THE winning streak of Binibining Pilipinas beauties continued after Miss Philippines Nelda Ibe won 1st runner-up in the Miss Globe 2017 beauty pageant held in Tirana, Albania last Friday (Saturday, Manila time).
Miss Vietnam Do Tran Khan Ngan was crowned Miss Globe 2017. Other winners were Miss Serbia Elena Latypova, 2nd runner-up; Miss Albania Alessia Coku, 3rd runner-up; and Miss Cape Verde Simone Heijligers, 4th runner-up.
“Being a pilot in a male-dominated profession gives me confidence and discipline. Flying taught me to be fearless and focused. These qualities inspired me to be where I am now,” she said.
Earlier this year, Ibe also became one of the co-hosts of Willie Revillame for his popular game show “Wowowin” on GMA 7. Ibe is in a relationship these days.
In 2014, Ibe won 2nd Princess in the Miss World Philippines beauty contest won by former “Eat Bulaga” co-host Valerie Weigmann.
Ibe said that her mother has been an inspiration in everything she does. “My mother gave birth to 10 children. From the eldest, I’m the sixth. So I really salute my mother. She’s been an inspiration for me. Lahat ng ginagawa ko para sa kanya. So I want to be like her. Pero ‘wag naman yung 10 children. I can’t do that.”
Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) chair Stella M. Araneta congratulated Ibe for her 1st runner-up finish.
“Nelda showed grace and elegance befitting a proud Filipina, making her a true inspiration to women all over the world. BPCI is proud of you, and will continue to support you in your future endeavors,” said Mrs. Araneta in a statement.
Anne Colis is the first Filipino to win the Miss Globe crown in 2015. Just recently, fellow Binibini Elizabeth Clenci won 2nd runner-up in the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty contest held in Vietnam.
Four more Binibinis will compete in various pageants abroad toward the end of the year – Mariel de Leon, Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 14; Rachel Peters, Miss Universe, in Las Vegas, Nov. 26 (Nov. 27 in Manila); Chanel Olive Thomas, Miss Supranational, Dec. 1; and Katarina Sonja Rodriguez, Miss Intercontinental, Dec. 21. (Robert R. Requintina)