Photos: Binibining Pilipinas 2017 beauties' send off, homecoming

MANILA, Philippines — The three remaining Binibining Pilipinas beauties who are yet to compete internationally had a rousing sendoff at the Novotel Araneta Hotel on Monday afternoon, November 6.

Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Louise Peters, wearing Ryan Ablaza Uson, will vie for Philippines' fourth crown on November 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chanel Olive Thomas, wearing Elizabeth Hallie, is set to snag the country's second crown at Miss Supranational on December 1 in Poland. And Katarina Sonja Rodriguez, wearing Rhett Eala, will fight for Philippines' first crown at Miss Intercontinental in Sri Lanka on December 21.

The sendoff was also a celebration for homecoming Binibining queens Elizabeth Clenci, who placed third at Miss Grand International in Vietnam, and Nelda Ibe, who was first runner-up at Miss Globe in Albania. Another Binibini, Maria Angelica de Leon, is currently in Japan for her Miss International back-to-back campaign.

“I wanna congratulate Liz and Nelda. I followed every step of the way for both of your pageants and I’m so proud that you are my friends and you are my sisters. I know both of you may not be a hundred-percent happy but honestly, you are amazing! That is the most important thing and everyone is so proud of you. No matter what you feel just remember how proud we all are for the both of you,” said the perfectly packaged Peters. She was also alluding to Clenci’s and Ibe’s dissatisfaction with their finishes, knowing in themselves that they performed exceptionally at their respective pageants.

As a tradition, the Binibini beauties expressed their well wishes for their each other. It was heartwarming to see that the queens have bonded like a “sisterhood of the traveling crowns.” The sincerity, camaraderie and rapport are admirable. Hugs were given freely, tears of pride and joy were easily shed and expressions of support were straightforward.

Rodriguez (representing Davao City, 24, 5’7”), won Miss Philippine Airlines at the national finals. She said of Thomas: “I’ve known Chanel since she was really a model. She was very modelesque, everything, no trace of beauty queen or whatsoever and honestly, it’s been something to watch you transform from model to being a Binibining Pilipinas crown holder. From your personality to the way you dress, the way you carry yourself, I’ve watched you grow up. You give good advice. I know you’re gonna do wonderful. You’re gonna brighten everyone’s days and long nights at Supra. I’m so excited. I’m really, really excited! I know you’ll do really well.”

For Peters, Rodriguez said: “Rachel, our Miss Universe! I’ve known you for quite sometime and I can vouch that you’re one of the hardest-working women I’ve ever met. It’s been an honor to have you lead us in all of this. It’s been an honor to ask you for advice. You really know how to execute every step of the way. We’re very lucky to have you as our Miss Universe in this batch. You kept us all close and a solid batch and a lot of this is your doing. You are one of the kindest women I know. You are my super bet. I always say, Rachel’s got this!”

Thomas (with roots in Nueva Ecija but who grew up in Australia, 26, 5’11), won Best In National Costume created by Edwin Uy and Miss Friendship. She said of Rodriguez: “We met at a shoot. We clicked. We both came from two different worlds. She’s seen me grow, I’ve seen Kat grow. Kat started down in modeling. She was handling school and modeling and she is one of the most hard-working people, very hard-working, very independent, she takes care of herself and she’s very ambitious, like we always have this connection. To see you today, you’re so queenly! And you’re ready and I’m so rooting for you 100 percent!”

For Peters, Thomas said: “I’ve known Rachel since before Binibini and I’ve seen her transform as well. Amazing! For Miss Universe, I know you're gonna do amazing. You have everything going for you. You have the brains, the looks, whatever, you have everything combined and remember when we actually own a crown, we’ve kind of like had this unified decision together like we all really got the right crown, like Rachel you are the perfect Miss Universe. And I’m rooting for you.”

After giving Thomas a hug, Peters (a half-Brit representing Camarines Sur, 26, 5’10”) congratulated Clenci and Ibe. To Rodriguez, her message was: “Kat, you’re the last one to leave. You’re lucky you have a lot of time but it’s time that you don’t even need because I know how hard you’ve been working. I know you’re the type of woman who when you want something, you won’t stop until you get it. I have no doubt that you are gonna take home the crown and make history for the Philippines. Thank you for all your modeling advice. Good luck and I’ll be praying for you.”

Peters won Jag Denim Queen, Face of Binibini and Best in Swimsuit at the nationals. For Thomas, she said: “We’ve known each other for awhile. We’ve never really been that close but I’m really thankful to BPCI for giving us the opportunity to get to know each other, to bond, to become sisters. It’s amazing to have each other there, to support each other. I’ll never forget the time I was feeling a little bit low and Chanel is always that one person in the room that can turn your frown upside down. She has also helped me by bringing me closer to God. There was a time when she said to me, ‘You know, you need to take time and talk to God every day. That would help you a lot in your journey.’ And that meant a lot to me. So thank you.”

A common advantage among the three departing queens is their experience at competitions. Peters previously won Fourth Princess at Miss World Philippines in 2014, Rodriguez was second runner-up at "Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2" (2014) and Thomas was Miss Earth Philippines Air 2015.

A tremendous help in their international pageants is their ongoing training with their beauty camps. Thomas and Rodriguez with Aces & Queens and Peters with Kagandahang Flores. After wins at Miss Earth and Reina HispanoAmericana, there is no doubt that Philippines' three eye-catching and articulate queens will bring home three more crowns.