Maine & Kristel: They could be the next winners

MANILA, Philippines - 2017 Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up Charmaine “Maine” Elima, 24, from Binangonan, Rizal is an international flight attendant at Philippine Airlines for the past four years and currently on leave without pay. She was the class valedictorian of Basic Safety Training for Cabin Crew in 2013. Maine graduated cum laude from Siena College with an International Hospitality Management degree. She’s the younger of the two children of Elmer Abuel Elima, a retired employee, and Dr. Adelaida Francisco Elima, a practicing dentist. Maine was a 2013 Bb. Pilipinas Top 15 semi-finalist, was 2013 Miss Rizal and 2012 Miss Mandaluyong.

2017 Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up Kristel Guelos, 24, from Tanauan City, Batangas, is a practicing dentist who graduated from Centro Escolar University Manila. She just finished a one-year training program on Orthodontics and is planning to enroll at the Philippine Academy of Esthetic Dentistry after her reign. She’s the youngest of the four children of Vivencio Carandang Guelos and Eugenia Nones Guelos, both businessmen. Kristel was 2016 Miss Manila third runner-up, 2014 Miss CEU first runner-up, a 2013 Miss Philippines Earth candidate and 2012 Bb. Tanauan winner.

What are the sacrifices you have made for Bb. Pilipinas 2017 pageant?

Charmaine: I have sacrificed a lot for this pageant. I have to leave from work without pay in order to prepare and train for the pageant. I also sacrificed my time with my family and friends wherein I’m used to being with them most of the time. I also sacrificed my rest and sleep. I always have 12 to 15 hours sleep before I joined the pageant. But since we have to be early for our day-to-day activities, I only have six hours sleep.

Kristel: It is actually the time and effort. Being in this pageant, you need to give a lot of sacrifices, actually your whole self, you need to be focused and self-driven. And as a practicing dentist, I was not able to attend to my patients for the past two months. Good thing, my patients are very understanding and very supportive. And all the sacrifices are all worth it.

What is the most important lesson this pageant has taught you?

Charmaine: The most important lesson this pageant has taught me is to always believe in yourself. People will try to throw stones at you, pull you down and make you feel that you’re not worthy enough to even win a title. That’s why you have a really strong foundation and believe that you can do anything and be everything that you wanted.

Kristel: The pageant industry taught me that it is not just about showcasing beauty, talents and intelligence but it also boils down to character and attitude which are very important. You must have a good heart because this is also influencing others and touching the lives of other people.

What for you is an empowered woman? Do you consider yourself one?

Charmaine: An empowered woman, for me, is someone who is willing to make a change, with or without a crown. She is someone who is willing to help the society even if no one is looking...someone who will inspire and motivate other people to be the best that they can be. Yes, I consider myself an empowered woman. And as a Bb. Pilipinas 2017 first runner-up, I know I can influence more people and I can use this chance to empower more women and youth to make a change — change to be a better and to be the best versions of themselves.

Kristel: For me, an empowered woman is a woman of courage and perseverance. She’s articulate on what she is doing and knows how to be a good example to her fellow people. She’s an instrument of God and I believe I am one, because it is my purpose to serve others and I am an instrument to motivate others to become also an inspiration of hope and courage.