Once again, I found myself captivated by the beauties that opted to display their talents during the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show at the Ali Mall on Feb. 24, 2012! Thank God my puppy Broyles recovered from a Corona Virus really fast or else I would have been forced to puppy sit him and miss out on the Talent Show.
My ultra-favorite was Katrina Jayne Dimaranan who captured my heart with her swanky singing style. I’m expecting her to win Miss Talent.
Here is what I witnessed:
#4 Jane Hidalgo doing a bellydance
First Talent Contestant: Binibini # 4 Jane Hidalgo – Bellydance
A great first number to wake up the sleepy afternoon crowd! Jane Hidalgo is a graceful dancer AND delicious to look at. She had abs that made me wish she were in a Bikini so I could see the rest of her muscle definition. I love the toned look in women but in Jane’s case she hovers between toned and soft, something I find VERY feminine. Jane Hidalgo also has a dark exotic look that combines well with the mysterious bellydancer image. IMHO, this one’s got a big chance of making it into the semi-finals of the pageant proper. And that’s saying quite a lot since she tried out but did not make it into last year’s Bb. Pilipinas final roster of beauty contestants.
Can’t wait to see more of Jane Hidalgo in Bb. Pilipinas 2012. AS IN!
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#8 Nicole Schmitz doing the Salsa
Second Talent Contestant : Binibini #8 Nicole Schmitz – Salsa Dance
When Nicole Schmitz stepped out onto the stage in her gold salsa outfit I thought, “Wow, she looks so South American.” Maybe it was the make-up or the way she moved but she looked like a Miss Panama or Miss Argentina to me. Which is odd since she’s a German Pinay born in Australia.
Anywhooo, Nicole Schmitz was kind enough to explain the dance to the audience so that we understood the story behind it. I like the way she speaks, very educated and with a quiet kind of self-confidence.
Then out popped a salsa dude who danced with her. You could tell that all he does in life is dance. Nicole Schmitz, on the other hand is a new student to Salsa and has been practicing it for a year now. Over that span of time she has been able to develop a Latina type of grace that you need to have if you want to get anywhere in the world of Salsa.
Hoping Nicole Schmitz outdoes her own semi-finalist performance when she competed in Bb. Pilipinas in 2007. Click here to see her pageant experience and other beauty titles.
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#10 Jillean Camille Orbina singing Torete
Third Talent Contestant : Binibini #10 Jillean Camille Orbina : OPM Song
Jillean Camille Orbina happened to choose a song (Torete) that was sung by a good friend of mine (Acel Bisa) so I got a kick out of that! I made a mental note to tell Acel about it; I am certain she will be extremely flattered.
Jillean Camille Orbina has a lovely voice and an even lovelier smile. Choosing Torete was a good idea since everybody in Ali Mall watching the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show knew it so they could all sing along including me. Jillean’s voice quality is similar to that of Acel’s – child-like but strong.
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#13 Katrina Jayne Dimaranan sings an Alicia Keys number
Fourth Talent Contestant : Binibini #13 Katrina Jayne Dimaranan : Alicia Keys Song
When Katrina Jayne Dimaranan stepped out on stage in a shining aquamarine gown saying she was going to sing an Alicia Keys song, I was like, really now, Alicia Keys huh? Lets see if this Pinay chick can really sing a black girl song.
The second she opened her mouth I was put to shame. Then I had to look for my jaw which was a few feet beneath me.
Katrina Jayne Dimaranan. Can. Sing.
And the audience was cheering loudly because I think they were just as surprised as I was. Normally, beauty pageant contestants are gorgeous girls who can sing or dance or act. But in the case of Katrina, she is not just a gorgeous girl who can sing; she IS a singer. A Pinay with a black girl’s voice. No formal training, just lots of practice in church choirs and high school events. And even if Butch Dalisay says the word Amazing is overused, I just have to say: AMAZING!
And if she doesn’t win the Miss Talent I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!
Katrina Jayne Dimaranan is my Top Choice for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2012! I wonder if she will match Shamcey Supsup’s performance last year by winning not just the Miss Talent but also the Universe title. It’s not that impossible…
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#14 Gina Joy Howell plays the piano
Fifth Talent Contestant : Binibini #14 Gina Joy Howell: Piano
It is very rare for Bb. Pilipinas contestants to play the piano at the Talent Competition so it was a joy to see Gina Joy Howell go up to the piano at the side of the stage in Ali Mall and play a piece. I am just a bit ticked off though at the sound system guys because we couldn’t hear the first few bars of her number and then I was even more ticked off because someone did not bother to tune the piano. These two stupid things hurt her performance and it’s too bad because these are simple problems that could have been avoided with a little foresight. But I have to give it to Gina Joy Howell because not once did she frown or look worried about the technical problems. She smiled all the way throughout her performance.
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#23 Goldy Baroa does an Interpretative Dance number
Sixth Talent Contestant : Binibini #23 Goldy Baroa: Interpretative Dance
Good acting is a difficult to display when you are all alone on stage in tights with an empty basket. Okay, I’m just teasing 
I did enjoy the interpretative dance act of Goldy Baroa who is backed by a bit of acting experience – she was the lead actress in a UK short film titled “Pysche”. I am totally envious and would love to do a short film me-self one day!
Basically, Goldy’s dance was about how children, who were once a blessing to their parents, can suddenly turn into monsters. At least that’s what I understood. Goldy Baroa has the grace of a Filipina and a very expressive face and if she decides to take acting further I think she’ll do quite well.
Click here to find out what Miss Earth special award Goldy Baroa won when she joined that pageant in 2007.
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#26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes presents a tableau of talents in reporting, singing, poetry reading and dancing
Seventh Talent Contestant : Binibini#26 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes – Reporting, Dance, Singing and Poetry Reading
Angelee Claudett delos Reyes got the audience responding when she asked three times in declamatory fashion: “Do you know who I am?”
The audience kept saying, “No.” It was FUNNY!
But I think everyone started taking her seriously after she showed off her first talent – Reporting. ABS-CBN should consider hiring her for entertainment coverage. Then she went into a song, then the delivery of a poem and finally, a dance number. It was a very unique presentation of talents that kept me wondering what she was going to do next.
Being in this pageant is vindication for Angelee Claudett delos Reyes: last year, when she tried out for Bb Pilipinas she failed to make it into the final set of contestants and was reportedly the only girl among the castaways who was brave enough to cry in public. But last year was not entirely bad for this girl; after the Bb. Pilipinas rejection, she went on to join and win Miss Slimmers World Bikini Philippines. In the international competition she did the Philippines proud by winning the Miss Internet award and also making it into the semi-finals.
Click here to read more about Angelee Claudett delos Reyes
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#28 Marie Irisha Arcenas sings an Ella Fitzgerald number
Eighth Talent Contestant : Binibini#28 Marie Irish Arcenas – Christina Aguilera song
Marie Irish Arcenas looked like a mannequin from the 1920s as she sang a bluesy number – a pleasant surprise for blues fans if there were any in the audience! I also appreciate the effort she put into her costume. Anything with feathers is always interesting!
This contestant is cute as a button with a lovely voice to boot. But the one thing that caught my eye… correction: TWO things… were her eye-popping legs! If there were a best legs award, Marie Irish Arcenas would surely be one of the choices, just look at her Vastus Lateralis! That’s the muscle above her knee on her outer thigh. What SHAPE! My eyes are green with envy!
Oh, btw, I hear this Cebuana has her own clothing and accessories line… now THAT’s talent!
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#29 Annalie Forbes sings Hey Big Spender!
Ninth Talent Contestant : Binibini#29 Annalie Forbes – Jazz Song
It is unfortunate that the last two contestants in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show had similar numbers and outfits – it kind of dilutes the strength of their performances but what can you do? It happens every now and then and you’re forced to compare. BUT, I’m not going to compare their performances.
Instead, I will compare their legs, LOLOL!
Yes, the legs of Annalie Forbes also caught my eye and she is in the running for my personal award of Bb. Pilipinas Best Legs 2012. Scroll up to the girl above to see the legs of her main competitor.
Voice-wise, Annalie Forbes sounds like a lounge singer simply because she IS a professional lounge singer and has performed in several fancy-schmancy 5-star hotels in Metro Manila. Annalie Forbes also has smooth moves – she interacted with a chair while balancing on silver deadly weapons on her feet which looked like shoes but I wasn’t sure. LOL!
FIDM grad Mia Arcenas is the most talented of them all, if we base it on real talent. and yes she has her own accessories/clothing line, just look at her talent show costume, that head piece is to die for, right?
thanks for posting the pics btw. great blog!
Sahara, yes, a Talent SHow can’t truly measure the TOTAL talent of one person. But I still enjoy watching the contestants share more of themselves… thanks for sharing!
I’m a huge Ella Fitzgerald fan myself but the song Ms Arcenas butchered is called “I Got Trouble” by Christina Aguilera. That performance had a few okay-ish moments but she seemed drunk for the most part of it and was very off key. Her wardrobe and styling didn’t help her either. She can do better than this
THanks much nyboy, i think i must have been drunk meself to get the song confused…
I agree with you! She has class and she moves really well. Good talent, headturner and a great deal of panache! Mia, you are my bet!
Thanks Melanie, glad we share the same thoughts…
It was such a joy covering the Talent Competition with you, Joyce!
I also would want Katrina to win Miss Talent. She is just BREATHTAKING! I was in awe the moment she opened her mouth and I swear if I was closing my eyes it was as if I was listening to Alicia Keys. This girl, if ever she does not win a crown, will definitely have a career in Showbiz here in the Philippines. The people in ABS-CBN will be clueless not to get her to be one of their stable stars in Star Magic.
Yes I think we were both amazed, side by side, in the crowd… I had fun covering the Talent SHow with you too, we haVE to do this more OFTEN!
You’re right. I just watched the talent competition on YouTube and Katrina, far and away, had the best presentation.
Wow!Amazing! Several Binibinis in this year’s batch showcased their distinctive talents…..Trivia:What Nina Ricci Alagao & Shamcey Supsup have in common? they both awarded as Miss Talent (sketching),one of several special awards they reaped. Both are Bb.Pilipinas-Universe titleholders, the former in 2000 & the latter in 2011 respectively.
I wonder if my choice for Miss Talent, Katrina Dimaranan will follow the path of Nina Ricci and Shamcey. Altho Katrina’s talent is different from the two, maybe she will grab the same title they won in the past… lets see how she progresses in the days to come!
@Ma’am Joyce: If she win Miss Talent, very good for her but If she won’t win as Miss Talent, how about her no.? Gwendolyn Ruias was candidate#13 in Bb.Pilipinas 2010 then competed in the following year and won national title and later became Miss World 1st runner-up (though Bb.Pilipinas has new franchise since 2011 M.T.Q.I.).
interesting question ronron… I guess only time will tell who will win and who will not, i’m excited and I know you are too!
BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2012: And The Crown Goes To?
By ARIEL ALLERA
Three ladies will be named as the most exceptional Filipinas come April 15, at the Binibining Pilipinas 2012 coronation night to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City. While this year’s batch is overwhelmed with highly deserving Filipinas to represent our country internationally, it is quite disheartening to note that only three will be chosen, and they will be crowned as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2012, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012, and Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2012.
Following the impressive finishes of fourth runner-up Venus Raj and third runner-up Shamcey Supsup at Miss Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2011, respectively, it is no wonder why Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (chaired by Stella Marquez de Araneta) made sure that this year’s list of offical candidates be fielded with 30 statuesque and dynamic Filipinas who possess a voracious drive to steal the thunder of the globally competitive Latina beauties. If, indeed, we want to bring home the third Miss Universe crown this year, or at least come closer to a victorious culmination than last year and the previous year, we need to send a delegate who can also bring more promise to the table.
Standing five feet seven, Cainta-Rizal’s Patricia Lae Ejercitado is perfect Miss Universe material, while trailing right on her heels is Balanga City-Bataan’s Janine Tugonon. Patricia was a candidate in 2010, but lost the night to Venus who was chosen as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe.
Quite evidently, our country has been getting a good rap from the Miss Universe Organization for the past two years, so it can be utterly thrilling to think that maybe, just maybe, this would be the year that all of us may have been waiting for since 1973, when Margarita Moran came home with the last Miss Universe crown, succeeding Gloria Diaz in 1969.
Patricia Lae Ejercitado is fit for the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe crown because of the way she comes across in print, on T.V., and of course, on stage. Her seductive and exotic demeanor will surely make her become an instant early favorite the moment she steps out of the plane, glides along the airport runway, and meets and greets members of the press awaiting the candidates’ arrival. She is fierce! What with her chocolatey skin, curvaceous body, and delicious cheekbones, there’s no doubt that Patricia will trump her rivals. After all, she is a combo of Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera and Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith walk- and look-alike.
Having taken advantage of the same training as her colleagues—BB Pilipinas Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup, BB Pilipinas International 2011 Diane Necio, and BB Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon—last year’s first runner-up Janine Tugonon will have to hold herself firmly against Patricia Ejercitado who is deemed to be her strongest competitor for the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title.
It is going to be a neck-and-neck competition between the two, but it looks like Patricia’s daintily brown complexion and enticing sex appeal will edge out Janine whose only plus factor is that she’s taller by three-fourth inch. However, Janine’s fierce Oriental facial features will separate her from the rest of the pop pageant patties across the globe, and that alone could make her dream come true and possibly clinch the third Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. But if only the Miss World title was not taken out of Binibining Pilipinas, then Janine could step aside and make a stride towards that direction instead. Being a dead ringer for Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao and Ford Supermodel of the World winner Danica Magpantay simply means to say that her beauty is universally world-class.
Davao City’s Mary Jean Lastimosa and Cebu City’s Nicole Schmitz may have the perfect face and figure fit for a Miss Universe, but I have reservations about their chances of winning due to their unimpressive height. Both are veteran beauty titlists. What differentiates them from each other is that MJ has the body to die for, while Nicole can hold all the aces during question-and-answer. MJ resembles to Miss Universe 2010 first runner-up Yendi Philipps; Nicole reminds me of Femina Miss India-Universe 1999 Gul Panag and Miss World 1995 Jacqueline Aguilera.
If, for this year and for a change, the Miss Universe Organization would drop off the weight of height as an essential criterion for choosing its beauty queen cum spokesmodel, then either MJ or Nicole may get a slot in the top five list and—with the former’s excellent catwalk skill, glamazonic presence, and exotic Arabian-Filipino beauty; the latter’s dainty style, jovial personality, and classic German-Filipina beauty—standing out would be as easy as wearing the Miss Universe 2012 sash. At any rate, who says they can’t make it to either Miss International or Miss Tourism Queen International? But if you’re wondering why Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran became Miss Universes considering their below five-feet-seven height, well, those were the days…
The Binibining Pilipinas-International crown is always reserved for the lady whose appeal is more charming than enticing. Whatever the opposite of being fiercely attractive is, that means a possible fifth Miss International from the Philippines—following Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), and Precious Lara Quigaman (2005).
Among this year’s bevy of beauties, Angeles City-Pampanga’s Gina Joy Howell tops my favorite picks for the title of Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012. Why? She’s a natural charmer, a pretty lady, a lovely lass, some perfect girlfriend material. I will never ever fall in love with a woman, but I have a feeling that’s what a Miss International is mostly about—however, beauteous and smart Gina may not be able to prove her brains in this event that skips the all-important interview competition. And because the Miss International Beauty Pageant may not be quite particular about height, Gina’s five-feet-nine stature would be an ace up her sleeve.
Gina Howell’s immaculate, almost porcelain-white skin stems from an unblemished mix of American and Filipino blood. She glides like a darling of the crowd. While many missologists are saying she looks like Binibining Pilipinas-International 2004 Margaret Ann Bayot, I would say that she bears more than a passing resemblance to Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, only a little fairer in complexion. And because Melanie was awarded by Global Beauties as the Most Beautiful Miss International 1960 – 2000, it would be perfect if Gina be given the Binibining Pilipinas-International crown, so that the Miss International Beauty Pageant organizers in Japan would feel visited by the most memorable winner that has ever walked their stage. Needless to say, Gina would also make a strong contender for Miss Tourism Queen International, but she is too pretty for Miss Universe.
In 2006, Justine Gabionza of the Philippines was crowned as Miss Tourism Queen International, and among this year’s Binibining Pilipinas aspirants, Marie Irisha “Mia” Arcenas—who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Management from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles—looks like she’s going to wear the second Miss MTQI crown. Justine did not come through Binibining Pilipinas, but there’s one thing that she and Mia have in common, and that is their refined Filipina features. I have a feeling that that’s what this pageant may be up to. Last year, our very own Isabella Manjon received a Miss Charity special award, but was unplaced, because, as what many missologists observed, her figure was too bodacious for a Filipina beauty queen. With Mia’s body that is voluptuous enough for an Asian, not to mention her immaculately olive brown skin, who among the other candidates could take the place of this beauty and brains that is a member of an elite family in Cebu City?
Mia Arcenas can relax, because she has a little bit of everything, compared to someone whose winsome smile, beautiful face, perfect figure, impressive height, catwalk skill, or gift of gab is her only weapon to snatch the crown. She will make an exemplary tourism emissary should she be chosen as Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2012, but her wit would only be put to waste if she competed at Miss International, because the pageant does not have a spontaneous question-and-answer segment. Otherwise, she might as well go for Miss Earth where, almost always, brains count more than beauty.
Ariel thanks for sharing! Very very excited for the coming batch of winners!
Ariel — Yes, Patricia Lae Ejercitado definitely stands out. With her darker exotic looks, she is stunning. But I haven’t yet heard her speak extensively so I’m hoping her interview skills are on a par with her looks. That may have been a factor in her not making it as a semifinalist in 2010. I’m waiting to see if she’s made improvements in that area, and wish her the best.
It’s a battle between neophytes & seniors in the forthcoming 2012 Binibining Pilipinas Pageant.It was really tough for the judges from day 1, screening all more than a hundred aspirants ’till they trimmed down to Final Top 30 Official Candidates..On her third attempt, finally she made it to Top 30, no other than, Miss Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, the reigning Miss Bikini-Philippines 2011 & bagged two special awards (one of it, 3rd placer, Best in National Costume) in last year’s Miss Bikini Int’l. held in China..Goldy Baroa was a 2007 Miss Earth Philippines Contestant…Nicole Schmitz was 2007 Bb.Pilipinas Semi-Finalist.Janine Tugonon & Davao’s Mary Jean Lastimosa were 2011 Bb.Pilipinas 1st & 2nd runners-up respectively…
In terms of height, there’s no question about it..Kelli McCarty of Kansas became Miss USA 1991 (@ 5’1 in height) as announced by the Host-Dick Clark early on swimsuit competition) and she reached in Miss Universe 1991 as one of Top 6 Finalists.1991 Bb.Pilipinas-Universe later became Actress, Anjannette Abayari,stands @ 5’5″.Few weeks later, she was dethroned due to American Citizenship and Alou Gonzales (originally crowned Bb.Pilipinas-Maja’91) took over her place and represented the Philippines in 1991 Miss Universe but won by a Mexican Beauty (1st Mexican to brought home the bacon to her country, Miss Lupita Jones)…2010 Bb.Pilipinas-Universe and Miss Universe 4th runner-up’10 Maria Venus Bayonito Raj was Miss Earth-Philippines-Fire’08( or 4th placer to Cebuana Lass, Karla Paula Henry. KArla was Bb.Pilipinas’08 Official Contestant in March 8,2008 and joined other national pageant that was Miss Earth-Philippines and the rest is history->Karla henry became the 1st Filipina Miss Earth Winner from Asia Pacific Region)… I do hope Davao’s Pride, Mary Jean Lastimosa(Mutya ng U.M.’07,Mutya ng Dabaw’08, Reyna ng ALiwan(Festival Queen’08& 2nd runner-up, Bb.Pilipinas’11) will win one of three major national titles,along with Janine Tugonon, the right to represent on the respective global pageants….
Good luck to All Top 30 Official Contestants of Bb.Pilipinas Pageant!
The Top 3 Girls (future Miss Universe-Philippines, Bb.Pilipinas-International & Bb.Pilipinas-Tourism) will definitely represent the country with grace & poise and show to the World that a Filipina, truly one of Seven Wonders of Beauty!
from: Ronald Villamor or Ronron/Nald of Toril, Davao City (former PBB S3 Auditionee# 20789 (via Lagao Gensan Gym dtd.Apr.26,2009) & PBB S4 Auditionee# 11339 (Gaisano Grand, Tagum City dtd.Mar.19,2011)
Thank you for the reply Ma’am Joyce…I just noticed that there was one candidate in 2012 Bb.Pilipinas Pageants disqualified due to conflict on sponsors/endorsements? If we remember in 1993, Sharmaine “Ruffa” Gutierrez was Hapee Toothpaste endorser, her batch, Dindi Gallardo, in that time, she was the Close-Up Endorser, no doubt she won this special award. At the end of the event,Ruffa crowned Bb.Pilipinas-World from Marilen Espino (Bb.Pilipinas-World 1st nat’l.franchise by BBPI in 1992 though Marina Pura Benipayo replaced her only on Miss World competition due to illness but retained the title.Marilen Espino was 1988 Supermodel Phils.Winner after Tweetie de Leon(Gonzalez) while Melinda Joanna “Dindi” Gallardo became Bb.Pilipinas-Universe’93, represented our beloved country,The Philippines, in Miss Universe’93 just missed 3 slots in Semi-Final Round of Miss Universe eventually won the Miss Universe title..Just remember, Dayanara Torres first joined Miss International in 1992 held in Japan ended up as Semi-Finalists en-route to Ms.Puerto-Rico Universe National contest’92-93)…..
What I mean Ma’am Dindi Gallardo awarded Miss Close-up rather than Ma’am Ruffa Gutierrez, the other competing toothpaste brand (Hapee Toothpaste-if only Hapee was the sponsor, definitely Ma’am Ruffa became Miss Hapee recipient)That girl in 2012 Bb.Pilipinas Pageant was Mika Maxine Medina due to conflict on product endorsement? Come to think of it…..
Among this year’s bevy of beauties, Angeles City-Pampanga’s Gina Joy Howell tops my favorite picks for the title of Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012. Why? She’s a natural charmer, a pretty lady, a lovely lass, some perfect girlfriend material. I will never ever fall in love with a woman, but I have a feeling that’s what a Miss International is mostly about—however, the smart and gorgeous Gina may not be able to prove her brains in this event that traditionally skips the all-important interview competition. And because the Miss International Beauty Pageant may not be quite particular about height, Gina’s five-feet-nine stature would be an ace up her sleeve.
Gina Howell’s immaculate, almost porcelain-white skin stems from an unblemished mix of American and Filipino blood. She glides like a darling of the crowd. While many missologists are saying she looks like Binibining Pilipinas-International 2004 Margaret Ann Bayot, I would say that she bears more than a passing resemblance to Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, only a little fairer in complexion. And because Melanie was awarded by Global Beauties as the Most Beautiful Miss International 1960 – 2000, it would be perfect if Gina be given the Binibining Pilipinas-International crown, so that the Miss International Beauty Pageant organizers in Japan would feel visited by the most memorable winner that has ever walked their stage. Needless to say, Gina would also make a strong contender for Miss Tourism Queen International, but she is too pretty for Miss Universe.
- (Ariel Allera, Cebu City)
The first time I saw Gina Joy Howell was during the Search for 2010 Mr. & Miss University-Philippines, an annual national inter-varsity beauty pageant held at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City, in which she placed first runner-up to Sabrinne Al-Tawil, one of last year’s Binibining Pilipinas official candidates. I was the Region 7 delegate’s makeup artist and Gina represented Region 3. She was very sweet and well-mannered. Her impeccable Amerasian countenance, smooth skin, silky black hair, and stunning elegance made me think that she should consider joining Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant someday. Such combination of beauty and height should not be put in vain, for many are called but only few are chosen. There are a lot of beautiful girls out there who would kill to become Binibining Pilipinas, but could only keep on wishing, because their height won’t suffice. When I saw Gina popping out of the Gateway Suites after the Binibining Pilipinas 2012 final screening last February 11, I couldn’t help but take pride in my hunch two years ago. I was so happy to see her there, especially that she’s one of the standouts from this year’s lineup. I congratulated her on making it as an official candidate, and am very proud of her because she has what it takes to represent our country internationally.
- (Ariel Allera, Cebu City)
Hi Joyce,
I just want to know when you are going to post your assessment of this years BB Pilipinas candidates and you are you picks for the crowns. Thanks!
Roy
Roy ! Hello there, thanks so much for asking
I was supposed to make my choices right after the Press Presentation but then a good friend died (Karl Roy) and then right after that I found a huge lump which I decided to have removed kaagad. I am checking out of the hospital today. HOpefully, I should have my list on my blog this weekend… let’s pray I have the energy kasi this whole double lumpectomy thing was VERY exhausting on the mind, body and soul…
Dear Joyce,
Just to let you know that I’ve changed the title of my article above, from “GINA JOY HOWELL: A FOUR-CUT JEWEL FOR BB. PILIPINAS” to “GINA JOY HOWELL: A FOUR-CUT JEWEL IN THE 2012 BB. PILIPINAS CROWN.” I’ve just realized that the latter sounds better. I was hoping you could remove the article, so that I will post another one with the better title. Sorry for the inconvenience. Just the same, thank you for being there all the time. May God bless you always.
ARIEL ALLERA
Okay! Will do that now
Dear Bb. Joyce,
Thank you so much. By the way, I am going to Manila next month only to witness the coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2012. I am very excited to see the candidates competing neck and neck with each other. But my excitement will be complete if I get to see you there in person and have lots of photos taken with you. I will be honored from head to toe. In one of my comments on Norman’s blogs, I mentioned you being my favorite pageant blogger, alongside Rafa Delfin and Norman himself, and so I visit your site more often than not. Imagine, I will be flying to Manila from Cebu, only for Bb. Pilipinas, and so I hope you could help me make it worthwhile by allowing me to see you in person… that is, if you’re also going to the pageant. Otherwise, I will be okay and keep hoping to see you in future events.
Sincerely,
ARIEL ALLERA
Ariel, I’m looking forward to meeting you too! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and posting your comments and articles. I enjoy reading them! It’s always great to see what other pageant fans are thinking
Yes, we’ll have photos taken together, see you!
GINA JOY HOWELL: A FOUR-CUT JEWEL IN THE BB. PILIPINAS 2012 CROWN
By ARIEL ALLERA
Cebu
Twenty-year-old Gina Joy Howell may not be the most hyped Binibining Pilipinas 2012 candidate, but she is damned well one beauteous belle worthy to wear a crown and bring honor to our country. I can’t say it enough: that she is perfect Miss International material, simply because she is gently beautiful owing to her soft facial features, demure demeanor, and immaculately clear complexion. Much as I’d like to give her the title, I have no right to limit her potential to such crown alone.
As pageant enthusiasts and supporters, we now have one more reason to be excited for our favorite candidates, because last March 7, BPCI (Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc.) acquired the franchise of a four-year-old global beauty pageant based in Europe; thus, four glittering crowns will be awarded this year: Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-International, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism, and Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational.
I was happy upon reading the news, because I’ve always visited the pageant’s website since the contest was founded in 2009 by World Beauty Association in Poland, and I believe in its mission that reads, “It is our passion to tear down borders. We draw attention to those countries on their way to become tourism destinations of high attraction. We enable the youth to expand their horizons by showing them the beautiful side of a truly globalized world.” Needless to say, Gina Howell’s youthful energy and vibrant beauty are very much in keeping with all of the above.
Any of the candidates could pass for every title in store, but what makes Miss International different from Miss Universe is the certain amount of fierceness. Yes, a Miss Universe doesn’t have to be fiercely beautiful all the time, but let’s face it, most Miss Universes (including the runners-up) do look so. Moreover, the fact that you are Miss Universe doesn’t necessarily mean you are more beautiful than Miss International, or than Miss Tourism Queen International, or than Miss Supranational—your distinct beauty just happens to be fit for that title.
Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman said that her childhood dream was to become Miss Universe. Had she been chosen to represent our country to the Miss Universe pageant in 2005, I’m sure she would’ve been easily blown out of the top five by no less than the four fierce Latina beauties: fourth runner-up Monica Spear (Venezuela), third runner-up Laura Elizondo (Mexico), second runner-up Renata Sone (Dominican Republic), and first runner-up Cynthia Olavarria (Puerto Rico), not to mention the winner who was the fiercest and the fairest of them all, Natalie Glebova from Canada.
What makes Gina Howell a cut above the rest is her five-feet-nine stature and svelte figure, which can take her just about anywhere, help her land safely, and let her bring home the bacon, if ever the Bb. Pilipinas-International crown won’t be bestowed on her. Since the pageant started in 1993, the winners of Miss Tourism Queen International vary in terms of look and style, just like Miss Supranational which is still new in the industry. It goes without saying that Gina can go between the four titles, because… done with fiercely styled hair, seductive eyebrow shape, dramatic eye shadow, thicker eyeliner, meticulously contoured nose, rouge blush, and a lip color only a team of Kryolan professional make-up artists could decide, Gina is good to go for Miss Universe!
[...] #4 Jaine Hidalgo – She caught my eye the first time I saw her during the Talent Competition of Bb. Pilipinas 2012. Jaine Hidalgo did this exotic belly dance and was wearing a costume that allowed a good view of [...]
JANINE MAIRE TUGONON WAS FITS FOR MISS UNIVERSE TITLE SINCE HER EXOTIC MORERNA LOOKS AND VERY QUICK MINDED IS NEEDED FOR OUR COUNTRY FOR THE QUESTION AND ANSWERE PORTION… SHE HAVE A VERY SIMPLE, ELEGANTS LOOKS, CATWALK ARE VERY UNIQUE I GO FOR JANINE TUGONON FOR HER VERY IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORDS COUNTS HER A LOT…
1ST JANINE.. 2ND JAINE 3RD MARYJANE 4TH PATRICIA LAE 5TH MARIA ARIOSA
BINIBING PILIPINAS UNIVERSE JANINE TUGONON B.B PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL PATRICIA LEA EJERCITADO B.B PILIPINAS TOURISM JAINE HIDALGO….IST RUNNER UP KATRINA DEMARANAN.. 2ND RUNNER UP ELLEN KAYE MOLL B.B PILIPINAS SUPRANATIONAL MJ LASTIMOSA
Ricardo, thanks for your predictions! Napaka-exciting because it seems like we all have, more or less, the same top 12… nagkakaiba lang sa Top 4 pero konti lang. Let’s pray for another year of success in the international pageant circuit!
The Miss Universe Organization has reportedly released an official statement saying that the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant will be held again at the Atlantis Paradise in the Bahamas, on December 16, 2012. Honestly, I don’t know whether or not I am excited, because my reminiscence from three years ago is not as beautiful as the island itself.
The vintage beauty from Venezuela was well worth her crown as Miss Universe 2009. But remembering there was no Asian delegate that made it to the top 15 is ugly. It was hard to believe, let alone accept, as no one could ever say that not a single Asian candidate would have passed according to the MUO lights. The semi-final slot was dominated by European Caucasians who, as anyone with the trained eye for style would say, were a far cry from being excellent in catwalk, twists, and turns. But in all fairness to the pageant night’s judges, the top 5 were a fierce bunch: fourth runner-up, Miss Puerto Rico (Mayra Matos Perez); third runner-up, Miss Australia (Rachael Finch); second runner-up, Miss Kosovo (Marigona Dragusha); first runner-up Miss Dominican Republic (Ada Aimee De la Cruz); the winner, Miss Venezuela (Stefania Fernandez).
As for the host country, and after all the online hullabaloo over the alleged racial discrimination three years ago, I’d like to look at it now in terms of a lesson learned from that year, for whoever had the hand on the 15 semi-final results to have a bit of sense of fairness, because we, too, are beautiful… no matter what they say. All right, Binibining Joyce?
OH WOW! Let’s hope things are more fun in Bahamas now compared to that SUCKY year in 2009. Yes Stefania was a worthy winner but it was disappointing not to have a single Asian in the finalists. Grrrrrrrrr…..
Siyempre, all of us are beautiful but sometimes we become ugly. The standard of beauty in pageants is different of course and should not be confused with God’s standards which are higher.
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[...] Click here to see Jillean Camille Orbina in the Talent Show of Bb. Pilipinas 2012. [...]
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[...] Oh, I almost forgot to mention, her legs are AMAZING! During the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Talent Show, Annalie Forbes gave us a dose of her singing and a good look at her lower limbs which are worthy of mentioning. Click here and scroll down to see what I mean… [...]
[...] pick Katrina Jayne Dimaranan made it into the Top 3! She floated above all the other candidates when I saw her first at the Talent Show and I told her that I was expecting her to win a crown. Click here to see my Top 12 and Top 3. So [...]