Iconic Binibinis share advice to aspiring beauty queens
MANILA, Philippines — The just-concluded Binibining Pilipinas pageant did not only crown the new queens, Myrna Esguerra of Abra as Bb. Pilipinas International, Jasmin Bungay of Pampanga as Bb. Pilipinas Globe, Christal dela Cruz of Zambales as the first runner-up, and Trisha Martinez of Laguna as the second runner-up. It also served as a reunion of past Binibinis, who all graced the red carpet at the 60th edition of the show held Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
It felt nostalgic seeing the beauty queens on stage who represented the country in the international stage throughout the years. During the program, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI) paid tribute to the past Binibinis and winners and remembered the former queens who have passed on.
Among those who attended the show were, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez with her daughter, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, actress-beauty queen and Bb. Pilipinas International 1986 Alice Dixson, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup.
Previous Miss Universe titleholders, Pia (2015), Margie Moran (1973), Gloria Diaz (1969), and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago sat as among the judges during the competition.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss World 1993 Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa hosted the pageant.
On the red carpet, the Binibini queens were asked about their unforgettable moments in their pageant journey and the advice they could give to aspiring beauty queens.
Hannah Arnold who finished Top 15 at the Miss International 2022 shared, “Gab (Basiano) and I were actually in the pandemic batch so we were in the batch that had to wear face shields and masks and we have to have a test every time we arrive. So I think it was a bit of a scary time but the Bb. Pilipinas family looked after us so well and it’s something that we will remember forever. And it’s really something that I’m gonna share with the future generations.”
“It was a ‘major, major’ unforgettable moment that up to today, I still remember,” recalled Venus. “That was crazy, yes, but maybe during that time I was questioning why those things happened. But today I realized that even the craziest things that happen in our lives, there’s a purpose for that.
“So today every time that I remember the coronation night for Miss Universe, even in Binibini, there’s a lot of crazy things that happened but the Lord has a purpose for why those happened.”
Miss International 2023 third runner-up Nicole Borromeo described her Binibini journey as a “whirlwind” experience. “Because I actually moved all the way from Cebu in order to compete. I even took a break from my studies and I was surrounded by everybody speaking Tagalog which is something I wasn’t used to at that time.
“But fortunately, with my team, with my camp, with the girls who are so genuine and you share the same stage together, and the experiences that you have it’s like no other, you have memories that you take with you even like moving forward. Like I can say even to this day, that I carry the values, like my values are even stronger now after competing. I feel like mentally tougher. I know how to present myself in front of people.
“I’d say my journey was a little longer than the others. Because with Miss International, I had to compete a year later. So I had to be in my A-game for over a year.”
On the other hand, Shamcey shared this message to those who wish to become beauty queens, “I’ve always said this, they have to be true to themselves. They don’t have to pretend to be somebody else to be a queen. You’re a queen in your own right. So have confidence.”
Gloria offered, “Enjoy the moment. Winning is a lot. I mean everybody wants to be a winner. But more than anything, it’s the memories you get during the competition. Enjoy the moment, give it all you’ve got, and no regrets. And I think now if you don’t win today, you can join again tomorrow, right. So it’s different. During my time, there was no such thing.”
Pia, who joined three times in Binibining Pilipinas pageant before winning the crown, remarked, “Don’t be afraid to try again. Don’t lose strength if you don’t get your goals right away. Nakita niyo naman marami na ring sumasali ng paulit-ulit. It’s not a bad thing at all.
“You actually learn so much. You grow so much as you keep joining and as you keep doing Bb. Pilipinas. So that would be my advice, to anyone, if you have a dream, fight for it.”
Michelle was thrilled to be gracing the Bb. Pilipinas event with her mom. “I was just saying outside that it’s so nice for the tables to be turned. I’m here to support ‘cause my mom has been supporting me nonstop for the last, well, all my life, actually.”
The advice that she received from her mom, Melanie, when it comes to pageantry was to “really to shine as my own woman.” “And to be proud of my individuality. And make sure that the universe understands that we are not trying to be the replica of somebody else but we are trying to make a name for ourselves and leave our own legacy of course,” she added.
Melanie, for her part, reminded aspiring beauty queens to “just be yourself and enjoy.” “And always think that you’re a Filipina, represent our country well.”
Meanwhile, volleyball player Fifi Sharma, who was also one of the judges, told ABS-CBN News that “maybe there’s a little chance” that she might try the world of pageantry.
She also said at the red carpet interview that she was excited to see Pia that night.
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