Bb. Pilipinas 1989 Winners (left to right): Marichele Lising Cruz (Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism), Jeanne Therese Plata Hilario (Bb. Pilipinas-Maja), Sara Jane Davis Paez (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe), Lilia Eloisa Marfori Andanar (Bb. Pilipinas-International) and Maria Rita Manalili Apostol (Bb. Pilipinas-Flower Queen)
Sara Jane Paez being crowned by Perfida Limpin
I can still recall host Randy Santiago putting Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez on the spot by asking the latter to speak in Spanish and saying something about the former’s eye shades. There was also Bb. Pilipinas International 1989 Lilia Eloisa Andanar (who was voted Miss Friendship during Miss International 1989 in Japan) who brought the house down with how she excellently articulated her responses in English and made a number of Ateneans proud of her at one point. But more than the two, I loved Miss Maja Pilipinas 1989 Jeanne Therese Hilario (who placed 3rd during the Miss Maja International in the Dominican Republic) who spoke about her future plans of becoming an Astro-Physicist – something quite novel for a beauty queen.
There is also the interesting one-time title of Bb. Pilipinas-Flower Queen which was won by Ma. Rita Apostol (younger sister of Bb. Pilipinas alumna and Mutya ng Pilipinas World 1987 Ma. Lourdes Apostol). Up to now, I’m in the dark as to what actually happened to her supposed participation in the one-and-only holding of Miss Flower Queen International, or if it even pushed through then (someone more knowledgeable in this detail can holler, if you will).
Looking back, this batch may not be the most successful in their international outings. But compared to the years surrounding them, theirs is one coronation night that will always have a quick recall to devoted pageant followers and supporters. :-)
