WATCH: ‘A lot of morenas’ in Binibining Pilipinas 2019 top 40

MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) has announced on Monday night the official top 40 candidates that will compete at this year’s Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant to be held in Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 9.

From 84 applicants who passed BPCI’s screening, 40 made it to the pageant, including fan favorites April May Short, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Samantha Ashley Lo, Leren Mae Bautista, Ilene De Vera, Maria Andrea Abesamis, Bea Patricia Magtanong, and model-actress Vickie Rushton, who seems to be the sole TV personality in the group.

Rushton was crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2018 1st Runner Up and Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011. Bernardo was Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Second Runner-up. Rushton, Bernardo and Abesamis were Binibini batch mates of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Here is the complete list of top 40 contestants:

•    Hannah Arnold 
•    Jane Darren Genobisa 
•    Samantha Poblete 
•    Danielle Joi Magno 
•    Mary Faye Murphy 
•    Joanna Rose Tolledo 
•    Jessica Marasigan 
•    Marie Sherry Anne Tormes 
•    Dia Nicole Magno 
•    Honey Grace Cartasano 
•    Francia Layderos 
•    Cassandra Chan 
•    Danielle Isabelle Dolk 
•    Jessarie Dumaguing 
•    Maria Isabela Galeria 
•    Julia Eugene Saubier 
•    Melba Ann Macasaet 
•    Emma Mary Tiglao 
•    Alanis Reign Binoya 
•    Louisielle Denise Amorog 
•    Gazini Christiana Ganadis 
•    Marianne Marquez 
•    Joahnna Carla Saad 
•    Pauline Anne Cordero 
•    April May Short 
•    Leren Mae Bautista 
•    Rubee Marie Faustino 
•    Larah Grace Lacap 
•    Martina Faustina Diaz 
•    Malka Shaver 
•    Kimberly Penchon 
•    Samantha Mae Bernardo 
•    Ilene Astrid de Vera 
•    Maria Andrea Abesamis 
•    Bea Patricia Magtanong 
•    Jean Nicole Guerrero 
•    Samantha Ashley Lo 
•    Rosham Ramirez Saeed 
•    Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton 
•    Sigrid Grace Flores

Miss Philippines Grand International 2018 Eva Patalinjug noted that a lot of this year’s contestants are “unique and exotic.” 

“We’re very excited because there are a lot of exotic morenas,” she enthused. “Just be themselves, and enjoy the journey. Show the world—the universe rather—the essence of being a true Binibini.”

“These ladies are gorgeous. I hope they will be able to surpass what our batch was able to fulfill and represent the Philippines the best way they could,” Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar said. 

“At this point, seeing all the gorgeous ladies, they are on equal footing. It’s still a fair game. Maybe in the process, they will be able to get to know the ladies and choose the right winners. They are all beautiful with very strong backgrounds.”

Huelar’s advice to the girls is: “Just be yourself. Some girls need to loosen up. We understand this is a pageant and that they have to present themselves in a queenly manner. But they do not have to force it; it will come naturally. They should express themselves as naturally as they can, and just show their true attitude and personality.”

“They will be tasked to represent the Philippines in an international competition. We have experienced it. It’s not easy. So they have to work really hard to achieve the crown that they want,” Patalinjug added.

BPCI head Stella Marquez-Araneta thanked everyone who traveled from all over the Philippines to join the pageant. 

“We love you and we wish you the best!” — Video by Kat Leandicho