CEBU stands proud after winning a crown in Binibining Pilipinas 2018 with Eva Psychee Patalinjug crowned Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018. She also received a special award as the Face of Binibini. The candidate was able to impress the crowd and the judges after she answered the question “What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuit of our country’s economic success, if any?”
“A role of the beauty queen is to be the voice. I am here to make a message to all of you. In these times of uncertainty and fear that have seemingly taken over in our country, we have remained steadfast as we face all of the challenges. As a united nation, what we should do is to set aside our political differences, forget our academic and social preferences, and let love and loyalty for our country to rise above all,” answered Patalinjug.
Patalinjug is also Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International and Miss Cebu 2014 first runner-up.
The two other representatives from Cebu impressed as well: Wynonah Buot made it to the Top 15, while Bacolod City native Ena Louis Velasco, who won the Miss Mandaue 2015 title, was able to qualify in the Top 25.
As many expected, Catriona Gray won Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2018. She will represent the country in the 67th Miss Universe Pageant. For Gray, the question was: “After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of Marawi?”
“My answer and my message to the women (is) to be strong. As women, we are the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends but also in our community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high,” said Gray.
She also dominated the special awards as she was awarded Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimwear, Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Jag Denim Queen and Miss Ever Bilena.
After weeks of rigorous screening, holistic training and activities, six worthy, modern and empowered women were proclaimed as Binibining Pilipinas 2018 queens in the grand coronation held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday.
Crowd favorite Gray, a 24-year-old professional model and musician from Albay, wowed the judges. The statuesque Rachel Peters, who finished in the Top 10 of the Miss Universe 2017 pageant, crowned Gray.
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, one of the youngest contestants in this batch and a fresh Accountancy graduate from Candelaria, Quezon, emerged as Binibining Pilipinas International. Mariel de Leon, who has a budding showbiz career, passed her crown to Manalo.
Third time proved to be the charm for Jehza Mae Huelar, 23, from Davao City, as she bagged the Binibining Pilipinas Supranational title. This was the third time Huelar joined the pageant. The amiable Chanel Olive Thomas, who finished in the Top 10 of the Miss Suparanational pageant, crowned Huelar.
Registered nurse and law student Patalinjug was crowned by Elizabeth Clenci, who emerged second runner-up in the Miss Grand International contest.
Karen Gallman, a 25-year-old native of Bohol who worked as an analyst in London, was named Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental. Katarina Rodriguez, who came so close to bringing the country’s first Miss Intercontinental crown, passed her title to Gallman.
Professional volleyball player Michele Gumabao, 25, from Quezon City was named Binibining Pilipinas Globe. Nelda Ibe, who brought pride to the country as Miss Globe first runner-up, crowned Gumabao.
Actress Vickie Rushton emerged as first runner-up, while competitive dancer Samantha Bernardo was named second runner-up.
These lucky and lovely ladies, armed with beauty and wit, hope to live up to the Philippines’ reputation as a powerhouse in international pageants.
Pia Wurtzbach, the Philippines’ third Miss Universe who won in 2015, hosted the ceremony with actor Richard Gutierrez. (with PR)