Bb. Pilipinas 2016 now accepting applications

MANILA, Philippines - The search for the next Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is on.

Hot on the heels of the Philippines's win in the 64th Miss Universe pageant, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chair Stella Marquez Araneta announced on Tuesday that it is now accepting applications for the 53rd Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

Applications are open to single ladies ages 17 to 26 years old who are Filipino citizens and are at least high school graduates.

Requirements include:

• Filled-out application form (Available at the BPCI Office located at Uniprom Inc., Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City or can be downloaded at the Binibining Pilipinas website)
• One close up photo and one full-body photo
• Birth certificate
• Philippine passport
• College or high school diploma
• Medical certificate
• Certificate of good moral character Parents' consent for applicants below 18 years old

Applications are accepted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until January 30.

Titles at stake are:

• Miss Universe Philippines
• Binibining Pilipinas International
• Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental
• Binibining Pilipinas Supranational
• Binibining Pilipinas Grand International

The 2015 batch of Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens is among the most successful in the recent history.

Aside from Pia winning the Miss Universe title, the other Binibining Pilipinas winners also did well in their respective pageants.

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2015 Anne Colis won the Miss Globe crown while Janicel Lubina landed in the  Miss International 2015 top 10.

Christy McGarry was named Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up while Rogelie Catacutan is a semifinalist in the 2015 Miss Supranational pageant.