Binibini queens share winning edge

Binibini queens go all out in representing the Philippines in successive international pageants this month of October — Gabrielle Basiano at Miss Intercontinental, Chelsea Fernandez at Miss Globe and Roberta Tamondong at Miss Grand International.

As of writing, the coronation night has yet to happen for the 50th Miss Intercontinental pageant in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. A winner should have been announced by 2 a.m. today, Oct. 15.

Nevertheless, the Waray beauty from Borongan, Eastern Samar, who advocates for mental health and grief support, was eyeing a back-to-back win for the country in hopes of following in the footsteps of reigning Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Faye Obenita.

When The STAR interviewed her earlier about her gameplan, she said that she would draw inspiration from her experience as a titleholder on her second try at the national pageant. For her, it meant that she was given a chance to prove herself and that she shouldn’t waste it.

“What I want to give this international pageant is what I gave during the coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas — I’m more calm. During last year’s competition (Bb. Pilipinas), super dami kong naramdaman na siguro nag-reflect sa performance ko. But what I noticed this year is I’m calm in all aspects. In the Intercontinental competition, kakalmahan po natin. Pero siempre ‘di pa rin mawawala ang mga pasabog,” she said.

Chelsea, on the other hand, has set her sights on one thing only: That is, claiming the Miss Globe title for the Philippines for the second straight year in Tirana, Albania (tomorrow morning, Oct. 16, Manila time).

She recently won the Head-to-Head challenge where she competed against the Top 20 finalists of this year’s Miss Globe pageant.

“My heart is so full, witnessing all your support, and for believing in me. Let’s all use social media to spread positivity. I am in a winning mindset. Now that I’ve been given the chance to wear a Philippine sash, ‘di ko sya sasayangin. A back-to-back win is hard but, with determination, it is possible,” said the Tacloban queen, whose advocacy is education.

Earlier, she told The STAR that on coronation night, people will see a “more mature Chelsea Fernandez.”

Her preparation included focusing on the improvement of her communication skills. When she joined Bb. Pilipinas, she had a personal ritual and mantra that she believed had helped her achieve victory.

“I just prayed, ‘God ano man mangyari tatanggapin ko yun.’ Always yun ang pini-pray ko. It’s not, ‘God give me the crown or God give me the wisdom,’ it’s God, sana ma-accept ko ano magiging result,” said Chelsea.

As for Roberta, she is representing the country in a pageant where no Filipina has ever won the crown. Coronation night is on Oct. 25.

“I am really aiming to bring home the first-ever Golden Crown of Miss Grand International,” she said.

Her preparation as well included working further on her communication skills and pasarela. She expressed gratitude that “all my camps are supporting me and merging to make a beautiful project at the coronation night.”

“So, I’m just going to focus on myself, focus on what my pasabogs are and also with the help and support that the Binibini organization has given us, hopefully, we will become more calm, our mental state is stable (during competition proper), and I just can’t wait to go to Indonesia,” she said.

Like Chelsea, she also has some words of affirmation for herself, especially in dealing with the intense pressure and challenges while in competition.

She said she learned this advice from her elementary school principal. “Every day in every way, life is going to get better, that’s what (our principal) taught us. And that’s what I do every day and I’ve lived that in all of my 19 years. I just put that in my mind, that today may or may not be the best day of my life, but it’s going to get better,” said the San Pablo, Laguna beauty queen, whose advocacy is environmental awareness.

Meanwhile, their Binibini sisters are throwing their full support behind these competing queens.

Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo said, “I want to bring something to the table but the table is not ready yet (laughs) — at least, not for another year. But right now, I’m going to be their cheerleaders! Given that I have at least a year to prepare, I’m gonna use that time wisely, not only for school, but also to improve myself and immerse myself in the organizations that I stand for.”

Same goes for second runner-up Stacey Gabriel and first runner-up Herlene Budol.

“I will be their cheerleader. Ako po ay excited sumigaw para sa kanila for representing the Philippines. Pilipino kami, kaya namin ito,” said the actress-comedienne Herlene, who has been allowed by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. to compete at the Miss Planet International pageant in Uganda next month.

As for Stacey, she said, “I cannot wait to be their cheerleaders. I know you’re saying it’s crucial to be runners-up, but that won’t happen. We won’t be assuming positions because these girls are going to compete and they’re going to bring home the crown for our country. They are the perfect choices for each other’s crowns so I’m so thrilled for these women!”

More pageant updates are available on https://www.bbpilipinas.com, the new Bb. Pilipinas mobile app and other digital platforms — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.