UP Los Baños grad crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe

MANILA, Philippines - A chemistry graduate from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños bested 49 other candidates and was crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2013 last Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, according to a report posted on ABS-CBNnews.com.

Arielle Arida, 24, impressed the judges in the question and answer portion where she was asked about what women can teach men.

“One lesson in life that women can teach men is being sensitive. Men are more logical when it comes to decisions. They’re rational and straightforward. Unlike women, we use our hearts and we tend to get emotional when we make our decisions. Sensitivity is something that we women can teach to men,” she said.

Arida, who hails from Laguna, said she loves the outdoors, especially the beach. She was also judged best in swimsuit. Meanwhile, Bea Rose Santiago, 23, from Masbate, was named Bb. Pilipinas-International. 

Santiago, who was also chosen Bb. Avon, said she loves to travel and had experienced going to 12 cities in two countries in just two months.

Twenty-three-year-old Joanna Cindy Miranda was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism. 

Miranda gave up her hosting stint to pursue her dream of becoming a beauty queen. She also won the Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman Award. 

Mutya Johanna Datul of Isabela, 20, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Supranational. Datul, who was also named Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown, financed her schooling and her mother’s medical expenses by joining beauty pageants, the report further said.

Pia Wurtzbach, 23, of Cagayan de Oro, and a member of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, was judged first runner-up. Various special awards were also given during the pageant, including Miss Friendship, which went to Lourenz Grace Remetillo; Miss Talent, Anna Carmela Aquino; Best in National Costume, Alaine Baccay; Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice Award, Ellore Punzalan; Bb. Pilipinas-Pagcor, Imelda Schweighart; Bb. Philippine Airlines, Nicole Kim Donesa; and Bb. San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body, Pia Wurtzbach.

Those who made it to the top 15 were Camille Nazar, 23, from Bulacan; Charmaine Elima, 20, from Binangonan, Rizal; Ellore Punzalan, 26, from Las Piñas; Merry Joyce Respicio, 18, from Bulacan; Ma. Angelica de Leon, 19, from Batangas; Parul Shah, 24, from Pangasinan; Grace Yann Apuad, 25, from Agusan del Sur; Rhea Nakpil, 23, from San Mateo, Rizal; Imelda Schweighart, 17, from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Amanda Noelle Navasero, 22, from Makati.

Past winners of Binibining Pilipinas, led by Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, attended the golden anniversary of the country’s premiere beauty pageant.