A new set of Filipina beauty queens strode in glory in the 2019 Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on Sunday, June 9, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Forty stunning women from across the country battled it out for the six major titles at stake in the prestigious beauty pageant. The reigning Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, was present to pass on her crown to her successor, 2019 Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Christiana Ganados, who hails from Talisay, Cebu.
Bea Patricia Magtanong of Bataan, meanwhile, was named Bb. Pilipinas-International and Resham Ramirez Saeed of Maguindanao was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Supranational. Samantha Ashley Lo of Cebu City took the Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International title and Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga taking the Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental plum. Rounding up the title-holders is Laguna’s Leren Mae Bautista, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe.
Maria Andrea “Aya” Abesamis from Pasig City and Samantha Mae Bernardo from Palawan finished first and second runners up, respectively.
“This is where it all began. My home is here in Araneta with the binibinis,” Catriona said admitting that she really felt emotional. When asked what qualities she would like her successor to possess, she said she wants someone who feels really authentic, someone who has genuine feeling of happiness.
Richard Gutierrez and Anne Curtis hosted the special night with Nicole Cordovez as their co-host. Among the judges in the prestigious competition were Kapamilya stars James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Daniel Padilla, PBA player Christian Standhardinger, and 1969 Miss Universe, Gloria Diaz.
During the Swimsuit Competition, Engkanto Reggae band performed while the Top 25 binibinis sashayed down the ramp in their blue swimsuits. For the Long Gown competition, BoybandPH got to serenade our gorgeous beauties who showcased elegance in their dazzling outfits created by topnotch Filipino designers.
Here’s the list of Special Awards winners:
Binibining Pilipinas Friendship - Sherry Anne Tormes
Best in Talent - Cassandra Chan
Miss Photogenic - Talisay, Cebu (Gazzini Ganados)
Best in Swimsuit - Bea Patricia Magtanong
Best in Long Gown - Gazzini Ganados