Once a Binibini...

Three new Binibinis (Universe, International and World) will be chosen on Saturday, March 6, at a grand coronation to be held at the Araneta Coliseum (telecast on GMA starting at 10 p.m.), hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Carla Abellana.

As some kind of a send-off to reigning Binibinis Pamela Bianca Manalo (Universe), Melody Gersbach (International) and Marie-Ann Umali (World), Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib interviewed past winners about their “Binibini moments.”

Here they are:

• 2005 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Gionna Cabrera: During a random interview with GMA after I won, a colleague grabbed the microphone from me while I was about to answer. Talk about post-pageant “catty.”

• 1993 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Dindi Gallardo: When some candidates backed out after Ruffa Gutierrez (who won Bb. Pilipinas-World) joined at the last minute; and when I was heckled by the audience as I blanked out during the Q&A.

• 2004 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maricar Balagtas: Seeing my dad in the crowd beaming with joy and pride while I was being crowned.

• 1988 Bb. Pilipinas-International Anthea Robles: Signing an autograph for the first time after I was crowned made me realize I was already a celebrity, I never thought that I would be doing that in my lifetime. It was surreal.

• 2001 first runner-up/2001 Miss Tourism International/2002 Miss World Tourism Michelle Reyes: I was competing in the Miss Tourism International in Ankara, Turkey, when the US was attacked (9/11). In one of the pre-pageant activities, a fellow candidate got hurt and needed urgent care. Being a nurse, I gave her first aid before I went back to the rehearsals.

•  1977 Bb. Young-Pilipinas Dorothy Sue Bradley: Meeting wonderful people and representing our country in the 1977 Miss Young International Beauty Pageant held in Tokyo. I placed first runner-up.

• 1997 Bb. Pilipinas-International Susan Jane Ritter: My co-winner Kristine Florendo (Bb. Pilipinas-World) and I have remained best friends. I also keep in touch with the friends that I made during the Miss International pageant in Japan.

• 1998 Bb. Pilipinas-World Rachel Soriano: When my name was called as winner, I saw my mom in the audience crying. During the Miss World pageant in Seychelles, hundreds of Filipinos came with flowers, gifts, souvenirs and even phone cards! They came from all over the country and traveled just to see me. I was overwhelmed. The next day, we were featured in a local newspaper.

• 1994 Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Sheila Dizon: Finding my lifetime partner. I prayed really hard since I was 14 to find the right person and it was through the Binibini that the Lord answered my prayer. He was my perpetual escort during my trips abroad. His patience and perseverance really worked.

• 2004 Bb. Pilipinas-World Karla Bautista: My farewell walk. It was a very poignant moment, the culmination of my dream and a tribute to my mom.

• 2008 Bb. Pilipinas-World Danielle Castaño: When I won all the sponsor awards and training on poise and grace and for the Q&A. My workouts in the gym with my trainer John Cuay.

• 2006 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Lia Andrea Ramos: During the Miss Universe Pageant in L.A., many Filipinos rooted for me along with my family. I was never so proud to be a Filipino.

• 2001 Bb. Pilipinas-International Maricarl Tolosa: When Madame Stella Araneta personally made our salad for our diet before I and the two other winners competed abroad. She was my favorite mentor because she treated me and all other ladies like her own daughter.

• 2003 Bb. Pilipinas-International and 2005 Miss ASEAN Jhezarie Javier: Meeting Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta, the icon behind the Bb. Pilipinas. I was a bit intimidated at first, but after getting to know her better, I realized how down-to-earth and generous she was, a truly admirable lady and beautiful inside out.

•  2008 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Jennifer Barrientos: Representing our country abroad where I made friends with a lot of girls. The Asian contestants and Miss Mexico were the ones closest to me.

• 1981 Bb. Young-Pilipinas/1985 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Joyce Ann Burton: I became tense when I learned that I had to leave three days after I won for the Miss Universe Pageant. Winning the Universe Philippines crown to attend Ms. Universe. I had never traveled alone so I was nervous. After the contest, I stayed for two months in L.A. where I connected with US actor Leon Isaac Kennedy whom I had met in the Philippines during the Metro Manila Filmfest (Leon is now a pastor). Through him I met Muhammad Ali and  spent an hour chatting with him right before a Sugar Ray Leonard fight in Las Vegas. Got to shake hands with Sugar Ray after the fight which he won. Also had ice cream with Smokey Robinson in the kitchen of his home. Sat next to Sammy Davis Junior in a comedy bar and spent the evening chatting with him. Visited the Playboy Mansion and met Hugh Hefner and connected with actor John Philip Law who played the angel in the classic movie Barbarella. Also met David Hasselhoff, Heather Locklear and Pia Zadora, and saw Grace Jones in person at a party. Also got a chance to shake hands with Sylvester Stallone and chat with him and his brother.

• 2001 Bb. Pilipinas-World Gilrhea Quinzon: Passing the rigorous screening process. I was happy being an official candidate and then I won.

• 1999 Bb. Pilipinas-World Lalaine Edson: Bonding with the two girls I shared a room with. And, of course, the coronation night.

• 1975 Bb. Pilipinas-International Jaye Murphy: Deciding who to side with during a “strike” in the pageant. My classmate from grade school headed the strike due to Chiqui Brosas arriving three days before the coronation. She was late and did not attend the prelims. My classmate was going from room to room getting support. Since I myself only made takas from my parents. (They thought I was in Baguio with friends.) I did not want to be in the news. My dad found out in the papers the next morning I won. Of course, he did not get mad anymore since it was now amusing to him and he felt pride for his daughter.

•  2008 Bb. Pilipinas-International Patricia Fernandez: When I shouted “Philippines!” in the Miss International contest in Macau and the crowd, especially the Filipinos there, roared and cheered.

• 1998 Bb. Pilipinas-International Colette Centeno: When I was inside the soundproof booth during the Q&A. I could hear nothing but I could see the crowd cheering. It was very scary!

• 1995 Bb. Pilipinas-World Reham Snow Tago: Meeting Madiba Nelson Mandela and speaking to him in Afrikaan. Standing in his presence was simply mind-blowing.

• 1996 Bb. Pilipinas-World Daisy Reyes: During the evening gown competition because the shoes I was wearing were not my size, I had a feeling they might fly once I lifted my feet. Thank God I won Best in Evening Gown and won Miss Personality in the Miss World contest.

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