By Robert R. Requintina
THIRTY-eight days after they passed the rigorous screening, the 40 official candidates of the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 beauty pageant were finally presented to the press during a special show held at the Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City last Wednesday.
Wearing their stylish swimsuits of DR SWIM by Domz Ramos, the girls paraded individually as they introduced themselves to a jampacked crowd of past beauty queens, sponsors, and media men.
“Several weeks after they were chosen, every time that we see them, they got better. I think this is a fantastic group,” said Stella Marquez Araneta, chairperson of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., in her welcome remarks, as the audience applauded.
“We promise to continue producing winners. And I think many of them have a good chance to win the crown. This group has been very special,” added Mrs. Araneta.
This year’s roster of aspirants is composed of registered professionals, flight attendants, entrepreneurs, public personalities, models, students, and pageant veterans.
The 40 official candidates in order: Vickie Marie Rushton, Katherine Ventura, Muriel Orais, Ana Patricia Asturias, Rose Marie Murphy, Janice Roman, Sigfrid Grace Flores, Marie Sherry Ann Tormes, Agatha Lel Romero, Kayesha Chua, Maria Andrea Abesamis, Janette Roanne Sturm, Kristie Rose Cequena, Samantha Bernardo, Juliana Kapeundl, Annalita Vizcarra, Ma Athisa Manalo, Rosanthonette Mendoza, Michelle Gumabao, Catriona Gray;
Anjame Magbitang, Sophia Juliann Baino, Ena Louis Velasco, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Jerellen Rodriguez, Wynonah Van Joy Baluyot, Henna Kaizzelle Cajandig, Angelica Mae Corbe, Samantha Avestruz, Sarah Margarette Joson, Jehza Mae Huelar, Eva Pscyhee Patalinjug, Stephanie Joy Abellanida, Mary Joy de Castro, Sandra Lemonon, Loren Mar Artajos, Patrizia Garcia, Karen Gallman, Trixia Marie S. Marana, and Angelie Aubrey Asuncion.
Weeks before they were presented to the press, the candidates have done a charity work at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center on V. Luna in Quezon City where they spent some time with honorable wounded soldiers.
With the help of the Makati Medical Center Foundation, the ladies spread cheer to the soldiers at the Heroes Ward by distributing food, clothes, and toiletries.
Now on its 55th year, the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 pageant is in search of representatives to various international pageants namely Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Supranational, Miss Grand International, Miss Globe, and Miss Intercontinental.
The grand coronation of the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 beauty pageant will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on March 18.
