PRESS RELEASES
 Bb. Pilipinas 2006 Pageant


Brown, brainy beauties rule Bb. Pilipinas 2006
by JOSE D. PATAO, JR.

Three brown-complexioned and brainy beauties - representing Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao - topped the 43rd Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum last Saturday, March 4.

For the first time in a long while, Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) has produced a set of winners who truly look like the embodiment of Filipino pulchritude: brown, brainy and beautiful. The decision of BPCI this year to hire a panel of judges composed mostly of foreign diplomats serves the very purpose of the pageant: to produce a set of winners who will surely be noticed abroad. 

Perhaps, we’ve had enough of the mestiza stereotype of winners that reflect the colonial mentality that still pervades among many Filipinos today. But the non-inclusion of the candidates who have foreign blood from this year’s winning circle does not mean BPCI is shying itself from such beauty types. It is the morenas’ luck this year to have a set of judges who favor them, and they are simply the best choices given their outstanding performance in swimsuit, long gown and interview.

Davao City’s Lia Andrea Aquino Ramos, the new Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, is, to this writer, the best Miss Universe bet the pageant has produced in a long time. At 25, 5-foot-8 Lian’s physical attributes (supported by 4 special awards namely Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit, Beautiful Hair and PAL Sunniest Personality) attest to her unquestionable, almost magical beauty. 

To this writer, Lian also gave the best answer in the q&a in Bb. Pilipinas history, one that was characterized by poise, confidence and impeccable flow of thought. When asked where she wanted to live aside from the Philippines, Lian replied, “I want to live in France. I am a Francophile and I’ve always been fascinated by its culture and language; it’s always been my dream to live in France where you can celebrate democracy…brotherhood…and as the saying goes: ‘C’est la vie!’” Make no mistake about her clincher; it was not a put on. Lian, in fact, has studied French at Alliance Francaise de Manille in Makati. 

A BS Political Science graduate of UP-Diliman, Lian will represent the Philippines at the 55th Miss Universe Pageant at a still undisclosed venue in June (Miss Universe Organization has yet to announce the official venue but reliable sources said that last year’s host, Bangkok, might stage the pageant again). 

Measuring a trim 34-23-35, Lian was a Miss Global Queen Philippines top 10 finalist in 2001. From then on, she has been constantly prodded by modeling agency owner Jonas Gaffud to join Bb. Pilipinas. She is currently working at the Asia Foundation Inc. and hopes to pass the foreign service exam in the future. Her ambition to eventually become an ambassador made her finally decide to join Bb. Pilipinas. “The Miss Universe title appeals to me because the winner becomes an ambassador (for HIV/AIDS awareness) to the United Nations. The crown can expand my sphere of influence to be of service to many.”



Bohol’s Anna Maris Arcay Igpit, the new Bb. Pilipinas-World, exudes the vibrancy of youth, spunk and sincerity. A self-confessed island girl who prefers the beaches to city life, Anna brought the house down when she paraded with élan and grace in a body-hugging black-and-silver number during the long gown competition. Standing 5’7 ½ and measuring 34-23-35 ½, Anna was the unanimous choice for the Best in Long Gown award. 

When asked what would she do tomorrow if she wins one of the titles tonight, Anna answered, “I would go to church and thank God for all that He has given me…and I would pray for guidance so that I will be able to represent my country well in the international pageant.” 

Born in Panglao, Bohol, 18-year-old Anna has lived most of her life in Cebu. She is currently a BS Tourism student at the Southwestern University and also works as a model for Models Association of Cebu (MAC). It was Bb. Pilipinas-World 2004 and fellow MAC model Karla Bautista who prodded the multi-titled Boholana beauty to join Bb. Pilipinas. Karla, in turn, endorsed Anna to train under beauty queen maker Rodgil Flores prior to the Bb. Pilipinas final screening.

This writer believes Anna’s exotic good looks will surely be a hit when she competes for Miss World in Warsaw, Poland in December. No Filipina has ever won the title but Anna takes it as a challenge to do her best and finally bring home the crown. Anna’s packaging for the Miss World pageant should be carefully studied though; the process of selecting Miss World is very unpredictable, with new innovations injected year in, year out.

Quezon City’s Denille Lou Valena Valmonte, the new Bb. Pilipinas-International, is a 24-year-old entrepreneur who has put up her own catering business even before she graduates with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. 

Standing 5’7 and possessing a to-die-for 34-22-34 figure, Denille has worked long and hard to get to where she is now. She has focused her body, mind and heart into the pageant and knows how to dream big…and make it happen. Like Anna, Denille also trained under Flores.

Denille is aware of the tall order she has for her international pageant campaign. The odds against her are great since her predecessor, Precious Quigaman, is the reigning Miss International. “For now, I just would like to enjoy myself and think about the pressures later,” Denille said. “But then who knows? There is always a first time (for a Miss International back-to-back win) and I will definitely do my best to bring home honor and glory for my country.” Denille will carry the Philippine colors at the international pageant in Beijing, China in October. 

Congratulations to BPCI chair Stella Marquez de Araneta and the 2006 Bb. Pilipinas winners! 

 2006 Bb Pilipinas Honor Roll

Bb. Pilipinas-Universe – Lia Andrea Aquino Ramos
Bb. Pilipinas-World – Anna Maris Arcay Igpit
Bb. Pilipinas-International – Denille Lou Valena Valmonte
1st runnerup – Rosalyn Sirikit de Leon Santiago
2nd runnerup – Jeanne Bernadette Mauricio Bello
Semi-finalists: Mary Pilar Alipio de Gorostiza
Caroline de Leon Yorke, Fiona Marie Lucido Lava
Marie-Ann Bonquin Umali, Kristine Marie Alba Lim
Miss Friendship – Mylene Aguilar Maligaya
Miss Photogenic – Lia Andrea Ramos
Miss Talent – Jeanne Bernadette Bello
Best in Swimsuit – Lia Andrea Ramos
Best in Long Gown – Anna Maris Igpit
PAL Sunniest Personality – Lia Andrea Ramos
Miss Beautiful Hair – Lia Andrea Ramos
Smart Texters’ Choice – Rosalyn Sirikit Santiago
Bulletin Readers’ Choice – Louise Dianne Sabay Navera

 Bb. Pilipinas 2006 winners crowned at the Big Dome tonight (March 4)
 By JOSE D. PATAO, JR.

The 43rd Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant winds up to a glittering finale at the Araneta Coliseum tonight (March 4, 2006) as 24 candidates from all over the country as well as from abroad showcase their darndest best, each one hoping to re-write the national pageant’s history by being crowned as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-World and Bb. Pilipinas-International.

Originally, 26 official candidates were selected from over a hundred applicants to vie for this year’s search but two who made it backed out; Germany-born Mayumi Keller failed to comply with citizenship requirements while New York-based Aeesha Christine Rand had a binding contract with a fast food chain, the competitor of a pageant sponsor.

The “surviving” 24 candidates (see sidebar) made their first major public appearance last February 21 during the rain-soaked though fun-filled Charity Day at the Fiesta Carnival with about 500 underprivileged children from various DSWD day care centers who were cheered, fed and presented with gifts by the pretty candidates, as well as by Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. chair Stella Marquez de Araneta and the reigning titlists: 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman, 2005 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Gionna Cabrera and 2005 Bb. Pilipinas-World Carlene Aguilar.

More than an hour after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national state of emergency last February 24, the candidates were formally introduced to members of media at the activity center of the Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center. The delegates, donning colorful peach and red two-piece Gucci swimwear, wowed mall shoppers and the handful of media people present as they introduced themselves and flashed their best smiles; the majority of members of media were elsewhere, covering the tension-filled events of the day in Malacanang, Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio and EDSA. In fact, candidate no.3 Ma. Anne Kathleen Labung was caught in the heavy EDSA traffic and failed to arrive on time at the presscon; she showed up in the nick of time and caught the last phase of the photo-ops at Gateway Mall’s Oasis.

The talent competition was held at the Sta. Lucia East Mall last Monday while the traditional Parade of Beauties unfolded before a mesmerized crowd at the Araneta Center last Tuesday. 

The grand coronation pageant at the Big Dome tonight, to be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Trillo and Pia Guanio, with guest performances by Cueshe, Alfred Vargas, Dion Ignacio, Andrew Wolff and Jeremy Marquez, will be held live at 7:30 pm with a delayed telecast at 9:30 pm over GMA 7.

Clowns, Kids and Queens: Perfect Combination

What do you get when you put together fire-blowing clowns, magicians making objects disappear, hundreds of children, and twenty four beautiful contestants of the 2006 Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant? The answer: a fun-filled day of charity. 
Set at the Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, Quezon City, this charitable event is an annual project of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI) and is one of the numerous activities of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at least five hundred underprivileged children from various DSWD day care centers were transported to the carnival to experience a day filled with laughter, fun, and games. As the twenty four candidates entered the amusement park, the children welcomed them with cheerful smiles and a warm round of applause. Parlor games like “Bring Me” kicked off the afternoon, sending the children scrambling around the park. The sprightly kids, accompanied by the pageant contestants, went on fun rides like the carousel, bump cars, and water boats. The presence of Binibing Pilipinas International Precious Lara Quigaman, Binibining Pilipinas World Carlene Aguilar, and Binibining Pilipinas Universe Gionna Cabrera added to the cheerfulness of the day’s event. 

Impressing the children with their openness and kindness, the three reigning beauty queens made their rounds, making sure that each child was noticed. Though heavy rains fell, the jovial atmosphere was not threatened. Each child was brought to shelter with the candidates entertaining them with stories and jokes. As the day came to an end, the children were exhausted but undoubtedly happy, making this charitable project another success added to the BPCI’s long list of accomplishments.
 

Twenty Four Dreamers

Surrounded by stereotypical ideas regarding beauty queens, this year’s Binibinng Pilipinas Beauty Pageant strives to break through the glass ceiling of such misconceptions. Beyond the glamour, pomp, and prestige of the much-awaited competition lies the core of love, hope, and compassion. As the country’s most anticipated beauty pageant is set to culminate on 4 March 2006, twenty four stunningly beautiful ladies will certainly embody the goals of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI). 

 This year’s pageant showcases a mixture of women with different upbringing and dreams. Ever since their childhood, Marie-Ann Umali, 19, and Mylene A. Maligaya, and Emcel Alna Guido Reyes, both 18, have dreamt of becoming the next Binibining Pilipinas. Marie-Ann has gorgeous hazel eyes and hails from Batangas City. Mylene loves to cook different styles of Sinigang, while Emcel enjoys performing on stage.

Twenty-three year old Fiona Marie Lava and 18-year-old Anna Maris Igpit both have something in common—they love staying at home and spending time with their family. Fiona, a former flight attendant, was the 2nd runner up in the 2003 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant. She is old fashioned at heart and loves traveling. Meanwhile, Anna loves going to the beach and enjoying nature’s beauty. She comes from Bohol and is the only candidate from the Visayas.

For some candidates, the decision to join the pageant was not immediately accepted by their parents. Nineteen-year-old Caroline de Leon’s parents were not happy that she had to disrupt her studies, but in the end, they relented because they saw how motivated she was to join. Nursing student Kareen Amanda Donor’s father was also very hesitant. Due to her persistence, she and her father agreed to compromise and she was allowed to enter the competition. In the meantime, Baguio-based Vera Eumee Reiter’s father does not know she’s entered the pageant. Hoping to surprise him come coronation night, this part-German beauty is fully prepared to take the Philippines by storm.

Some contestants are serious; some have quirks and talents that will surely surprise the average person. Take 18 year old Meral Matalib Ates. With Turkish blood running in her veins, this long-legged beauty can eat a whole lemon despite its sour taste. Computer Science graduate Shiela Joy Pineda loves playing computer games and can easily spend hours perfecting her gaming skills. Eighteen-year-old Jessica Joy Coria, on the other hand, is a self-confessed former tomboy who eventually grew out of that phase. Now taking on modeling jobs, Jessica’s graceful gait will soon impress the nation. Twenty-two year-old Joana Patricia Tolentino, on the other hand, is a cake addict. She loves eating the sweet dessert no matter where she is and is completely comfortable with herself.

 Like most people, some candidates look to certain role models for the inspiration they need. Mass Communications student Khristine Marie A. Lim’s role model is Celia Ruiz Tomlinson, a Filipina who worked hard, raised herself from poverty, and now owns an engineering firm in the United States. For 23-year-old Vanessa Anne S. Kibanoff, she draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela, the man who sacrificed so much just to fight for equality. And when she’s down on her luck, Accountancy graduate Rosalyn L. Santiago looks to Oprah Winfrey for motivation and encouragement, as she is well known for her charitable works. 

With its share of beauties, the pageant also has intellectual candidates who have successfully graduated from college. Jeanne Bernadette Bello, a 22-year-old Architecture graduate hopes to become a licensed architect in five years. On the other hand, entrepreneur Denille Lou Valmonte has her own catering business and graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Twenty-five year-old Lia Andrea Aquino Ramos obtained her Political Science degree and currently works as an Assistant Program Officer for The Asia Foundation. The beautiful Jenny Yu dreams of establishing her own fashion boutique. She graduated with a Business Management and Entrepreneur degree from Angeles University.

From homebodies to college graduates, there are also those who want to make a difference in society. Taking up Asian-American studies at California State University-Northridge, 20 year old Cristina Leviste y Mosqueda hopes to come up with solutions that will solve the country’s problem with poverty and provide enough jobs to prevent Filipinos from leaving the country. For Allia Harlene N. Faytaren, focusing on the youth will help affect the future of the nation. Planning to concentrate on anti-drug campaigns, this Batangas City native also hopes to be a role model for all Filipinas. Nineteen-year-old Louise Dianne S. Navera is no stranger in doing charity work. Having been crowned as the 2005 Queen of Charities, this pretty woman sees the need to raise funds for the needy. Studying Interior Design at the College of Saint Benilde, Mary Pilar de Gorostiza joined the pageant in hopes of making a difference in her community. Having noticed the charitable works involving the BPCI, this lovely lady is prepared to raise funds for the underprivileged. Nursing student Ma. Anne Kathleen Labung has been actively participating in her school’s outreach programs. Sensing the needs of many impoverished families, she donated groceries and toys to the families she adopted during their outreach program. With their concern for society, these women will undoubtedly succeed in making much-needed societal changes happen.

 As these lovely ladies show off their body, brains, and beauty at the Araneta Coliseum on March 4, 2006, they ultimately carry the message of the BPCI—to selflessly spread love, hope, compassion, and charity to the less fortunate members of society. The BPCI, founded by chair Stella Marquez de Araneta forty two years ago, serves as an instrument for instilling the virtues of love and hope to the needy. Through the annual Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant, the BPCI hopes to raise funds through corporate sponsorship, donors, and benefactors in order to further assist and support victims of calamities, indigent people, and orphans. Prior charitable works have included helping the Mt. Pinatubo and Tsunami victims, livelihood and self-realization workshops, and extending financial assistance to various orphanages in Metro Manila.

In this year’s Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant, the BPCI endeavors to break all negative stereotypes about beauty queens and pageants as being mundane, selfish, and conceited. Beyond the sash and the crown, the charitable works of the BPCI remain unknown to many Filipinos who often view the pageant purely for aesthetic reasons. Through its candidates, the BPCI aims to convey to the nation that being a beauty queen entails hard work, especially when it comes to selflessly helping the less fortunate members of society. One thing is certain—this year’s contestants surely illustrate that true beauty lies inside, helping others in their time of need.
 

Six Fresh Faces & Figures Vie for Official Slots in Bb. Pilipinas 2006
By JOSE D. PATAO, JR.

THE final screening of candidates for the 2006 Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant was held today (February 4) at the Expo Center in Cubao, Quezon City with about 150 applicants, each hoping to make the mark for one of 25 official slots to vie for the 3 most-coveted beauty titles in the land: Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-World and Bb. Pilipinas-International.

This year's search is expected to attract beauteous Filipino women of diverse backgrounds and persuasions from all over the country, each one hoping to conquer her dream of being crowned as "Bb. Pilipinas," following the victorious feats abroad of last year's winners: Precious Lara Quigaman, who won our 4th Miss International title in Tokyo, Japan; Gionna Cabrera, who won the Miss Photogenic and Royal Silk awards at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand; and Carlene Aguilar, who topped the semi-finals of the Miss World contest in Sanya, China.

For the 43rd Bb. Pilipinas Pageant, six gorgeous women – all relatively fresh faces and figures in the national pageant circuit – are raring to take a crack at the 3 crowns at stake, each one hoping to carve a niche for herself in Bb. Pilipinas’ elite honor roll. All six have undergone rigorous pre-pageant training under beauty queen maker Rodgil Flores whose stable of Bb. Pilipinas winners who trained under him include, among others: Maricar Balagtas, Karen Agustin, Kristine Alzar, Ella Evangelista, Karla Bautista, Melanie Ediza, Aguilar and Quigaman. Rodgil’s formidable team include ramp trainor Jojo Mangalino, internalization coach Dave Buenaventura and hair & make-up artist Erica Bautista; they have been regularly training the aspirants at the artist studios of Creative Artists Placement Services on Marconi St. in Makati City. The five "Binibini" hopefuls are:
 
ROSALYN SIRIKIT DE LEON SANTIAGO
JENNY CAPIZ YU		  
MARY PILAR ALIPIO DE GOROSTIZA. This 21-year-old mestiza, nicknamed Mai, is a beautiful blend of East and West; her father, businessman Edgardo de Gorostiza has Spanish blood, while her mother, the former Luzviminda, has Chinese roots. Mai, who was born in Zamboanga City, is the youngest of 4 children. She stands 5'7 and measures 35-24-35. At present, Mai is contemplating on pursuing a degree in Nursing after 2 years of taking up Interior Design subjects at DLSU's College of St. Benilde. Mai is joining her very first beauty pageant and hopes her "Binibini" stint will be a most fruitful experience.

ANNA MARIS ARCAY IGPIT. A full-time sophomore BS Tourism student at Southwestern University in Cebu and part-time model, Anna stands 5'7 and measures 34-23-36. This charming Boholana has a string of local titles tucked under her belt namely: Miss Talisay 2004, Miss Kawasan 2004, Miss Mandaue 2005 and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005. The middle child in the brood of 3 of casino table supervisor Allan Igpit and the former Ma. Socorro Arcay, Anna has always dreamt of wearing the "Philippines" sash in an international pageant hoping to be a worthy ambassador of goodwill for our country. She is particularly proud of her roots (she was born in Panglaw, Bohol) and hopes to promote her island-province as a major tourist and business haven, just like neighboring Cebu where she spent most of her 18 summers.

LOUISE DIANNE SABAY NAVERA. Standing 5'8" and possessing fair complexion, graceful long neck and a 34-25-36 figure, 19-year-old Louise could be mistaken for a Eurasian at first glance. But this junior BS Tourism student of UST insists she is a Batanguena through and through; she was born in Lipa City. The middle of 3 children of Lt. Col. Luis Marciano Navera (a Philippine Air Force officer assigned at Villamor Airbase) and the former Rowena Sabay (a college professor), Louise was Miss UST Tourism 2003 and is the reigning (hold your breaths!) Miss Lipa Tourism, Miss Red Cross Pasay and Bb. Pasay. She hopes to make a difference in the national beauty pageant.

ROSALYN SIRIKIT DE LEON SANTIAGO. At 25, this sultry head-turner from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija is catching the "last train" for her Bb. Pilipinas journey to fame. Born in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, Kit stands 5'7 and measures 35-24-35. She is a BS Accountancy graduate of Wesleyan University Philippines and is currently working in a family-owned firm. The eldest in the brood of 3 of Jerry Santiago (a contractor) and the former Rose de Leon (a pharmacist), Kit has a string of school campus and sports meet titles and hopes to make her mark on the national pageant scene.

DENILLE LOU VALENA VALMONTE. Born in Quezon City 24 years ago, this graceful morena is the younger of 2 girls of Danilo and Isobelle Valmonte (nee Valena). Though born and raised in the big city, Denille considers herself an Ilocana at heart (her dad is from Bacnotan, La Union). At 5'6, this BS Hotel & Restaurant Management graduating student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) measures a to-die-for 34-22-34. Denille has competed for PUP Top Model 2000 and Extreme Faces 2002. Also in 2002, she won the grand prize at the Bikini Open-The Pageant held at Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City. A go-getter, Denille's mind, body and heart are now focused on Bb. Pilipinas, hoping to dream her biggest dream... and make it happen.

JENNY CAPIZ YU. This 22-year-old 5-foot-8 mestiza from Angeles City, Pampanga is the youngest in the brood of 7 of the late Jose Yu and the former Esmelia Capiz (a real estate broker). Jenny graduated with a degree in BS Management & Entrepreneurship at the Angeles University 2 years ago. Measuring a trim 34-23-35, Jenny has competed in Bodyshots 2004 and the recent Elite Model Look 2005; she has also modeled for Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines top couturiers like Edgar San Diego, Richard Papa, Ramon Esteban, Roland Lirio and Johnny Abad, to name a few. This is Jenny's first try at Bb. Pilipinas, she hopes to “share my God-given gifts” and vows to follow the path of God in the pursuit of her dreams.

All the best... may Lady Luck smile on this queenly half dozen as well as to the dozens of other hopefuls aiming to set foot on the Big Dome's stage come coronation night on March 4, 2006.
 
 

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