This is it ! Tomorrow, one of the world's best national pageants will conclude and we will have a great beginning to the Philippines 2017 line-up, including 3 of the the great pageants. I think I speak for a lot of foreigners when I say that Binibining Pilipinas might be the second greatest national pageant, only to Miss USA. Excitement is palpable !
I know that some people thought this was a weak batch, but I was never among their crowd. From the castings to the initial reveal of the Top 40, I have LOVED this batch. There are just so many stunners and potential queens here, it is unbelievable.
Before my list begins, please keep in mind, this is my list, based on my preferences. For fairness, and to keep the haters off my back, I will include a prediction note for my winner's circle too, just so I won't be accused of bias against certain ladies. As is typical, I will follow the format of the upcoming pageant.
So let us begin !
I open with my Top 15, or more specifically, the 7 ladies who I believe will place but I just cannot get them to move forward to within the grasp of any of the crown's. These ladies, however, are worthy of mention, but to take a title ? No, not for me, sorry.
My penultimate category, my runner-ups. My ladies that for whatever reason just could not enter the winner's circle. Non-the-less, these are beauties not to be ignored and could pull a potential upset tomorrow.
2nd Runner-up
I don't know why Dindi Pajares is not able to reach that all encompassing level of frontrunner, but she just can't. Something is missing. It isn't the looks department. She nails that. It could be her interview skills. I remember her earliest interview at the start of the pageant, she just seemed, well, a bit too religious maybe? I am not sure. If she doesn't take a title this year, I think she should aim for 2019, after she has done a bit of growing.
1st Runner-up
A very respected member of Misso had Katharina Rodriguez as his winner, and I get it. I really do. I would not be surprised at all if she walked away with one of the corwns tomorrow night. But, and it pains me to say it, isn't she just a bit generic and safe ? I always compare beauty queens to the best their nations have given. which is unfair I know, but I can't help it, and if I think about Shamcey or Pia...well, than Katharina just doesn't do it for me.
Now, we have reached the winner's circle. Here are my titleholders for this year's finals.
Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2017
Last year's second runner-up is back with a bang, and what an intoxicating, Asian beauty Jehza Huelar is. She could ride a wave of Filipina success at Miss Globe and continue their strong placements there. Honestly, if the competition wasn't so fierce this year, she could even be higher on this list.
Prediction: Like a lot of people, I think she genuinely will take this title.
Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2017
Honestly, I am hoping for better for Charmaine Elima. But, she is too sexy at least in my view for Miss International and she is not fresh looking enough for Miss Supranational. So, we are left with another traditional beauty pageant and this is Miss Gwand International. Charmaine would destroy her competition here. That dusky skin and mischievous smile would bring the Philippines its first crown from this pageant, something they came so close to achieving last year.
Prediction: I actually don't know where Ms. Elima will finish tomorrow. She could take the top plum, or just end in the Top 15. It really is all up to her tomorrow. But, she could win the ultimate title, and that is important !
Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2017
Alleged favourite of the organisation ? Check. Interesting line-up of skills ? Check. Past pageant experience ? Check. Nelda Ibe has all the stars aligned for her. She has that fresh beauty that solidified Ms. Shetty's victory in last years Miss Supranational. As this is my second favourite pageant, I would be quite happy to see Ms. Ibe represent her nation in this pageant and to penetrate the Top 10 again. After the sub-par winners that have been sent to this pageant since the legendary Mutya Datul, it would be nice for the Philippines to make a strong comeback here.
Prediction: I actually think this title will be good for her, so I am sticking to my list here.
Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2017
The best smile and best body of the competition. Rachel Peters has always been one of my favourites from day 1. Gorgeous, statuesque beauty and she could finally see the Intercontinental crown for her nation, especially after Kris Jansen was so unceremoniously ignored during her stint. Good luck, Rachel, I will be rooting for ya !
Prediction: I think she could take this title or Miss Supranational. Either way, she must be among the winner's circle.
Bb. Pilipinas International 2017
Now, before her fans come for me, look to the prediction line. I am under no illusions when it comes to Mariel de Leon's potential. However, I think she could do better at Miss International. I know she would have a big hurdle to overcome, but she has that reserved attitude which I think can suit this pageant. She has the demeanor the Japanese like, a quite kind of beauty just like Kylie. Oh, and to Mariel's defense, she is NOT fat. Some of you have no shame.
Prediction: She will win Miss Universe Philippines. Enough said.
Miss Universe Philippines 2017
Many of you shouldn't be surprised by Sirene Sutton's triumph in my list. Even when rumours were just swirling about her potential casting, I have fallen in love. I don't think I have been this enthralled by a Filipina Queen since Shamcey Supsup, all the way back in 2011. On pure beauty credentials, Sirene is the face of this years competition. She is just too beautiful to ignore. Everything else can come secondary, she can be improved in every other arena for the coming months and be more than prepared to bring honour to the Philippes. Crown her, and another Miss Universe title is all too possible !
Prediction: I fear my heart will be broken tomorrow. She might get the Miss Gwand International title, and this would be a massive injustice to a lady of her calibre.
Best of luck, Filipino friends. I hope your line-up can eclipse even that of 2016's !