Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Competition Heats Up
Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Press Presentation
Report: Arvin Cabachete | Writer & Correspondent
Photos: JR Noses | Chief Photojournalist & Photo Editor
The 40 lovely candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2018 were formally presented to the members of the press last February 21, 2017 at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.
The event was led by Madam Stella Marquez Araneta, Chairperson of Bb. Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI).
“Five weeks have passed since they were chosen, (and now) each time that we see them, they get better. I think this is a fantastic group,” said Stella Marquez Araneta during her inspirational message to the candidates.
“This group have been very special. I think many of the girls here have the chance to win (international) crowns. All of you are perfect,” added Stella Marquez Araneta.
She also thanked the people who attended the event and who continue to support the pageant.
Wearing two-piece till blue swimsuit by Domz Ramos and shoes by Jojo Bragais, the 40 official candidates strutted themselves in front of the BPCI Executive Committee, sponsors, past titleholders and members of the press at the Monet 1 Room of Novotel Manila. The candidates were then taken to the 6th floor poolside where the ladies confidently posed for photos in front of the media and some fans.
The event was hosted by the reigning queens namely: Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters, Binibining Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2017 Chanel Olive Thomas, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2017 Elizabeth Clenci and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2017 Nelda Ibe.
The event also served as a mini reunion since some of the past titleholders were in attendance to wit: Dindi Gallardo (BPU 1993), Gem Padilla (BPU 1990), Sarah Jane Paez (BPU 1989), Marina Benipayo (Miss Maja Pilipinas 1992), Patty Betita (BPI 1991), MJ Lastimosa (MUP 2004), Kylie Verzosa (MI 2016), Janicel Lubina (BPI 2015), Patricia Fernandez (BPI 2008), Venus Raj (MUP 2010) and among others.
The roster of aspirants this year made-up of registered professionals in the following fields- nursing, medicines, accountancy and engineering; models, students, flight attendants, entrepreneurs, and pageant veterans will get the chance to represent the Philippines in the international tilts. The official candidates are:
1. Vickie Marie Milagrosa “Vim” Rushton, 25, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
2. Kathrine “Kath” Ventura,22, Antipolo City
3. Muriel Orais, 26, Cebu City
4. Ana Patricia “Patrik” Asturias, 25, Tacloban City
5. Rose Marie Murphy, 25, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte
6. Janice Roman, 25, Manila
7. Sigrid Grace Flores, 25, Catanduanes
8. Marie Sherry Ann “Shane” Tormes, 26, Polangui, Albay
9. Agatha Lei Romero, 23, Quezon City
10. Kayesha Chua, 25, Legazpi, Albay
11. Maria Andrea “Aya” Verdadero Abesamis, 26, Pasig City
12. Janette Roanne Sturm, 26, General Santos City
13. Kristie Rose “Istie” Cequeña, 25, Manila
14. Samantha Bernardo, 25, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
15. Juliana Kapeundl, 26, Balayan, Batangas
16. Annalita Vizcarra, 23, Murcia, Negros Occidental
17. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, 20, Candelaria, Quezon
18. Rosantonette Mendoza, 26 years, Bacoor, Cavite
19. Michele Gumabao, 25, Quezon City
20. Catriona Elisa Gray, 24, Albay
21. Anjame Magbitang, Hagonoy, Bulacan
22. Sophia Juliann C. Baino, 24, Nasugbu, Batangas
23. Ena Louis Velasco, 23, Bacolod City
24. Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, 25, Oriental Mindoro
25. Jerellen Rodriguez, 25, Nasugbu, Batangas
26. Wynonah Van Joy Baluyot, 24, Cebu
27. Henna Kaizzelle Nicole Cajandig, 25, Sultan Kudarat
28. Angelica Mae Corbe, 24, Legazpi City, Albay
29. Samantha Kaye Avestruz, 20, Tacloban City
30. Sarah Margarette Joson, 24, Manila
31. Jehza Mae Huelar, 23, Davao City
32. Eva Psychee Patalinjug, 23, Cebu City
33. Stephanie Joy Abellanida, 22, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato
34. Mary Joy “MJ” de Castro, 22, Davao del Norte
35. Sandra Lemonon, 23, Pasig
36. Loren Mar Artajos, 27, Ilocos
37. Patrizia Garcia, 23, Cainta, Rizal
38. Karen Gallman, 25, Ubay, Bohol
39. Trixia Marie S. Maraña, 25, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
40. Angelie Aubrey Asuncion, 24, Tabaco, Albay
Pre-pageant activities lined up before the most awaited coronation night on March 18 at Araneta Coliseum are National Costume Competition at the KIA Theater and the very festive Parade of Beauties around Araneta Center grounds scheduled on March 3 and March 10, respectively.
