Will another Pia Wurtzbach come from this batch?

MANILA, Philippines - Eighty-eight aspirants signed up but only 83 showed up for the final screening of 2016 Bb. Pilipinas pageant on Feb. 12 at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City. After a grueling 10-hour screening, 40 lucky ladies made it as official candidates composed of newbies, binibini repeaters and national pageant crossovers.

The big question is: Will another Pia Wurtzbach come from this batch and duplicate Pia’s 2015 Miss Universe win?

They are (in order of announcement):

Leonalyn dela Cruz (2014, Bb. 34), Crescent Anne Samaco, Aniger Wiji Cruz, Angela Lauren Fernando, Jessica Gonzales, Loren Mar Artajos, Maxine Medina, Sheena Dalo, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Tatiana Dolor Maher, Riana Agatha Pangindian, Dindi Joy Pajares, Roshiella Tobias, Nichole Marie Manalo (2014, Bb. 23, Top 15, the niece of the 1968 Bb. Pilipinas International and the younger sister of 2002 Bb. Pilipinas World Kate Manalo and 2009 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Bianca Manalo), Angelica Alita, Janel Olafson, April Smith, Jehza Mae Huelar, Mariella Castillo (2010, Bb. 1, Top 10), Kimberle Mae Penchon, Jennylyn Carla Malpaya, Angela Gene Valdez, Kim Ross delos Santos, Vina Opiniano, Christianne Ramos, Priscilla Kimberly dela Cruz, Marlann Flores, Jeslyn Santos (2014, Bb. 32), Nicole Cordoves, Maria Daziella Gange, Paula Rich Bartolome (2015, Bb. 15), Jennifer Hammond, Alexandra Faith Garcia, Maria Lina Prongoso, Anjellica Lopez, Kylie Verzosa (2015, Bb. 13, Top 15), Joanna Eden, Kristine Angeli Estoque, Maria Gigante and Angelique Celine de Leon (2014, Bb. 31). 

The screening committee included chairperson Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta (of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc.); Jorge L. Araneta; ABS-CBN special projects head Chit Guerrero; Gines Enriquez (Araneta Group’s UNIPROM sales & marketing manager); and 2015 Bb. Pilipinas queens Janicel Lubina, Ann Lorraine Colis, Christi Lyn McGarry, Rogelie Catacutan and Hannah Ruth Sison.

Five major winners will be crowned during the grand coronation night on Sunday, April 17, at the Smart Ananeta Coliseum, to be telecast over ABS-CBN Channel 2, namely, 2016 Miss Universe Philippines, 2016 Bb. Pilipinas-International, 2016 Bb. Pilipinas- Intercontinental, 2016 Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational and 2016 Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International.

Pia is expected to relinquish her Miss Universe Philippines crown to her successor on that night.