Binibining Pilipinas 2021 bets

BY MISS CHARLIZE JULY 5, 2021

CLOCKWISE: Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, photographed by Raymond Saldaña; Meiji Cruz by @themarknetodiaz; Maureen Montagne by @raymondsaldana_klickbox; Francesca Taruc, photographed by Benj Agoc; Honey Cartasano by @themarknetodiaz; Hannah Arnold by Equinox Manila; Gabrielle Basiano by Seven Barretto; Cinderella Faye Obeñita by @raymondsaldana_klickbox; center: Karen Laurrie Mendoza by @paulchiongson

It’s at Miss International that our beauty queens excel the most. At the first edition in 1960, Edita Resurreccion Vital finished at the Top 15. Stella Márquez Zawadski, the winner from Colombia, later married an Araneta and founded the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI).

In the first 10 editions of the pageant (none in 1966), we’ve scored two winners: Gemma Teresa Guerrero Cruz (later Araneta) in 1964 and Aurora McKenney Pijuan in 1970. So far we’ve had 33 placements (against 25 at Miss Universe) and four more winners: Mimilanie “Melanie” Laurel Marquez (1979), Precious Lara San Agustin Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Monterde Santiago, and Kylie Fausto Verzosa (2017).

In 1968, BPCI acquired the franchise to Miss International, with Nenita Tuazon Ramos (Top 15) as the first delegate. But through the years, the title has always played second fiddle to the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title. However, BPCI lost the franchise to Miss Universe (and Miss Supranational) in 2019.

So in 2021, the 57th edition, the top plum up for contention is the Binibining Pilipinas International crown, along with the privilege of representing the Philippines at Miss Grand International, Miss Intercontinental, and Miss Globe.

The finals will be on July 11, Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 First Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves as presenters.

Among the 34 official candidates, Binibining Batangas Maureen Ann Montagne, Binibining Borongan, Eastern Samar Gabrielle Camille Basiano and Binibining Angeles City, Pampanga Maria Francesca Guina Taruc have international pageant experiences.

The French/American-Filipina Maureen, 27, was Miss Arizona USA 2015 (and Miss USA 2015 Top 15), Miss World America 2017 1st runner-up and Miss Eco Philippines 2018 and Miss Eco-International 2019 1st runner-up. She was offered the top plum when her winner, Peru’s Suheyn Cipriani, was dethroned, but Maureen demurred: “I’ve always dreamt of becoming a Binibini and…I’m one step closer to joining this amazing legacy of strong Filipina women.”

Francesca was Miss Freedom of the World-Philippines 2018 and the Miss Tourism World Intercontinental 2019. She is descended from Luis Taruc, the leader of the Hukbalahap guerrillas during World War II. She wears my favorite national costume, called La Luz de la Paz (Light of Peace). The designer, Rich Sabinian, shares: “My main inspiration is drawn from the Christmas symbol, which is distinctly from Angeles City—the Angeles traditional parul.”

The gorgeous model Gabrielle, 23, was first runner-up at Miss Friendship International 2019: “I am a Binibini for mental health care. I believe that no one should ever face her problems alone and everyone deserves to be heard.”

Binibining Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental Cinderella Faye Obeñita, 25, has an advocacy, called Crown CDO: Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention Circle, in partnership with the Misamis Oriental Physicians-Nurses Foundation Inc.: “I only thought of helping women, mostly mothers, become more conscious of their health. With Covid-19, a different battle is fought and, surely, women are in the forefront of making families secure. We are calling on all generous hearts to donate so we could help families in the poorest of the poor.”

Cavite’s Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 25, descended from the first Binibining Pilipinas Universe, Myrna Panlilio: “I am an advocate for building sustainable communities in rural parts of the Philippines. The goal is to help people realize a community where everyone prospers while maintaining natural resources and preserving them for future generations.”

Binibining Valenzuela City Meiji Cruz, 27, is a proud LGBT ally: “One of the significant lessons I’ve learned from this pandemic is that we are all equal. Regardless of social status, race, age, religion, sex…we are all susceptible to the virus. It’s a reminder that we belong to the same human race and therefore we should show compassion, respect, and kindness towards one another.”

Rizal’s Honey Cartasano, 27, is a chameleon: “A year ago, everything was different. The uncertainty brought us many valuable lessons and realizations. As we slowly go back to normal, let’s not forget the importance of adapting to change, versatility and appreciating every blessings to enjoy life to the fullest.”

The comebacking Binibining Masbate Hannah Arnold, 24, said after the swimwear presentation on June 18: “I still cannot get over this empowering, fun and beautiful [pre-pageant event]. Thank you, Binibing Pilipinas, for bringing us Binibinis back together again for this special event after a year and a half of candidacy.”

Iloilo’s Karen Laurrie Mendoza, 25, just might reign alongside her lovely sister-queen Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo: “One of my favorite quotes growing up is ‘Don’t teach your child to be careful, teach them how to be brave.’ My OFW mom may not be physically here to protect me from danger or pain that would come my way, but she taught me something that I didn’t know I already had in me—to be courageous.”

The Binibining Pilipinas 2021 coronation night on July 11 will be telecast on A2Z Channel 11 at 9:30 pm.

“I’m quite excited that it’s finally here,” says fashion impresario Raymond Villanueva, a BPCI executive committee member.

Will Villanueva invite all of the country’s Miss International winners?

“Hopefully.” That would be epic.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/binibining-pilipinas-2021-bets/