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LIST: Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winners, special awards, highlights

March 19, 2018 | 12:23pm

LIST: Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winners, special awards, highlights

Bb. Pilipinas 2018 winners were crowned at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on March 18. Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho

MANILA, Philippines — “Every Binibini is an artwork.”

Such was how the 2017 Binibining Pilipinas queens introduced art and beauty as the themes of the 2018 coronation night held on March 18 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The event started with a celebration of last year’s Binibini winners who took home top prizes from international pageants: Miss Universe Top 10 finalist 2017 Rachel Peters; Bb. Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel de Leon; Miss Intercontinental 1st runner-up Katarina Rodriguez; Miss Grand International 2017 2nd runner-up Elizabeth Clenci; Miss Supranational 2017 Top 10 finalist Chanel Olive Thomas; and Miss Globe 2017 1st runner-up Nelda Ibe.

This year’s 40 candidates then introduced themselves one by one after a traditional pageant dance number. All of them were in uniform black swimsuits with floral tunics.

“I’m loving the energy,” said one of the hosts, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, as she entered with co-host Richard Gutierrez. “Pinoys are the best and most enthusiastic pageant fans in the universe!”

Pia and Richard then introduced Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordovez as co-host.

Pia said that this year’s pageant pays tribute to all Filipino artists “because we’ll not become a Binibini without looking like an art.”

First ever Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award

According to Nicole, to honor Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, the so-called “Fashion Czar of Asia,” first Filipino power designer, master of the Maria Clara, and a marketing maverick, the pageant renamed the National Costume award after him.

The first ever Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award went to Catriona Elisa Gray. Her Mindanao-inspired costume was designed by Jearson Demavivas.

READ: WATCH: Binibining Pilipinas 2018 top 10 Best in National Costume

Special awards

Special awards were given to Catriona Gray, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Marie Sherry Ann Tormes and Eva Psychee Patalinjug. Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho

Gray was also awarded the other special awards such as Jag Denim Queen and Miss Ever Bilena.

Manila Bulletin Reader's Choice award went to Samantha Mae Bernardo.

Marie Sherry Ann Tormes was hailed as Miss Friendship and Miss Talent.

The Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic) winner is Eva Psychee Patalinjug.

Second year to cut finalists from 40 to 25

Pia said this is the second year the pageant has trimmed down the finalists from top 40 to top 25 (in no particular order):

4 – Ana Patricia Asturias
7 – Sigrid Grace Flores
8 – Shane Quintana Tormes
9 – Agatha Lei Romero
10 – Kayesha Chua
13 – Kristie Rose Cequena
23 – Ena Velasco
34 – Mary Joy De Castro
37 – Patrizia Garcia
39 – Trixia Marie Marana
3 – Murielle Adrienne Orais
11 – Maria Andrea Abesamis
15 – Juliana Kapeundl
21 – Anjame Magbitang
24 – Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
26 – Wynonah Van Joy Buot
35 – Sandra Lemonon
20 – Catriona Elisa Gray
17 – Maria Ahtisa Manalo
31 – Jehza Mae Huelar
32 – Eva Psychee Patalinjug
38 – Karen Juanita Gallman
19 – Michele Theresa Gumabao
1 – Vickie Marie Rushton
14 – Samantha Mae Bernardo

Gumabao, a volleyball star, was last called on the top 25.

Judges introduced

This year’s judges were:

Edgar Saavedra - Megawide Construction Chairman
Mike Brown - Novotel Hotels General Manager
Gerald Anderson – actor
Alyssa Valdez - volleyball star
Martin Lopez - Chief Technology Officer, ABS-CBN Corporation
Thirdy Ravena – basketball star
H.E. Victor Hugo Echiverri - Columbian Ambassador to the Philippines
Precious Lara Quigaman – actress and Miss International 2005
Ces Oreña-Drilon — ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem Head and news anchor
H.E. Sung Kim – US Ambassador to the Philippines

Swimwear competition

Young recording star Inigo Pascual serenaded the top 25 finalists as they ramped in yellow two-piece bikinis with embroidered piña tunics designed by Domz Ramos.

Betsy Westendorp Brias tribute, long gown competition

To reinforce the pageant’s art and beauty theme, the hosts paid tribute to artist Betsy Westendorp Brias and fashion designer and fashion show director Raymond Villanueva.

Westendorp’s signature orchid paintings and portraits of women were flashed at the backdrop of the long gown competition, where the contestants showcased their grace and elegant theatrics in carrying floor-sweeping serpentine gowns and capes designed by Filipino artists.