In the roster of this year’s Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Official Candidates, #Binibini21 Anjame Santos Magbitang is the youngest at 19 (she also happens to be the tallest), while #Binibini36 Loren Mar Artajos is the oldest at 27. Now each one of them have their respective strengths to brandish in the competition – with the former relying on her statuesque height, freshness and upward potential and the latter leaning on her excellent communication skills, strong pageant experience and an already national crown (Miss Philippines Earth 2016) to be proud of.

Anjame has the edge of getting the interest of the organizers to at least give her a runner-up position so she can be further groomed for future joining. Loren – the minute she breaks into the Q&A – will definitely be a force to reckon with. She expresses her mind like a seasoned speaker and on a variety of subject matters at that.

So who has the better chance of shining through come March 18, dear readers?

Sophia at the Taj Mahal

Yesterday and today, they were immersed in an environmental seminar where individual advocacies – whether directly or indirectly related to the protection of nature – were shared. Once completed, an online voting for Miss Environment will begin and this is where your support for our bet will be much appreciated.

Early next week on February 26, the finals will be held at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurugram where the winner will be crowned. Aside from the Miss Multinational 2017-2018 title, four other continental titles will be awarded.

More about the mission of Sophia in India soon. In the meantime, here are more photos of her and the candidates.

The Province of Albay has always been a rich source of beautiful Filipinas for enlisting in national pageants. And the force of the Albayanas continues in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 with the presence of #Binibini10 Kayesha Clauden Chua and #Binibini28 Angelica Mae Corbe from Legazpi City, #Binibini20 Catriona Gray from Oas and #Binibini40 Angelie Aubrey Asuncion from Tabaco City – all gorgeous but with different personal styles for the competition.

Aubrey – she who sings so much like Sitti Navarro – is actually a morena deadringer for actress Janine Gutierrez in person. And once she uses her piercing set of eyes to the max, then one can’t help but be taken in by her charms.

Angel – she who belly-dances like a sweet Turkish delight – is the most pageant-exposed among the four given her rich experience in beauty contests – both provincial and regional levels. She is also a joy to converse with.

Kayesha – she who has been said to move and project like Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa – is the type of opponent who never misses a beat in setting her game plan into motion. She goes into action mode the minute she steps into the spotlight.

And Catriona – she who is now the current subject of many online criticisms for being the #1 pick of most and the overrated choice for the rest – continues to be one of the Binibinis with the Golden Halo in the eyes of the individuals whose decision matters and the large fan base rallying behind her bid.

Dear readers, this year’s beauty derby is not the easiest to assess given the choices of potential winners we need to base our predictions from. Given that, how are you scoring the four ladies above?

When the idea of combining the wonders of skin care science and the fortune-laden wisdom of feng shui was initially presented to me, the first reaction was more of doubt. Perhaps, I needed to know more about how the Chinese metaphysical and quasi-philosophical system (that seeks to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment) can be blended with the science of beautifying our skin and over-all physical disposition. Montage Skin Science and Aesthetics has done just that.

MONTAGE BRINGS TOGETHER SKIN CARE AND FENG SHUI

Montage Skin Sciences & Aesthetics has entered into a partnership with world-renowned feng shui expert Ms. Yuri Saito to promote skin care services to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

According to Marketing Manager Andy Marantal, feng shui can show an interesting dimension on providing skin care.

“We approach skin care based on the skin type and skin goals of our clientele (customers). For the Chinese New Year, we augment our approach by giving our customers a glimpse of their future so they can prepare their skin and body for what that future holds for them,” he said.

Mr. Marantal said that this collaboration with Ms. Saito reflects Montage’s commitment to bringing expertise to skin care while being inspired by the beauty and power of nature.

“Our guiding principle in skin care is that beauty should always be closest to its natural state. Feng shui seeks harmony with nature, that is why our partnership with Ms. Saito brings a new level of care in skin care,” he said.

Yuri Saito is a graduate of Lilian Too’s Institute of Feng Shui, and is the president and owner of Power of Feng Shui.

Starting this month, all Montage branches will be providing feng shui readings for customers who avail of skin care services as part of the consultation procedure.

Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee delos Reyes (an endorser of Montage Skin Science and Aesthetics) during a visit to one of the clinics

With forty (40) Binibinis vying for only six (6) titles at stake, any pageant fan or follower would be at a loss as to how to properly distribute the wins to way less than 1/4 of them. And so, the reason why I am doing a second round of articles for the ladies is so that you will get to know them even more. After all, pageant sites/blogs should give them all the equal exposure that the big networks and publications would not go into on an individual basis.

I give you back #Binibini29 Samantha Avestruz from the Province of Leyte who always strikes me as a far more outstanding (and underrated) delegate the minute you get to spend quality minutes with her. Bb. Pilipinas is her very first national pageant, and making it as an Official Candidate in her first try is already considered a big achievement.

Here are eight (8) facts about Sam that you may not be aware of yet:

1. Graduating Student of Political Science from the University of Santo Tomas
2. Spearheaded a project in her University entitled seminART: The Role of Visual Arts in Shaping Philippine Politics
3. She was a Literary Writer and Cartoonist for her School Newspaper
4. She was an Intern at the Senate of the Philippines
5. Started modeling at the age of 13 and was Miss Teen Leyte 1st runner -up and Miss Leyte Pintados runner-up.
6. She advocates raising political and social awareness through visual arts
7. Runs a personal blog where she showcases her poetry and writing
8. Skilled in photo shop and adobe illustrator, designing brochure for NGOs and other organizations

So what do you think of Sam, dear readers?

Credits for Sam’s topmost and third photos:
Photography / Ross Paris
Creatives/ It’s all about Fashion
Styling/ Yul Avestruz

The Binibinis are now back in Manila after spending more than a few days at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan for photoshoots, a workshop and pure bonding time with each other – just like what the 2017 batch did in Subic. This allowed all forty (40) ladies to get to strengthen their sisterhood even more so that they become a cohesive group all the way to the finals next month.

The photoshoot in their respective National Costumes will also give the official photos a more interesting backdrop once uploaded for everyone to enjoy.

It used to be that the Philippines always sends more than one representative for the annual Miss International Queen Pageant in Pattaya, Thailand. But for 2018, we will have a sole entry on whose shoulders will weigh in the mission of notching another victory in the said pageant after Kevin Balot and Trixie Maristela.

Carla Marie Madrigal of Misamis Oriental Province has already departed for the Land of Smiles and is 100% ready to fight for the Philippines. She will be wearing the country’s sash up until the finals to be held at Tiffany’s Show on March 9.

Watch her introductory video below.

Interestingly enough, seven of the ten ladies who became Official Finalists for Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 are familiar names and faces in pageantry like Miss World Philippines 2012 Queenie Rehman, the beautiful Kim Ross delos Santos, the very sporty Alexandra Faith Garcia, former Mutya and Miss World America runner-up Maureen Montagne, former Miss Philippines Earth runner-up Joanna Tolledo, the inspiring Christine Balaguer and former Miss Bikini Philippines participant Mariah Nilo.

Who do you think will do well in the fitness-driven competition among them?

Queenie Rehman

Kim Ross delos Santos

Alexandra Faith Garcia

Maureen Montagne

Joanna Tolledo

Christine Balaguer

Mariah Nilo

Photos by Joy Arguil

Here’s a brand-new victory for the Filipina in the international pageant stage. Miss Philippines Sophia Senoron was crowned the inaugural edition of Miss Multinational 2017/2018 during the finals of the pageant held at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurugram, India. She defeated twelve other contenders for the title. First runner-up is Miss Germany, Saskia Kuban and 2nd Runner-up is Miss India, Shefali Sharma.

National Pageant Director Arnold Vegafria went to the host country to personally witness another achievement for the Philippines after he also flew to Bolivia for last Reina Hispanoamericana won by another one of his titleholders, Teresita Marquez.

Congratulations!

Below is her crowning moment video.

courtesy of Miss Universe Superfan

Today’s Charity Event of the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Official Candidates brought them to Bgy. Culiat in Quezon City where the Bistekville Housing Project of Habitat for Humanity Philippines is located. This place will house the largest number of informal settlers in the country, with more than 200,000 families who used to live or are still living in areas considered danger zones. Many of them dwelled in patched-up houses made of salvaged materials they find in dump sites.

The forty (40) Binibinis spent precious hours helping build and paint some of the houses in the area as part of their annual contribution to the charity organization. More photos will follow soon.

Michael Cinco in Iceland

Who is this Binibini among the present forty (40) who was originally scheduled to be dressed up by the Impalpable Michael Cinco in the competition? At first, the mere thought of this lady wearing his creation/s would be so intimidating to other designers or even the other candidates as it will give that kind of advantage that can be considerably hard to match in terms of media mileage and popularity. Somehow, the lit-fire was doused just at the right moment. Perhaps, the risk on both wearer and the Designer can be weighty – more on the latter in my opinion.

Do not ask me clues on who the Binibini is because my lips are permanently sealed on this one. Just enjoy the discussions.

Now since we are in the subject of Michael Cinco, do watch out for the fashion show that will be this year’s most anticipated as he will be joined by Francis Libiran, Amato Furne, Ezra Santos and Cary Santiago in a grand event aptly titled “World Class” in celebration of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel’s 20th Anniversary. It will be held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom on October 6.

Below are Official photos taken from the Charity Visit of the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Official Candidates to the Bistekville Housing Project of Habitat for Humanity Philippines in Quezon City.

See who among them still look good while mixing cement, carrying hollow blocks, doing gravel and sand and the like.

Call it whatever you want. I am just making my life a little easier by coming up with these nominations for the six (6) titles at stake in Bb. Pilipinas 2018. This should set me up nicely for the Final Predictions that should be uploaded two days before the Grand Coronation Night. After all, it is already March 1, and in over two weeks from now, our new Queens will be crowned.

There are ladies who got more than one nominations from where I stand. It means that they have strong potentials to be considered for any of the titles up for grabs. And then, there are those with single nominations who I am feeling as tailor-made for the specific honor I am seeing them as the best fit for.

Here now are my nominees for the different 2018 crowns. See if my submissions are worthy of your consideration, dear readers.

Miss Universe Philippines 2018:
Aya Abesamis, #Binibini11
Michele Gumabao, #Binibini19
Catriona Gray, #Binibini20
Ena Velasco, #Binibini23
Karen Gallman, #Binibini38

Bb. Pilipinas International 2018:
Vickie Marie Rushton, #Binibini1
Samantha Mae Bernardo, #Binibini14
Ma Ahtisa Manalo, #Binibini17
Jehza Huelar, #Binibini31
Eva Patalinjug, #Binibini32

Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018:
Muriel Orais, #Binibini3
Sigrid Grace Flores, #Binibini7
Kayesha Chua, #Binibini10
Wynonah Buot, #Binibini26
Patrizia Garcia, #Binibini37

Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018:
Vickie Marie Rushton, #Binibini1
Aya Abesamis, #Binibini11
Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, #Binibini24
Sandra Lemonon, #Binibini35
Patrizia Garcia, #Binibini37

Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018:
Juliana Kapeundl, #Binibini15
Michele Gumabao, #Binibini19
Ena Velasco, #Binibini23
Jehza Huelar, #Binibini31
Karen Gallman, #Binibini38

Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2018:
Muriel Orais, #Binibini3
Sigrid Grace Flores, #Binibini7
Stephanie Joy Abellanida, #Binibini33
Loren Mar Artajos, #Binibini36
Patrizia Garcia, #Binibini37

I know that after some of you finish reading this entry, my inbox will be flooded once more with comments – good and bad. Let’s just put it this way. By now, I am so used to all kinds of potshots. Compared to many years back when I would fight back an eye for an eye, I have mercifully mellowed. The “happenings” these past two weeks have taught me greater lessons in pageant life. Passion is my biggest reason for blogging. But that passion has reached a point where I need not give my 100% all the time. I want to give a portion to myself so that I can rid my vantage point of excesses that can be better appreciated by individuals who matter most, or whom I may have sorely neglected for the longest time now. They could be personal affiliations, dear friends or other significant groups I have somehow shortchanged my commitments to.

So on with the discussions!

There was no science involved when I came up with my nominations for Bb. Pilipinas 2018. I trusted my gut-feel more than anything else, and mixed in a couple of pageant factors that would make certain candidates be part of the five-women queue for a specific title. And to my pleasant surprise, I was actually able to halve the forty (40) Binibinis without me even making conscious head counts. All the ones who received at least one nomination are included.

Thus, it makes a lot of sense now that my upper-tier twenty are:

#Binibini1 Vickie Marie Rushton
#Binibini3 Muriel Orais
#Binibini7 Sigrid Grace Flores
#Binibini10 Kayesha Chua
#Binibini11 Aya Abesamis
#Binibini14 Samantha Mae Bernardo
#Binibini15 Juliana Kapeundl
#Binibini17 Ma Ahtisa Manalo
#Binibini19 Michele Gumabao
#Binibini20 Catriona Gray
#Binibini23 Ena Velasco
#Binibini24 Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
#Binibini26 Wynonah Buot
#Binibini31 Jehza Huelar
#Binibini32 Eva Patalinjug
#Binibini33 Stephanie Joy Abellanida
#Binibini35 Sandra Lemonon
#Binibini36 Loren Mar Artajos
#Binibini37 Patrizia Garcia
#Binibini38 Karen Gallman

Not to entirely spoil my Final Predictions scheduled for March 16, but the nominees are definitely the group where I will pick my titleholders.

And just like the Grammys or the Oscars, receiving more than one citation is not a guarantee of victory. They merely fit for more than one title, as per my consideration.

Let’s compare swimsuit notes now. While the assorted tile background can get quite distracting (aside from the sense of bathroom corner I am getting), I simply focused on the Binibinis in gold-colored DR Swim variations. I chose a dozen beauties who are giving me that sense of flirtatious vibe that doesn’t get overboard. There is a thin line between class and otherwise, just as there is a marked difference between being sweet and exuding an aura of sexiness befitting a Binibini. Our opinions may differ on a few of them, but these are the ones floating my boat, so to speak.

The Top 10 Bb. Pilipinas 2018 National Costumes are:

#Binibini20 Catriona Gray in Jearson Demavivas
#Binibini11 Aya Abesamis in Chico Estiva
#Binibini4 Ana Patricia Asturias in Dave Ocampo
#Binibini18 Rosantonette Mendoza in Rau Uson-Ablaza
#Binibini Michele Theresa Imperial Gumabao in Nat Manilag
#Binibini29 Samantha Avestruz in Nick Guarino
#Binibini30 Sarah Margarette Joson in Jay-r Gamboa Flores
#Binibini31 Jehza Huelar in Neil Patrick Jimlani
#Binibini33 Stephanie Joy G. Abellanida in Archie Castillo
#Binibini35 Sandra Lemonon in Edwin Uy

Here are their individual photos.

Prior to the actual National Costume Presentation of Bb. Pilipinas 2018, the forty (40) Binibinis walked the stage in Jag Jeans and showed their fiercer and sexier side while showing off their curves in the latest collection of the denim brand. Reigning titleholders Rachel Peters, Mariel de Leon, Chanel Olive Thomas, Elizabeth Clenci, Nelda Ibe and Katarina Rodriguez led the group. Here are some photos from the said segment of the fashion show held last Saturday night.

Aya, Michele and Catriona in Chico Estiva, Nat Manilag and Jearson Demavivas, respectively

For now, let us do away with the constant comparison of Maria Andrea Abesamis with her mother Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1984 Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis.

Any conclusion that she could be this year’s big winner just because of that reason would be doing a great disservice to Aya’s personal merits for the victory. We cannot deny that she has been meticulously prepared by A&Q for the one and only national beauty pageant she will ever join, just as her naturally warm personality has already settled in nicely, unlike the first two weeks of activities when she was still feeling her way through the ins and outs of the pageant world. She may not have the most drop-dead gorgeous looks compared to the other favorites, but she uses her features the best she was trained to do and projects like a true winner in almost every aspect.

Michele, on the other hand, is the Binibini who has blossomed in leaps and bounds in the eyes of pageant media and most everyone following their respective treks to the crowns. She turns up everytime with marked improvements and her styling has always remained on point. What sets her apart from the other two is a pleasantly engaging personality that is unapologetically down-to-earth. She never fails in connecting with the public in such a relaxed manner. Earlier on, I can still remember how uneasy she was adjusting the intermittent loudness and aggressiveness in her character. But I can tell you that she has fine-tuned her ways to come out more appealing to the majority. She also gets more beautiful in person as the competition nears the all-important homestretch assessment.

And then there is Catriona, the Binibini whose supporters (along with loads of pageant watchers) have heralded her firm hold on the Miss Universe Philippines as early as the day she filed her application for this year’s edition.

Bb. Pilipinas 2018 is no Miss World Philippines 2016 when the title was in the bag from Day 1. This year, Catriona knows fully well that she has to work doubly hard for the biggest prize. She needs to dodge all the mudslings and criticisms being thrown from all directions. She is aware that pleasing everybody at this point will be a practically insurmountable task to accomplish, unlike two years ago when she was unanimously predicted to be our Miss World 2016 representative. And it is in being consistent that she will find the collective appraisal as to who eventually deserves to be on top. “Total package” are the key words inspite of resistance from others.

So on whose team will you rest your now wearied minds (and bored eyes/ears) on?