Below are the seven (7) National Costumes which stood out for me during the competition last night. All photos courtesy of Edmund Chua for OPMB Worldwide.

With majority going for the Terno, two girls splendidly stood out in theirs. Kimverlyn Suiza and Laura Lehmann wore creations that are both elegant and fashionable.

As for Ellore and Parul, they both wore traditional attires that are drop-dead striking and well-made.

I specifically liked the modern twist given to the traditional design in Hannah Ruth Sison’s costume by Vania Romoff. On the other hand, Ladylyn was a vision in gold by Cherry Veric with this fantasy take of the terno.

But I love what Ariel Alvarez did for Mae Liezel Ramos among them all. It’s very Miss Universe, even if the traditional origins tend to get blurred a bit. It is a clear stand-out for me.

I hand-picked seven (7) Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidates who really outdid the others in the Jag Denims segment. I chose them for making the brand shine effortlessly, while commanding attention more favorably (read: stage-owning presence).

Emma, Pia, Parul and Ellore did Jag Jeans proud with their turns onstage (Photo credit: Edmund Chua for OPMB Worldwide)

Laura and Yvethe were simply outstanding in their Jag outfits (Photo credit: Edmund Chua for OPMB Worldwide)

But my #1 Favorite in this segment didn’t even wear jeans. Racquel Kabigting went for a denim jacket that made her rock the stage even more. (Photo credit: Edmund Chua for OPMB Worldwide)

Allow me to share four (4) Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidates who, instead of wearing national costumes with over-the-top wow factors, decided to go for real tradition and went onstage garbed in attires that truly reflected the colorful diversity of Mindanao, plus the simplicity of the Tagalog region. Kudos to Anabel Christine Tia, Janine Asanion, Aiza Faeldonia and Jeslyn Santos plus their respective designers.

I would have included a fifth one in the Igorota costume of Shauna Curran, but the high slit on the skirt prevented me from citing her in this post.

The attire may not be attention-craving, but it reflected Anabel’s roots in Ozamiz City (Photo credit: Jory Rivera)

Janine may be from Zambales, but she wore a very traditional costume from the deep south (Photo credit: Jory Rivera for OPMB Worldwide)

Aiza opted for a Mindanao Royal Princess attire that made her shine with authenticity (Photo credit: Jory Rivera for OPMB Worldwide)

Among those who wore the terno, Jeslyn took one that had the most traditional cut and embellishments. Very Bulakenya! (Photo credit: Jory Rivera for OPMB Worldwide)

Ellore Punzalan’s whistle-bait figure was made more prominent in this fabulous traditional attire (Photo credit: Jory Rivera for OPMB Worldwide)

No matter how many times I scroll through all the National Costumes worn by the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidates last night, I keep on coming back to what Binibini 18 Ellore Punzalan modeled onstage. Both traditional and sexy, the whole ensemble makes me look at her waistline (and abs) over and over again, and how it is complemented by the midriff top and shapely skirt.

Maybe it’s just me. Or maybe, most of you find it so hypnotizing as well.

This Jun Lee creation for Ednornance Agustin is interesting in design to say the least (Photo credit: Jory Rivera for OPMB Worldwide)

courtesy of Jun Quindoy

While I am not fond of the way the serpentina cut significantly limited Ednornance Agustin’s walk on the ramp (watch video above), Designer Jun Lee incorporated a couple of good details that can give the wearer an elegant effect onstage. I like everything from the neck to the bust area and then from the hips down. It’s that circle-shaped presence in the middle that’s bothering me a bit, though. It’s like a moon is nestled in the stomach.

Just the same, kudos to Eds for not slipping. The tightly-cut portion of the lower part that leads to the flowing bottom should have been adjusted a little to allow extra leg room for gliding.

What do you think, dear readers?

Binibini 7 Aiza Faeldonia wants to do her home province proud

Aiza Faeldonia by Jory Rivera

Photo credit: Jory Rivera

Being one of only two R-L Angels has given her the benefit of being trained with undivided focus. The determination within is matched by the outward confidence she exudes in public appearances and the like. While some pageant enthusiasts find her lacking in energy and vibrance, she is actually channeling her inner glam by showing off an image that mixes mystery with sophitistication. And she looks to be succeeding so far.

Pia Wurtzbach and her Jag denims (Photo credits: Jory Rivera and Edmund Chua for OPMB Worldwide)

According to numerology, the number 8 is a significant digit for reasons that could positively affect the different aspects of an individual’s life – be it in money, career and good fortune in general. The potential to be successful and prosperous is imminent.

And since the said number is associated with – even stitched and pinned to her midriff top and side respectively – will 8 bring a more than satisfactory denouement to the personal mission of Pia Wurtzbach in Bb. Pilipinas 2014? Or will it work the opposite and create an ominous result instead?

If hardwork, obedience and determination are to be used as tools in achieving the desired objective, then our girl from Cagayan de Oro could be looking at a more fluorishing pageant year ahead. 8 or no 8, she’s got the goods to realize what she has been working hard for since last year.

Angelique (left) and Racquel in their respective National Costumes (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

In any beauty pageant, it always helps to wear gowns or national costumes that will allow ease of movement on and off the stage. For starters, a candidate garbed in relatively lightweight attire allows the choreographer to strategically place her up front or in the prime line-up. Secondly, the possibility of slipping or tripping or the heels getting caught on the hemline of a long skirt or the complex bottom design of an over-designed number is greatly reduced. Lastly, the ability to perform a sleek or commanding catwalk is almost always a guarantee.

So we see Binibinis 31 Angelique de Leon and 21 Racquel Kabigting above wearing the light and heavy of traditional wears, respectively. It doesn’t take a genius to conclude that the former was able to project a more genuine and relaxed smile given the comparatively feather-weighing jeepney-inspired outfit (courtesy of Jeffrey Rogador). And the latter could do no more than to please her designer that the heavy-as-a-tree creation did not bother her stage presence at all.

So on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being the highest), what score will you give the two?

(Left to right) Bea Rose, Mutya, Ara and Cindy during last Thursday’s fashion event (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

When the four (4) reigning Bb. Pilipinas titleholders walked the ramp with this year’s Official Candidates during last Thursday’s Grand Fashion Event-cum-National Costume Competition, it suddenly dawned on me that March 30 is fast approaching and a new set of winners will effectively succeed them.

Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida, Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 (and Miss International 2013) Bea Rose Santiago, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 Cindy Miranda and Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2013 (and Miss Supranational 2013) Mutya Datul must be feeling happy and a bit sad, but ultimately relieved that they will be passing the crowns to four (4) new ladies who will take on the even more challenging assignments of matching – if not surpassing – what they have achieved for the country in 2013.

The succeeding tasks will not be enviable, inspite of the honor and prestige that go with it. But for the forty (40) hopefuls vying to become one of the chosen winners, the long and winding road to that once-in-a-lifetime pageant glory is something they will not exchange for anything else in this world.

Ara, Bea, Cindy and Mutya in their Jags (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

And Ara, Bea, Cindy and Mutya can attest to that.

Five to shine for Northern Luzon (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

There are five (5) Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2014 coming from up north. And this quintet of lovely Binibinis have their individual strengths to pull away in the competition if given the chance to equally shine. They are:

4 Parul Shah from San Nicolas, Pangasinan
9 Joy Antonette Diaz from Dagupan City, Pangasinan
10 Shauna Indra S. Curran from Baguio City, Benguet
26 Hannah Sheena Manuel from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
30 Joy Marie Gangan from Ilagan, Isabela

Let me start with Parul since she is the most prominent among the five. Without a doubt, she knows how to play the game more than the other four. Having been part of Bb. Pilipinas Gold, she has the edge in terms of projection, styling and pressure-handling. And at this juncture, she is one of those being picked as major front-runners for one of the crowns. While she may intermittently be overshadowed by the other hyped repeaters, this Fil-Indian stunner could get the last laugh in the end.

Joy Antonette can actually stand in the competition even without the benefit of a Diaz surname tailing her all the time. This Dagupan City bet by way of California is a natural beauty inside and out. She speaks well and is actually a much better looker in person. But how far can she bring these assets when faced with the prospects of defeating a big group of strong contenders? Well, trite as it may sound, by simply being herself. She has qualities that can make her step up ahead of the rest.

Being Scottish-Igorota should be enough reason for Shauna to get noticed easily. The combination alone makes people look at her more intently. But at the same time, the same people will likely notice that she still needs to work her body out to make her swimsuit presentation more convincing. Which is a pity considering that she has excellent communication skills and a smart mind to share.

Three of our Northern Luzoners are in the group pic above. Do they stand out easily for you? (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

One of the three Hannahs in the batch, Sheena is the girl everyone would love to groom and polish. She is like an almost blank canvas with the potentials of zooming to levels of competitiveness that would point to a possible pageant victory sooner or later. Right now, however, I see her as still in the process of blossoming. She could treat this edition as a great learning experience that would prepare for a more glorious participation next year or in other national contests.

Lastly, the statuesque Joy Marie completes the five. She is the one I was hoping would follow the footsteps of Mutya Datul who hails from the same province. Don’t get me wrong. She has a unique identity that should not be compared to our Miss Supranational 2013 everytime. And she could very well come as a surprise package come finals night. But am I upbeat enough on the possibilities? Not yet. But the next twenty days should give me more certainty in answering that one.

Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas

So there you have it. The first of five regional groupings for our Sunday Specials. More to come.

The Nine Binibinis of Central Luzon (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

Outside Metro Manila which has a total of fourteen (14) representatives, Central Luzon (comprised of seven provinces indicated in the map on the left) has the biggest contingent in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, numbering nine (9) as follows:

12 Sarah Jireh Asido from Balagtas, Bulacan
14 Emma Tiglao from Mabalacat City, Pampanga
20 Kenneth Santiago from San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija
21 Racquel Kabigting from Mariveles, Bataan
29 Krischelle KC Halili from Tarlac City, Tarlac
32 Jeslyn Santos from Hagonoy, Bulacan
36 Krystal Alonday from Paombong, Bulacan
38 Janine Asanion from San Marcelino, Zambales
40 Vessica Sambo from Malolos City, Bulacan

So how are the nine (9) lovelies doing in the competition?

Is Emma the best from the region?

As far as I know, the sole Kapampangam entry, Emma Tiglao, has been upping the ante in almost every pre-pageant activity. She knows how to work it well and to the delight of many spectators and followers alike.

Racquel Kabigting’s enviable and glamazonic height has been the subject of a good number of positive comments. And if she could only turn that advantage to her favor all the time, then she might just be able to find herself doing better than personally expected.

Kenneth Santiago, the 2nd tallest, is also being favorably noticed. While the running reviews are mixed, there is still a decent chance of pulling a surprise. She just needs to stand out with that extra degree of fierceness.

Between Janine Asanion and KC Halili, my gut feel is that the former has been getting the edge of late. But that’s not saying a lot, to be honest. Both ladies seem to be neither here nor there. People tend to veer more towards the preferred candidates. I hope they do something to accelerate their beautiful presence.

Jeslyn (32) and Sarah (12) try their best to stand out in a field of 40. (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

Finally, we go to my beloved Bulakenyas – all four (4) of them. I reckon that Sarah, Jeslyn, Krystal and Vessica are doing their best despite being outpowered by the prime picks. But are they doing enough to collectively or individually upset the field? In my mind, Binibini 40 is leading the quartet. She is getting her fair share of notices from pageant enthusiasts. I hope I can say the same to the remaining three. All is not lost, however. Between now and March 30, they can still squeeze every ounce of competitiveness in them to shine. Who knows, a spot might be reserved for one of them.

In summary, I may not be over the moon in anticipation of a major victory for Central Luzon at the moment. But I am always a sucker for pleasant surprises. Serendipity is not my favorite English word for nothing.

Three solid reasons for the Bicol Region to cheer during the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 finals (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

A sparkling troika, I must say. For the large Bicol Region, there are three (3) outstanding ladies representing them and how. They are:

3 Joana Angelica Romero from Naga City
19 Mae Liezel Ramos from Naga City
35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago from Daraga, Albay

Of the trio, Joana seems to be the least being considered a potential winner in the making. While she does not come out as photogenic as the other two, it cannot be denied that she is still a contender to reckon with. She has reasonably good credentials to offer and has been performing somewhere between average to high average in terms of stage effect and pre-pageant presence. She could also be a worthy communicator if need be.

And Mae Liezel? This girl is always on fire, even if the flying embers tend to die faster than the highly-favored ones. She is like the starting prototype of a Venezuelan beauty contestant transported to our shores. She knows her angles and constantly flirts with the camera whenever and wherever. During the National Costume competition alone, she wore the most Goddess-like attire among all forty and worked out the stage like a real pro.

And then there’s Yvethe. The Bb. Pilipinas 2014 batch wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her name in the same breath. It’s like she is the face of the competition if there is one. And I can’t blame the supporters of other candidates for always feeling threatened by the protective guardians of her gate. It’s like she is just waiting for March 30 to claim her title. My next question would be: who’s up to fight her head-to-head in a duel to the finish? I’m sure there will still be takers. So let’s just allow the crowns to fall on the heads of the deserving ones.

Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas

All things considered, do you think Bicol has the best offerings this year? If you prefer to reserve your answer till the end of the day, I won’t mind. Visayas and Mindanao are still set to follow later.

Only two ladies from the Visayas but one of them is already being buzzed as a likely winner (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

Some of you might be surprised to find out that there are only two (2) ladies representing the whole Visayas in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, and they are:

13 Kris Tiffany Janson from Cebu City, Cebu
and
39 Ladylyn Riva from Nabas, Aklan

But while their region is scarcely highlighted in the roster, the possibility of achieving a 50% winning rate is almost a done deal if we are going by the buzz, hype and all kinds of small talks going around pageant circles.

Cebuana Kris Janson is already being regarded by many early predictions as a shoo-in to win one of the four titles at stake. It could be Universe, International, Tourism or Supranational. Whatever the crown and for whatever overseas assignment, people are saying that she is almost a lock to get the nod for one. There’s even a rumor that she is allegedly one of Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta’s personal favorites. And I won’t complain. She perfectly fits the mold of a potential winner – beautiful face, smart talker and an altogether charming stage presence all wrapped up in one package.

On the other hand, Ladylyn Riva is the repeater who could make a semifinal appearance at best. Just like Kris Tiffany, she has an angelic face that could easily be considered title-worthy. But then again, there’s only room for four (4) beauty queens and she is not one of those being touted as a strong bet to nail a victory. There will always be the probability – however marginal the percentage is – of doing better than her first attempt a few years back. At the rate the competition is moving, however, it would be best to set realistic goals for now. It is always more fulfilling to discover that you have made it when you least expect it, than to set very high goals and be constantly nagged by the same till the very end.

All told, Visayas may have only two candidates bannering the region. But what a promising duo this is likely to become.

The starting five of Mindanao in Bb. Pilipinas 2014 (Photo credit: Emerson Cebanico for OPMB Worldwide)

They are the ‘Five for Fighting’ of Mindanao. The quintet aiming to bring victory to the south in Bb. Pilipinas 2014.

6 Anabel Christine G. Tia of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
7 Aiza Faeldonia of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental
24 Ednornance Agustin of Davao City, Davos del Sir
25 Mary Jean Lastimosa of Tulunan, Cotabato

Let’s be honest. This is a very strong group of five. I won’t fall off my seat seeing an eventual titleholder or two emerging from among them. Heck, I can even daresay that they will all make the semis. But that’s getting far ahead of the article.

Anabel is the indie-turned-KF who is, by far, doing some good strides in all pre-pageant activities. She may not be circling the top tier, but is getting encouraging feedbacks. And her support system is not letting up. Ozamiz City is proud of their representative and is doing everything they can to herald her candidacy.

Aiza is receiving glowing reviews – maybe not from all, but from a good number of individuals who openly voice out their inputs and opinions online. And the girl from Isulan is returning the favor by putting her best foot forward in every crucial appearance. R-L’s camp is 100% supportive and has been giving nothing but the best for her.

In the case of Pia, there is no need for further explanation. She is a top favorite and continues to do well. Critics may continue to pick on her from all fronts, but she remains unrruffled.

Ednornance, on the other hand, could be a hit-or-miss case. There are those who love her to pieces and the ones who simply don’t give her an outside chance of making it to the top. But this eye candy from Davao is confident. She is working her game plan seriously and plans to make a full-blown attack when the right time comes.

And MJ. Do I even have to justify her status in the competition? She’s like the cult favorite – the candidate with thousands of adoring fans and supporters. And she knows what her followers want to see, and gives it to them in generous amounts. If there is an online poster girl for Binibining Pilipinas, she could easily be one of the first to be considered.

Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for OPMB Worldwide

Binibini 1 Julian Aurine Flores on the spotlight (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

Binibini 1 Julian Aurine Flores is a cool and down-to-earth person to chat with. She speaks without pretensions and expresses her mind without complications. So when I was able to corner her for a brief Q&A, I wasted no time in dishing out my questions. Here’s a transcripts of my online conversation with this lovely girl:

Norman (N): Hello, Julian!

Julian (J): Hi Sir Norman! You want to feature me daw in your blog? My pleasure po!

N: So are you free now para ma-interview naman kita kahit on chat mode?

J: Sure po.

N: Ready?

J: Game! Hehe

N: First question. And you need not answer too quickly. Does being a professional model give you the advantage of doing well in the competition?

J: Yes, it’s an advantage po. As a model, I learned how to adapt to different kinds of people, to take in criticisms constructively and the value of patience. I was able to use all these important lessons in my Binibining Pilipinas experience.

N: Good! Here’s my next question. Do you believe that good luck plays an important role in Bb. Pilipinas? Why or why not?

J: Yes, I do believe that luck is a huge factor but I also believe that you create your own destiny. With perseverance and hard work, luck will be on your side.

N: Okay. Question #3: what is the best pageant-related lesson Kagandahang Flores has taught you so far?

J: I learned a lot from my Kagandahang Flores family. I learned that pageants are not just about the glitz and glamour, it’s more about trust and camaraderie. I will cherish these friendships I made for the rest of my life.

Binibini 1 Julian Aurine Flores wearing Albert Andrada during the National Costume Competition (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

N: I won’t ask you a lot. So here’s my last. If you are given the chance to wear the gowns of your favorite fashion designer (local or foreign), who would that person be and why?

J: Among my favorites is Albert Andrada. I feel so privileged to have worn his creation during the National Costume competition. Another designer I’ve had the pleasure of working with is Veejay Floresca who is a fashion visionary. I also love to work with Michael Cinco someday. His creations are impeccable!

N: Perfect! It’s getting late and I know you still have to attend to Bb. Pilipinas activities in the morning. Thanks for the time!

J: You’re welcome po. And thanks for the opportunity to be featured in your blog.

N: Oh, you deserve the spotlight, Julian. Believe me.

J: Aaawww. Thanks po uli.

N: Good night, dear!

J: Good night, sir Norman!!!

I’ve always loved this Binibini.

I sincerely wish Julian the best of luck in competition. The challenge is tough, but I know that she can shine on her own merits.

Last March 8, all forty (40) Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2014 took part in the Spark! A Change International Women’s Day Celebration at Gateway Cineplex 10 where they dutifully shared their time to show full support to the momentous event highlighted by a Women & Girls Rights Forum.

Just like the placard-bearing ladies of Miss Philippines Earth, the Binibinis gamely raised signs that would increase awareness for the needs of women around the world today. Check out the pictures below as taken by Bruce Casanova.

Don’t you just love the statuesque form of Joy Marie Gangan above?

Binibini 23 Nichole Marie Manalo (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

courtesy of Jun Quindoy

Honestly, is there anyone here who is threatened by the possible victory of Nichole Marie Manalo in Bb. Pilipinas 2014 just because of the surname she carries? Or is it because the field is too strong to even put her on top of the list of favorites for the crown?

The girl is just as qualified as anyone else to win one of the titles. She went through all the screenings and qualified as an Official Candidate fair and square. On top of that, she is one tall beautiful contender who could wrest a victory without the need for either of her elder sisters Katherine or Bianca to pull some strings along the way.

So is it too unacceptable to think that she might snatch a magic spot that could rightfully belong to someone else? My take on the matter is that if BPCI and the Board of Judges feel that she deserves to become one of our representatives for 2014, then so be it. But then again, she should be really convincing (read: near faultless) come March 30 because this year’s competition is where the slightest missteps can break a favorite’s chances. And the ones who show consistency and grace under pressure will prevail.

After Miss Scuba International, Janicel Lubina will now represent the Philippines in Top Model of the World 2014 in Egypt.

Who’s going to El Gouna in Egypt’s Red Sea to represent the Philippines in Top Model of the World 2014? Janicel Lubina, that’s who. The Palawan girl is going places despite not being able to take part in Bb. Pilipinas 2014. I have not been able to confirm yet if this international assignment is courtesy of her placement in Miss World Philippines 2013 or as the reigning Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines. Regardless, she will not have any conflicts in crowning her successor for the latter competition in May. She will be leaving for Egypt by March 27 and should be back in the country by the second week of April or so.

Of course, if she wins in El Gouna, that would be an entirely different story.

Good luck, Janicel! Do us proud!

Binibini 17 Diana Arevalo in an Odelon Simpao creation. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

The photo above of Binibini 17 Diana Arevalo during the National Costume Competition of Bb. Pilipinas 2014 says it all. She wants to win a crown. And she’s working hard to get it.

The Mindoro native is confident that she has what it takes to finally get her long overdue victory this year. And how sweet it can be if she is finally given the chance to represent the Philippines internationally.

She has paid her dues and had to go through two disappointing losses in the past. Can she turn the tide this time around? This blogger hopes that she does. ;-) 

Left to right: Ellore, Julian, Kris and Joy (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova for Bb. Pilipinas)

Indulge me for a while, dear readers.

I’m in one of my crazy afternoons at the office. So just to let off steam a bit, I thought of taking another stab at captioning one of those photos featuring some Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Official Candidates during their Sponsor Visit at JAC Motors.

I’m not a natural comic (more of a punchline ad-libber, if you will) so if the bubble scripts sound corny, pasensiya na po!