The torch wasn’t really passed but simply changed hands. As if to validate the recurring rumor, the franchise for Miss Universe Philippines was said to have been entrusted to a new group composed of 2011 Miss U third runner-up Shamcey Supsup as national director, so-called “queen maker” Jonas Gaffud and designer Albert Andrada.
The new group will handle the selection of the country’s Miss U bet starting next year. Rumored to be a probable candidate is reigning Bb. Pilipinas-International Patricia Magtanong who finished Top 6 in the just-concluded Miss International pageant in Japan. Other Binibini runners-up and non-placers are expected to do the same.
Of course, beauty-pageant enthusiasts are curious how the new Miss U-Phl group will fare and how far they will go, vis-à-vis the sterling record of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) headed by Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta since 1964 with the late Myrna Panlilio-Borromeo as the first Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (the title was changed to Miss Universe Philippines in 2011, the year Shamcey won).
A few years ago, Binibini winners Precious Lara Quigaman, Karen Loren Agustin and Denille Lou Valmonte put up a search for the Turismo Pilipina in 2008 that ended with a whimper before it could create even a slight bang, leaving a trail of complaints from winners who didn’t get some or all of their prizes.
Admittedly, Madame Stella’s team has created a record that is hard to match. But given also 55 years, Shamcey’s group has all the time to equal, if not surpass that record.
Here’s the statement from the BPCI:
Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and the Ex-Com, headed by Ms. Stella Marquez de Araneta, Ms. Conchitina Bernardo, Ms. Betsy Westendorp Brias, Mr. Raymond Villanueva and Ms. Irene Jose, wants to inform everyone that after 55 years of nurturing and protecting the Brand, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has decided not to renew its license with BPCI.
BPCI is proud to have held the Miss Universe license since 1964 and would like to thank the fifty-five (55) winners who were sent to the Miss Universe pageant to participate. In all those years, we have garnered four (4) Miss Universe winners, nine (9) runners-up, and twenty (20) finishes. Under the leadership of Ms. Stella Marquez, the annual Binibining Pilipinas pageant has become the biggest and most anticipated beauty event in the Philippines, with an impressive roster of empowered women who showcased Filipino beauty, intellect, culture and values before the international stage.
In addition, BPCI has over the years produced the following:
Miss International: Six winners, four runners-up and 15 Top 15 finishes;
Miss World: One runner-up and five Top 5 finishes;
Miss Supranational: One winner and three runners-up;
Miss Intercontinental: One winner and three runners-up;
Miss Grand International: Three runners-up;
Miss Globe: One winner and two runners-up;
Miss Globe International: One winner;
Miss Tourism International: Three runners-up;
Miss Tourism World: Two winners;
Queen of Tourism International: One winner;
Miss ASEAN: One winner;
Miss Model of the World: One winner;
Miss Young International: Seven finalists; and
Miss Maja: Seven winners and five Top 10 finishes.
Moving forward, BPCI will continue to focus on the charitable initiatives and the staging of the annual Binibining Pilipinas Pageant — the fairest and most prestigious beauty pageant in the country.
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)