For its Diamond Jubilee year, the Binibining Pilipinas proclaims 40 lovely Filipinas as the official candidates. While the coronation is still a few weeks away, here are the early standouts
Beauty pageants have always been celebrated in every corner of the country. Following the Miss Universe Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas competition is set to commemorate its 60th year anniversary with 40 candidates’ eyes on the crown. Two titles will be awarded: the Bb. Pilipinas International and the Bb. Pilipinas Globe. These queens will also be the first to wear the new crowns designed by renowned jewelry and accessory designer Manny Halasan.
This year, hidden gems are prominent; the batch is populated by fresh, hopeful faces. Even though first-timers at a national pageant comprise the majority, the candidate pool is a cornucopia of beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious queens. Several provincial and regional winners are setting their sights on the two shiny crowns and titles; here’s MEGA’s list of early standouts.
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Trisha Martinez, Pila, Laguna
A heavy favorite last year, Dr. Trisha Martinez returns to optimistically take home the crown. A Bb. Pilipinas 2023 Best in Evening Gown winner, Trisha’s comeback is much anticipated. Will she prevail the second time around? On her Instagram post, she is hopeful and ready: “The doctor is in. Officially a Binibini again this year. Thank you so much to everyone who sends their warm support and love. See you in Araneta. No more holding back!”
Vera Dickinson, Tarlac Province
Regional winner as Bb. Kanlahi 2023, this Filipina-Canadian queen is commanding our attention with her pasarela, as proven by her Press Presentation last Friday. Reigning with a passional catwalk that left an impression, Vera’s performance so far in the competition is elegant yet strong—two qualities fit for a Bb. Pilipinas titleholder.
Myrna Esguerra, Abra
The Abra-representative is currently enthralling the nation with her powerful and poised execution so far in the pageant. Armed with confidence, Myrna’s battle plan to obtain the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 title is starting to show. Her national costume featuring the majestic Abra textiles secured her a place in the top five for the preliminary competition, and her compelling yet effortless walk may take her to the top.
Samantha Acosta, Bulacan Province
Samantha Acosta is one of the batch’s more identifiable names, having previously participated in Miss Philippines Earth 2017. She is unique among the candidates for her queenly bearing and cut-throat precision in the runway. To her supporters, she says: “I carry you across my heart, Bulakenyos! I will make you proud!”
Jasmin Bungay, Pampanga
As Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2016, Jasmin is not unfamiliar with the spotlight. In fact, she embraces it with a command-and-conquer strategy. She shares that her self-discovery journey as an Overseas Filipino Worker in the field of logistics industry allowed her an opportunity to reclaim her dream. “Now, here we are, a Binibini.”
Phoebe Godinez, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Former Hiyas ng Pilipinas winner, this Cebu native is entering the fabled Binibini sisterhood with eloquence and grace. Phoebe has a charming, saccharine demeanor, and is a strong contender for the crown with her killer walk and advocacy for humanitarianism.
Rendelle Caraig, Province of Laguna
Rendelle’s regal aura has made her a frontrunner in the competition; add to that her grand national costume featuring Los Baños’s picturesque waterfalls. In this diamond batch, it looks like Rendelle is equipped with the necessary qualities required of a titleholder. But if she is able to keep her momentum until the coronation, only time can tell.
Roella Solis, Calumpit, Bulacan
A Miss Cosmo Philippines alumna, Roella Solis is proudly representing Calumpit, Bulacan for the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 title. Her Instagram post revealed that vying for the crown was a childhood dream. She wrote, “It took a lot of courage for me to submit my application yesterday, but my heart is so full knowing that my childhood dream will become reality.” Roella’s parasela is charming and strong—much like herself in this pageant so far.
Kristin Baconawa, Quezon City
Lovely and captivating, Kristin is a major shoo-in for the crown. Sharing that she has been self-supporting herself since the age of 16, Kristin says, “These challenges made me stronger and a better person with the help of my loved ones and my community. I thank God for developing my inner strength because now I can confidently show the world what kind of a Christian woman He has created.” Will this grit be the quality that lets her bring home the crown? We will find out.
Tracy Sunio, Bacolod
Tracy Sunio is a magnetic presence, and she uses that to raise awareness for diverse disabilities. A month away from coronation, she is self-assured and fearless in her pursuit of the title: “Taking on this role is a profound responsibility, and I am prepared to embrace the crown. I am dedicated to giving my absolute best and bringing pride to Bacolod,” she declares.
The Binibining Pilipinas grand coronation will be held on July 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Photos and Featured Image: BINIBINING PILIPINAS (Via Instagram)
