one of the judges.  Neil Sedaka was guest performer during the 1967 finals. 

• The notable film credits of 1967 second runner-up Lotis Key (real name: Ma. Rica Baluyot Key) include Dalawang Mukha ng Tagumpay (1974) and Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Langit (1975) both of which merited her Best Supporting Actress nominations from FAMAS. Lotis (representing St. Paul College Manila) won as the Juliet of the Philippines (with Cocoy Laurel as the Romeo of the Philippines) in the mid-’60s. Also a legitimate stage actress, Lotis appeared in PETA’s The Crucible and Repertory Philippines’ The Bride of Jean Brodie, among others. Lotis was also 1967 Princesse Royale de Quezon City, 1971 Miss Aviation and 1975’s one of the 12 Best Dressed Actresses.

• 1970 Miss Young Philippines and 1970 Miss Young International second runner-up Cita Avecilla’s one and only movie was Rodolfo Valentino (1970) with Dolphy and Jean Yazmin (or Jean Altavas, 1970 Mutya ng Pilipinas  first runner-up).  Cita, 1969 second runner-up Denden Quirino and 1970 Bb. Pilipinas—Universe Simonette de los Reyes were named three of Manila’s Five Prettiest in 1969 by the Bachelors Club. Monette was also 1971 Soap Derby Muse and 1972 Baron Travel Girl.

• 1972 semi-finalist and Miss Talent Margaret Grace Javier became the chairman of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino that hands out the prestigious Urian awards (1997 to 1998 and 2002 to 2003) and is still a member to date. Grace is the founding president of the Film School Board of the Philippines, a professor and founding chairperson of UP’s Department of Film and Audiovisual Communication.  In 1986, she was Asia’s delegate to the Independent Film Distribution and Networking in Havana, Cuba and our representative to the Women’s International Film Festival in Mannheim, Germany (1987-1989) and South Korea (2003).  She wrote about film in the Film Journal of International Filmmoche, Mannheim, Germany (Vol. 7, 1986 and Vol. 10, 1989) and Cinemaya, New Delhi, India (1989).  Grace was a director, scriptwriter, coordinator and producer of video, film and various TV programs on ABC 5, GMA 7, RPN 9 and IBC 13. 

• 1975 semi-finalist Tet Antiquiera was discovered by movie writer Mercy Lejarde in a Makati disco joint in 1980. Tet became a sensation when she attended the 1980 FAMAS awards night without underwear. Tet was introduced in Beach House and was promoted to stardom in Ako, Ikaw…Magkaagaw. Tet also appeared in Island of the Bloody Plantation, an internationally-released German production.

• A former Girard Peter model, 1978 semi-finalist, Best in Swimsuit and Miss CloseUp Smile Tetchie Agbayani was screen tested by director Joey Gosiengfiao in 1979. Tetchie was introduced twice: in Juan Tamad, Jr. (1980) and Pepeng Shotgun (1981). Her first leading role was in Hubad na Gubat (1981). After her Playboy nude pictorial (German issue, March 1982), Tetchie was able to penetrate Hollywood. She was in the cast of The Dolls (1983), as Caya in The Emerald Forest (1985), Florinda in The Money Pit (1986 with Tom Hanks), Bessie in Desire (1983), Princess Rubali in Gymkata (1985), Lily in Disorderlies (1987), Flossie in Ricky and Pete (1988), Mrs. Morrell in Indio 2: La Rivolta (1991) and in Deathfight (1993). Tetchie was also 1979 Mutya ng Pilipinas first runner-up.

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