Bb. repeaters follow Pia’s advice

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

“No harm in trying again,” so said 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach after winning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe on her third try (first as first runner-up and then as one of the semi-finalists).

Indeed, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Aim for the star and don’t blink. They also serve who only stand and wait. (A winner never quits, a quitter never wins. — Sweepstakes winning agent Manuel Uy.)

Heeding Pia’s advice, several repeaters are among the 40 official candidates in the 2017 Bb. Pilipinas search for six winners who will represent the country in the following pageants: Universe, International, Intercontinental, Supranational, Grand International and Globe. Thus, the repeaters and other aspirants have more chances of bagging a title.

Among the “comebacking” binibini candidates:

• Maria Angelica de Leon (2013 Top 15 semi-finalist), daughter of actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong;

• Jehza Mae Hueler (2016 second runner-up);

• Arienne Louise Calingo (2013 Bb. Pilipinas-USA first runner-up/2014 Miss Asian Global/2014 Miss Asian California/2016 Miss World Philippines First Princess);

• Dindi Joy Pajares (2016 Top 15 semi-finalist);

• Charmaine Elima (2013 Top 15 semi-finalist);

• Vanessa Saliba (2014 candidate);

• Angelique Celine de Leon (2014/2016 candidate);

• Elizabeth Clenci (2011 candidate)

• Jennyline Carla Malpaya (2016 candidate/Top Six Best National Costume and 2013 Miss World Philippines candidate);

• Mae Liezel Ramos (2014 Top 15 semi-finalist/2008 Miss Bicolandia second runner-up/2009 Mutya ng Ibalong first runner-up/2010 Miss Kaogma Festival/2011 Miss World Philippines candidate/2013 Mutya ng Magayon first runner-up); and

• Sarah Jireh Asido (2014 candidate/2013 Miss Philippines Earth candidate).

Many of the candidates have competed in other beauty contests, namely:

• Dane Felisse Marasigan (2012 Miss Philippines Earth candidate);

• Maria Gail Devora Tobes (2012 Miss Northern Samar/2015 Miss National State Colleges & Universities Athletic Association [SCUAA]/2016 Miss Best Model Asia Pacific Philippines candidate);

• Joselle Mariano (2013 Mutya ng Pilipinas Top 10 semi-finalist/2014 Miss Philippines Earth/2015 Miss R.P.-Luzon);

• Ma. Bejieleen Nama (2011 Miss Casino Filipino candidate/2011 Miss Yacht Model International candidate/2013 Bb. Unibersidad and 2014 Miss World University candidate);

• Kimberly Pajares (2012 Miss Casino Filipino second runner-up/2014 Miss World Philippines Top 13 semi-finalist);

• Sirene Sutton (2014 Miss Global Philippines first runner-up);

• Leitz Camyll Ang (2015 Miss World Philippines candidate);

• Larah Grace Lacap (2012 Mutya ng Pilipinas second runner-up/2012 Miss World Philippines candidate);

• Nelda Ibe (2014 Miss World Philippines second princess);

• Rachel Louise Peters (2014 Miss World Philippines fourth princess);

• Jamaica Elysse Ambal (2011 Bb. Calamba);

• Chanel Olive Thomas (2015 Miss Philippines-Air);

• Arah Saleintes (2016 Miss World Philippines Top 12 semi-finalist);

• Ruffa Nava (2014 Miss World Philippines candidate);

• Beatrice Valente (2014 Miss Tierra Ilalia/2014 Miss Earth candidate representing Italy/2015 Miss R.P. International);

• Juliana Kapeundi (2010 Mutya ng Batangas/2011 Reyna ng Aliwan candidate);

• Karla May Manongsong (2016 Miss Bulacan candidate);

• Katarina Sonja Rodriguez (2014 Season 2 Asia’s Next Top Model second runner-up);

• Thoreen Halvosen (2012 Miss Philippines Earth-Fire);

• Mae Lanie Chan (2009 Mutya ng Pilipinas Top 12 semi-finalist);

• Kristel Guelos (2013 Miss Philippines Earth candidate); and

• Sammie Anne Legaspi (2016 Miss Global Philippines second runner-up/2016 Miss Sophie Paris Philippines/2017 Saniata ti Ylocos Environment).

Rounding up the 40 aspirants (winnowed down from almost 100 applicants) are: Jessica Ramirez, Maria Camille Manalo, Christagale Borja, Clarice Marion Villareal, Kristi Rose Cequena, Gabriela Patricia Ortega and Ana Patricia Asturias.

The grand coronation night will be held on April 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. — With a report from Celso de Guzman Caparas

(E-mail reactions at [email protected].)