CEBU, Philippines - A Philosophy major and a Tourism student both from the University of San Carlos are this year’s Cebuana bets for Binibining Pilipinas 2016.
After grueling screenings that involved swimsuit presentations and casual interviews held at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila Araneta Center, dusky beauties Maria Gigante and Apriel Smith earned official candidate slots for this year’s edition of the country’s most prestigious beauty tilt along with 38 other hopefuls, a few of which are Binibini repeaters and pageant cross-overs.
Last year’s lone Cebuana representative to Bb. Pilipinas, Rogelie Catacutan, bagged the Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2015 crown, earning the right to compete in Poland for Miss Supranational, wherein she eventually landed in the Top 20.
Gigante, a Bantayan native and aspiring pilot, placed second runner-up in Miss Cebu 2013 and also second runner-up in Reyna ng Aliwan 2014.
Smith, on the other hand, is the daughter of late PBA cager Daryl Smith. The Fil-Am ramp/print model and volleyball varsity player was previously crowned Sinulog Festival Queen 2012 and placed third runner-up in Miss Mandaue 2013.
The rest of the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 official candidates are: Paula Rich Bartolome, Angelique de Leon, Daziella Gange, Alexandra Faith Garcia, Maria Lina Prongoso, Kylie Verzosa, Kristi Angeli Estoque, Joanna Eden, Nicole Cordoves, Jeslyn Santos, Marlan Lopez, Priscilla Kim dela Cruz, Vina Openiano, Kim Ross delos Santos, Angela Ritter Valdez, Jennyline Carla Malpaya, Kimberle Mae Penchon, Mariella Castillo, Jehza Huelar, Janel Olafson, Angelica Arita, Nichole Manalo, Roshiela Tobias, Dindi Pajares, Riana Pangindian, Edjelyn Gamboa, Sheena Seine Dalo, Maxine Medina, Loren Artajos, Tatiana Maher, Jessica Gonzales, Angela Fernando, Crescent Samaco, Leonalyn dela Cruz, Christianne Ramos, Jennifer Hammond, Anjellica Lopez and Aniger Wiji Cruz.
The Bb. Pilipinas 2016 coronation night will be held on April. (FREEMAN)