Binibini runners-up Hannah & Kimverlyn: Will they try again?

MANILA, Philippines - Binibini No. 28 Hannah Ruth Lulu Sison (5’6”, 32.5-24.5-32.5), first runner-up and Binibini No. 8 Kimverlyn Ofalsa Suiza (5’6.5”, 32.5-25-30.5), second runner-up in the recently-concluded 2015 Bb. Pilipinas pageant sat in a casual interview at the Oasis of Gateway Mall last March 16.  

Hannah has a degree in AB-Multi Media Arts from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Batch 2008. She took up a certificate course in Fashion Photography at the School of Fashion & the Arts. She’s a freelance multi-media artist (illustration, graphics, photography, interactive media and animation). Meanwhile, Kimverlyn is a Masscom major in Broadcasting graduate from Centro Escolar University, Manila, Batch 2009. She was a segment producer of Eat, Bulaga!’s Juan For All, All For Juan from 2011 to 2013. Kimverlyn had a cameo role on ABS-CBN’s Be Careful With My Heart where she played the role of Lourdes Paz, a flight attendant.

Both beauties are not new to beauty pageants. They joined last year’s edition where Hannah placed second runner-up while Kimverlyn didn’t make it even up to the semis. Hannah was Binibini No. 19 in 2013 and was crowned 2012 Saniata ti Ilocos (Mutya ng Ilocos). Kimverlyn was 2013 Miss Philippines-Air (first runner-up) and 2006 Hiyas ng Marikina first runner-up.

Hannah almost didn’t make it to the scheduled interview, she was not feeling well.

What were your reactions when you were called first and second runners-up, respectively?

Hannah: Sad because this is my last chance to compete for my dreams. I am overaged and I want to continue to fight for my dreams.

Kimverlyn: I felt nothing but happiness and I was really grateful considering that I didn’t even make it to the semi-finals last year, from nothing to Top 7 is a no mean feat. People would ask me how I’m feeling and I keep answering over and over again that “I am happy, I am very happy.” I may not be wearing one of the crowns but I am wearing one of the happiest smiles I’ve ever had in my life. Hindi madali ang manalo dahil super tight ang competition sa batch namin and anybody can win. I believe people can attest that this year is a tough batch, neck-and-neck battle talaga. I’m already lucky being one of the candidates this year and it’s a big bonus that I bagged the second runner-up placement. My family, loved ones, friends and supporters are proud of me and that makes me feel completely happy.

Which among the five crowns and titles did you wish to win that night? Why?

Hannah: Miss Universe Philippines. With my age (she’ll turn 27 on Aug. 8), it’s the only crown I’m qualified for to compete internationally. This is the last year that I can compete and I was hoping I’d be able to capture my dreams finally.

Kimverlyn: My mind says Miss Universe Philippines which is the ultimate goal of every binibini, but my heart shouts for Miss International. Pinagdarasal ko every night na I bag the Miss International title but I always end my prayer that I am ready and willing to embrace everything and anything that God will give me. After ng Q&A noong coronation night, I told myself and prayed that I’ve given the best of what I’ve got and si Lord na ang bahala sa akin. This is my last year, my graduation in the pageant arena and I am happy to say that I have no regrets and I’ll make this one of the most memorable and best years of my life.

Name three Filipina beauty queens whom you admire and who served as your inspiration in joining pageants, and why?

Hannah: Venus Raj, Gloria Diaz, MJ Lastimosa, plus Maricar Balagtas.

Kimverlyn: Venus Raj, I still get star-struck whenever I see her. Kahit naka-jeans and shirt lang siya, she still looks and acts regal and queenly. She’s very spiritual and always reminds people to pray, which she did when all 15 girls were done with Q&A and were waiting backstage for the announcement. Shamcey Supsup — I admire her for being one of the smartest people I’ve known because I learn a lot. Whenever I get a chance to talk to Shamcey, I would always feel motivated because when she speaks, she’s always in high spirit and expresses herself with conviction. Kumbaga, parang may motivational speaker akong kausap. Ariella Arida — we all know that she has a jolly personality. You’ll never feel intimidated by her because she’s very friendly and approachable. There are no dull moments with her kasi for sure tatawa ka ng tatawa and it’s really a lot of fun!

If showbiz opportunities knock on your door in the near future, what entertainment field will you venture into?

Hannah: Probably, hosting. I’d like to excel in that field. It’s not too much in the limelight but it looks like a very fun job.

Kimverlyn: I’ve worked backstage and behind the cameras for years. If you’d remember, I was a segment producer for a noontime show before, so being on stage and working in front of the cameras now is very interesting for me. I’d love to host a travel show given the opportunity. That way, I get to do my new dream job and travel at the same time, be it local or international. I dream to travel because I’ve always believed that traveling is one way of getting a broader sense of God through the people I meet and travel with, the places I go to and the unfolding of events. He has made our world such a beautiful place that we need to see, experience and appreciate its wonders. Since hindi naman tayo lahat nakakapag-travel, at least mapakita natin sa mga tao gaano kaganda ang mundo.

What are your messages to your 27 binibini sisters who were not lucky enough to make it to the finals and to the aspiring binibini candidates in the next years?

Hannah: Never give up on your dreams. If you did not make it, it will change you for the better. It is not the end, there will be many opportunities at stake. If you made it, it will be a great milestone for you. For the aspiring binibini candidates, if you have what it takes to be a binibini, follow your dreams and the dictates of your hearts.

Kimverlyn: To my binibini sisters, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. You all did such a wonderful job and you really made the competition tough. Kung ano ang pangarap ninyo, never stop going for it. And please do keep in touch. Let’s have a get-together whenever time permits or better yet, let’s make time! This is one of the toughest but the closest and sweetest batch. I am very fortunate to have shared the stage and took part in this journey with you. I love you girls!

To the future binibinis, we all know it’s not that easy. Joining the Bb. Pilipinas entails and requires your full commitment. Kung nasa puso ninyo ang pagsali, it’s a journey and experience you will never regret and forget. It’s not just the prestige of the pageant, but how it helps you reach your full potential. Everybody who joins, dreams of winning. Some girls become lucky, some girls don’t. Not being one of the lucky ladies doesn’t end your world. In fact, it starts a whole new beginning of the next path you want to take. In winning, it doesn’t just give you a crown and a title, but the biggest opportunity and honor of representing our country in the international pageants. Don’t join just for the fame, join with the heart, passion, commitment and dream of becoming our country’s representative because we take pride and glory for this.