Binibinis on dreams, setbacks and second chances
MANILA, Philippines — From their second to fifth attempts at pageantry, this year’s Binibining Pilipinas candidates shared what it means to wear the sash. They particularly reflected on their pageant journeys and their experiences during four months of training in Araneta City ahead of the 62nd edition of Bb. Pilipinas, which will take place on July 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bb. 12 Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City said during an event organized by the pageant’s wellness partner, My Daily Collagen, that becoming a Binibini has been her childhood dream. This marks her second attempt at joining the beauty pageant after withdrawing from the competition in 2022 due to personal reasons.
“I actually believe in perfect timing and I’m 27 (years old now). Some of the contestants call me ‘ate.’ Medyo nakakapanibago. But this is years in the making. All my years in pageantry, all my experiences and all my learnings have led me here. Even my heartbreaks and disappointments have led me to this moment,” she mused, becoming emotional.
“To be a Binibini is such a privilege and I know that it is also a big responsibility now that I’m actually here. It was once a prayer and now it has been answered. I will do my best to maximize this platform that I have and to maximize the friendships and the sisterhood that I have. I really treasure what I have with these girls.”
For Bb. 19 Tracy Mae Sunio of Bacolod City, who is also competing for the second time, wearing the Binibini sash “means a lot more than wearing the crown.”
“It means that you’re advocating for something much bigger than the crown. It is for the people, for the underrepresented communities and groups that need our help and voice. And being able to do this, even if I win or not, is something that I will do because it’s a promise that I made for myself,” she reflected.
On the other hand, Bb. 27 Marinella Catangay of Quezon City has a story of persistence, having attempted to join the pageant five times.
“During moments of pressure and uncertainty, I always remember that this dream is not just mine. It is a shared dream with my mom. I’m happy that after applying for the fifth time here in Bb. Pilipinas, I am finally here,” she shared.
“So, I am happy and grateful. I always remember and keep that in my mind that whenever I feel pressure, sad because of financial incapability, I always remember that this dream is the labor of my hard work. Last year, I was just supporting a friend and now I am standing here in front of all of you. And now I will perform at the Araneta Coliseum on July 18. See you there.”
Bb. 25 Jarina Sandhu of Cuayan, Isabela, on the other hand, promised to give her best in the upcoming coronation night.
“It’s been four months since (being) here in Cubao to compete. I think that you can expect me to do my best,” she told The STAR. “I’m not here just to play the game but I am here to win the crown, hopefully! I’m here not just for myself but for the younger version of me who once dreamed of getting my family out of poverty.”
“And because of that experience, I am here today. It keeps on fueling the fire within me to keep going despite those challenges because I know that, at the end of the day, there will always be a victory that’s waiting for us. So yeah, please expect me to give my best with the help of the Lord,” she added.
Joining the candidates at the event were Global Wellness president and chief executive officer Anna Perez and chief sales officer Oliver Salas.
The partnership between Global Wellness and Bb. Pilipinas, which promotes a holistic approach to self-care, closely aligns with the pageant’s theme, “Elevating Beauty; Radiating Confidence.”
Global Wellness is home to Filipino-owned, Japan-made brands, namely the My Daily Collagen drinks and pico tablets, and the My Saiko Skin skincare line.
Bb. 9 Arah Josmin Reguyal of Occidental Mindoro and Bb. 6 Mary Adeline Ramirez of Malabon City highlighted the importance of taking care of one’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, especially while participating in a beauty pageant.
“It is very important for us to have a holistic development for ourselves because being in this pageant requires us a lot of energy, effort and time in doing our training. Focusing only on one (aspect) will hinder us to become the best version of ourselves. So it’s very important to always have a holistic development,” Arah pointed out.
“I think beauty pageants help promote physical, mental and other aspects of health by having these sponsors and the organization for helping us take care of ourselves. From the staff, they always make sure that we are in good health and I think beauty pageants also promote health by the advocacies that we have,” Mary Adeline added.
The Bb. Pilipinas organization recently mounted its National Costume Competition and is set to stage the Grand Parade of Beauties on July 11 at Araneta City.
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