IN PHOTOS: 40 Filipina beauties to compete at Binibining Pilipinas 2017

MANILA, Philippines – From over 90 Filipina beauty hopefuls, the Binibining Pilipinas organization chose 40 candidates who will compete for the national pageant.

The organization revealed the candidates vying for the most coveted crowns in its Facebook account. It announced the names of the finalists Tuesday evening after the selection committee composed of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. and ABS-CBN, further cut the finalists to 40 official candidates.

On Monday evening, former Binibining Pilipinas title holders, 1st runner-up of Miss Grand International 2016, Nicole Cordoves; reigning Miss International Kylie Versoza, and Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina served as judges and selected the initial 55 candidates.

The roster includes new candidates and familiar faces who also joined other national beauty competitions.

Among the names that rang the bell are pageant repeaters, Mariel de Leon and Binibining Pilipinas 2016 runner-up Jehza Huelar. De Leon is the daughter of celebrity couple Sandy Andolong and Christopher De Leon.

On the other hand, candidates who are also pageant title-holders from other competitions are as follows: Miss World Philippines 4th Princess Rachel Peters, Miss Earth 2012 Stephanie Stefanowitz, Miss Global Philippines 2014 runner-up Siren Sutton, and Miss Philippines Air 2015 Chanel Olive Thomas.

Meanwhile, Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2 Second runner-up, Katarina Sonja Rodriguez also joined this year’s Binibining Pilipinas.

Below is the full list of candidates and the first look on the finalists with their corresponding numbers.

Photos from BB. Pilipinas/Facebook