Once again, we're all in anticipation of who will walk in the footsteps of reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2016, Maxine Medina! This is always such an exciting time of year, as we all know, that the Philippines has really made an impact at the Miss Universe pageant, by consecutively keeping Asia (along with other countries, ie: Indonesia, Thailand) in the Top 15. That being said, it's very exciting to see who the new queen will be. 40 beautiful ladies from all over the Philippines were screened in and chosen to represent the official roster, most of them who have their eyes on the Miss Universe Philippines title! Of course, there are other crowns at stake; International, Supranational, Globe, Intercontinental and Grand International.
After the screening photos, the official portraits, the press presentation and official swimsuit photos, here are the girls (at this point), that I think have a strong shot at the Miss Universe Philippines title:
Jehza Mae Huelar, Sirene Sutton
Trying to channel a Dianne Necio victory, is the beautiful Jehza who has shown up this year, thirsty for a title. She looks gorgeous, well-prepared, body is on point and I certainly think that she has a shot at the crown. Just not sure, which one at this point. In my opinion, I think that she is more suited for the BB International title, but who knows what can happen. I do think she looks incredible, and there is no doubt, a crown maybe waiting for her. the stunning newbie who seems to be on everyone's radar, is the beautiful Sirene, who I think has an extremely strong shot at a title. She is gorgeous! Back in 2011, a newbie by the named of Shamcey Supsup took the pageant by storm, and it could very well happ again this year with Sirene. The only difference is that Sirene does not belong to a particular "camp", which could hurt her. But by her looks alone, she is a contender.
Mariel De Leon, Rachel Peters
This will be Mariel's 2nd attempt at a title. However, as beautiful as she is, I hope that she works on toning her body. Not that it's that important anymore....but I do think she has an absolutely gorgeous face, and she really knows how to project. If she does decide to work on her overall physical appearance, I think she could do really well internationally! Rachel is a former Miss World Philippines contestant, and I think that she is probably the "body" of the competition. Perfect curves and fitness, and she is a pretty girl as well. I think she has her eyes set on MUP (as most of the candidates do), and I certainly think that she could pull it off, come coronation night.
Dindi Joy Pajares, Liezel Ramos
Both Dindi and Liezel are repeat candidates from previous years. It will be Dindi's 2nd attempt and Liezel's 3rd attempt at a Binibini crown. Both of these ladies have an equal shot at winning a title. I'm pretty sure both will place, but not sure who will actually win something. I could easily see Dindi at Grand International and Liezel at Supra... because they are both strong in the overall package. I preferred Dindi's styling last year, but I think Liezel is looking incredible. We'll have to wait and see!
Charmaine Elima, Angelique De Leon
Charmaine was one of my favorites back in 2013, and she's back and ready to take on the universe. I actually think that she would be an excellent representative. She's exotic, seems eloquent and looks very well prepared. There's no stopping this lady, and I have a very strong feeling that the MUP crown is within her grasp. My only concern, is that she looks pretty polished, and we are always excited for that "transformation". But no can deny, that she is determined this time around. Angelique has joined twice prior to this "3rd time's a charm attempt" and I certainly think that this is the year, she will capture one of the titles. In fact, I don't get why she had been unplaced before. First year, I can see missing the cut....but last year, I think she looked great and she still missed it. She looks like she has done some homework, and is ready to rock the show, come finals night. She looks great.
DARKHORSES!
Jamaica Ambal, Ruffa Nava, Katarina Rodriguez, Maria Gail Tobes
All of the above girls mentioned in the "darkhorse" category (at this point) look great and can pretty much make the Top 15.
I'm super excited to see who will come out on top during the finals. As we all know, the Philippines has certainly done their homework, in achieving the perfect formula for successful representatives in pageantry. All 40 women have something special, to have been short-listed as official candidates, but only 6 titles will be awarded. What I do hope is that the judges don't waste beauties either, because I want to see the strongest caliber of beauty be represented at a competitive pageant. The finals will take place on April 30th and there are still numerous events to take place, prior to that, so I can't wait to see all these girls transform
Looking forward to it!