Binibining Pilipinas 2021 winners share pageant journey

By CNN Philippines Staff

Published Jul 13, 2021 3:39:45 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 13) — The newly-crowned beauty queens at the 57th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 looked back at what transpired at Sunday's pageant as they get ready to represent the country in international competitions this year.

Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold of Masbate, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Panlilio of Cavite, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Cinderella Obeñita of Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental, and Binibining Pilipinang Pilipinas Globe Maureen Montagne of Batangas shared with CNN Philippines on Tuesday how they prepared themselves for the coronation night held last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

"I did not feel the pressure. Instead, I used that as my motivation, knowing that so many people believe in me and that they were on the other side of the camera watching," Arnold told The Source.

Arnold, who will be competing at the Miss International pageant in November, revealed the importance of being her true self and letting go of others' expectations — something she learned from her first stint at Binibining Pilipinas in 2019.

Panlilio said she and the other girls motivated each other during the coronation night.

"I was quite nervous backstage. However when we were backstage, I looked at the girls beside me, I think Hannah was beside me as well, we just looked at each other and said, 'We could do this. We’ll be fine, just be calm and be yourself.'"

Obeñita, the wildcard finalist who rounded out the Top 13 contestants in the semi-finals, expressed her gratitude to fans and friends who believed in her.

"I'm really thankful to be voted by the people, to be part of the Top 13 and to be voted as your wild card. You really made it happen," she told New Day. "To the Binibining Pilipinas, maraming salamat (thank you) for this twist. I think it's really destiny."

Montagne, who has had an extensive experience in competing in international pageants, discussed plans for her advocacies while preparing for the Miss Globe 2021 pageant.

"During Binibining Pilipinas, I was advocating (for) HIV and AIDS awareness, so I hope to contninue working with organizations like The Red Whistle, Stay Sexy and other orgs," she said. "And during the pandemic we started a community kitchen in Siargao so I do hope we'd do more feeding programs dito sa (here in) Manila."

Gabrielle Basiano of Borongan, Eastern Samar and Meiji Cruz of Valenzuela were named as the first and second runners-up in the pageant.

The 2021 Binibining Pilipinas pageant was the first edition of the competition since the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced in December 2019 that it had acquired the Philippine franchise for Miss Universe.

https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2021/7/13/Binibining-Pilipinas-2021-winners-.html