Binibining Pilipinas 2019 - Denielle Joie Magno

Yay. Candidate number 2. Just calculating that if I were to post 2 candidates a day, I just might be able to finish writing my "early" predictions by the end of May, I might as well start with my predictions already. Hah.

So Denj Magno. I first saw Denj as a wishlist candidate in pageantry blogs and social media accounts. I believe this is among the first photos I saw of her:

This styling is just perfect. So perfect that this can work on all 40 Binibinis no matter their color or set of features. Big flowing hair with long, elegant, smooth curls, natural makeup, and embellished but not over the top outfit. Love the composition of the photo and Denj's expression. Back to Denj.

So I saw this photo and I'm like, "Wow! You want Pinay beauty, here ya go!" I'm just a little bothered by the misplaced cheek contour, but that's just me nitpicking. I found out after seeing a couple more photos that Denj's cheekbones are actually low and her cheeks flat. I hope her makeup artist takes note so she doesn't look washed out on stage if they choose to contour and highlight vertically like so. 

She strongly resembles dancer Rochelle Pangilinan and teen star Maymay Entrata:

What I love about her is her commitment to style. You will not see one photo of her failing in the polish and sass department. Girl knows how to put up a clean, sleek, commanding packaging. She is this year's Classy Clenci.

Denj is a 25 year old Flight Attendant from Pangasinan. And not only is she a pageant veteran, she has some solid advocacy. Her pageant queen resume:

• Miss Bayambang 2010
• Binibining Zambales 2011
• Miss Dagupan 2011
• Miss Galicayo-Camilliana 2012
• 1st Runner Up, Limgas na Pangasinan 2016
• Representative, Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017
• Top 10, Miss World Philippines 2018

Like, girl is definitely not a pageant newbie. And true to her being a queen, she has an impressive advocacy: 

From Angelopedia.com, "Apart from being a flight attendant, the diva is also an entrepreneur as she opened her own café where all the proceeds of the hot chocolate go directly to Haven for Women-DSWD Regional Centre. It is a shelter for abused women and children in Dagupan city. The diva also stands up against sexual harassment and tries her best to create awareness about the subject and empower women and young people. Her advocacies and campaign are of great significance which will give courage and hope to many people of her community." 

Advocacy? Check. Styling? Check. Experience? Check. Comm Skills? I'll let you decide for yourself:

See, not much to improve either. I love how in spite of very minimal grammatical lapses, she does not sound uncomfortable expressing her thoughts in English. You do not hear a single filler, if there was any, I didn't notice. She does not sound rehearsed. And wow, out of the 40, she's probably one of the 10 who pronounced the word "update" correctly LOL

Well how about Stage Presence and Composure, you ask?

While I am not a major fan of Denj's beauty (she's pretty just not the prettiest in this year's edition imho), and her body needs a little toning to look taller, I believe she's one to watch out for. She's included in many fan pages' leaderboards for the Miss Universe Philippines crown, and I can see why. I know she'll do well on finals night. If there's any improvement that needs to be done, that would be her social media presence. Her IG feed is faultless, her photos are tasteful, but her account lacks engagement. 

As of this writing, Denj has 6,000 followers, and her posts only get likes and comments in the hundreds to over a thousand. I can't stress hard enough how important social media is in today's international pageantry scene. Organizations want spokespersons and effective product ambassadors for their sponsors. They need someone who can command an audience, who HAS an audience in the form of social media followers. So, it pays to work on engaging fans, encouraging conversations on posts, and reaching out to people. This is especially important for Miss Universe and Miss Grand International.

~My Predictions~

Denj does not need to convince me that she's a pageant queen. She has the experience, the training, the comm skills, the confidence, the styling down pat. However, the pageant scene is constantly evolving, and at this phase, it's all about social media. Right now, I see her as a Miss Globe contender. There's more than a month to shake things up. She'll probably live up to the hype and actually get the top crown. 

Binibining Pilipinas 2019 - Jessica Marasigan

Okay so this will be a series of early reviews for all 40 candidates of the 56th edition of the Philippines' most prestigious beauty pageant. Opinions are going to be based on social media, press releases and official posts of Binibining Pilipinas.

Candidate #1 is Jessica Marasigan, 25, Malabon City.

photo from her IG https://www.instagram.com/jessicamarasigann/

First impressions - young, fresh, coachella-going millenial who possibly plays the uke and has a small tattoo on her wrist. She has this Kelsey Meritt look and aura, and though it's downplayed, you can tell she either has a non-Filipino parent or she grew up in the States. She also looks like a cuter, less angular, more Filo than white, Pia Wurtzbach. It's odd though how she sometimes looks like a young Almira Muhlach, mother of Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017, Alyssa Alvarez:

Photo from her IG

And here's an old-ish photo from Google, with the whole Kylie Jenner aestheticism. Love the lips.

Being Binibini #1 means she's one of the shortest in this batch. BBP follows a pyramid formation, assigning the tallest girls with the numbers at the middle (11 to 29), and the shorter ones with the first and last numbers (1 to 10 and 30 to 40). Being candidate #1 also means she's given the responsibility of opening the show, so this girl probably impressed the members of the initial screening panel. By the photos alone, you can tell she's not a long limbed, long necked, statuesque beauty queen. She's 5'5.

I don't watch local TV so I had no idea that Jessica is a celebrity. I only found out after checking her IG profile and seeing she's one of the most followed Binibinis of this batch:

Now, we should all know by the past years' Miss Universe editions how important social media is in winning international pageants. Organizations need spokespersons and product endorsers, they need somebody who can command followers to purchase products, support advocacies, and share causes. In spite of Jessica's height, and unbeautyqueenlike physique, I'm convinced why she was chosen as Binibini #1.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that Jessica wasn't a reluctant halfie who was told by Pinoy relatives she should definitely join beauty pageants. You know, typical Pinoy relatives, going all, "Mag Miss Universe ka! Ang ganda ganda mo!" whenever their taller than average, mestiza niece from abroad comes home to the Philippine Islands for a visit. Jess ain't one of em reluctant halfies. Jessica is in fact a pageant veteran, even back in the States! Her impressive wins so far:

• 1st Runner Up, Miss Philippines-USA 2012
• Binibining Pilipinas-USA 2013
• Miss Philippines Water, Miss Philippines Earth 2017

Here she is, as part of Miss Earth Karen Ibasco's royal court: 

Kim De Guzman. Sigh.

I've seen her interviews, and she's one of the most spontaneous and relaxed speakers of this batch. English is her first language, she's a pageant veteran, and she's a TV personality who sings, dances and hosts, so this shouldn't be a surprise. What I feel she needs to improve are the following:

1. Her advocacy.

Catriona Gray changed pageantry for the better when she stayed true to her advocacies before, during and after her pageants. Jessica crossed over from Miss Earth, and I guess when you come from an advocacy-centric organization, you're expected to show proof that you've done something out of your pageantry platform. Maybe Jessica just isn't the type to brag about her Miss Earth causes, or her other charity projects, she did say in her BBP web interview video that she's rallying for out of school youth but 'ya know, as a fan, I'd love to see them on her social media profiles. This is the time to shine the light on her projects, she should take advantage of the clout. She's probably going to win more fans and followers if she makes an effort to show what she's joining BBP for.

2. A leaner, toner physique.

As mentioned earlier, Jessica is not someone you'd expect to have joined and won 3 national beauty competitions. She's cute, she can look like an Instagram model, I'm sure she's gorgeous in person, but she's not the type that fits the beauty queen mold. I get that she's not tall at all, and there's nothing you can do about that past your teenage years lol. But you can strive for Jehza Huelar proportions, and yoga, pilates, lift, and cardio your way to a long, lean, toned body. This is doable in a few weeks - Jessica's current figure only needs minor improvements.

3. Hype Machinery.

Now, hype does not necessarily guarantee success, BUT it does help improve a candidate's chances at gaining more followers, getting media mileage, and for all we know, judges may actually check fan predictions and leaderboards. Now is not the time to chill. Jessica does not need to employ professional trolls to spam comments sections of pageantry accounts, but she needs to at least make her presence felt in the fan community.

~My predictions~

I feel like Jessica will fare better in Miss Multinational, she reminds me of Sophia Senoron and Kimi Mugford. Or some Miss Tourism contest where height is not a major factor. In order to fare well in BBP franchises or in the Big 4, you need at least 3 of the following to compensate for below standard beauty queen height: 

• a tearjerker backstory
• an undeniable stage presence (a la Teresita Marquez of the Phils)
• universal appeal and facial beauty (a la Olivia Culpo of the US)
• massive social media popularity (a la Demi Leigh Peters of SA)

But then again, if Jessica works hard on promoting an endearing or compelling advocacy, improves her physique just in time for the nationals, and gets a team of supporters clamoring for her inclusion in the final night's 8 slots of title holders and runners up, she might just have a shot. She has 80,000 followers, friends in local showbiz, and mainstream recall, which she can all leverage to get noticed by pageant fans and decision makers. With the perfect wardrobe, styling, pasarela, stage performance, and Q&A, she just might bag the Miss Globe Philippines crown.

Thoughts on Team Philippines 2018

I decided to go on a social media fast after Ahtisa Manalo's almost win at Miss International, Eva Patalinjug's depressing misadventures at Miss Grand International, and Michelle Gumabao's underwhelming performance at Miss Globe. Celeste Cortesi of Miss Earth was doomed from the beginning, but I was still somehow hoping she'd be a finalist.

This year's batch of Filipina queens was the most promising we have seen in years, all girls (at their best ha, we all know some of them weren't in their fighting form during their international stints), all girls had a chance at bringing home a crown. So I went on a fast because I wanted to steer clear from all the negativity - the bashers, sore losers, naysayers, gossip mongers, and cheaters heh.

We still have Jehza Huelar currently competing for Miss Supranational, Katarina Rodriguez for Miss World, Catriona Gray for Miss Universe, and Karen Gallman for Miss Intercontinental. So I'm going to put this out there before the Supra, World and Universe organizations crown their queens in the next days and the Intercon org in a month. ZOMG. Pageant season is concluding in a few weeks, time flies!

Jehza Huelar looks like Ariella Arida and Laura Lehman's long lost sister

As for Jehza Huelar, Miss Supranational Philippines - Girl is gorgeous, polished, effortlessly elegant. Some think she's a little too reserved, calculated and royal, and that her delicate frame just cannot compete with the Amazon women of Latin America. I am still unsure about what the organization looks for in a winner, I mean, just look at past winners, there is seriously no pattern. No two past winners look alike, in figure, form, face, aura, appeal or advocacy, not that Supra actually cares about the last bit. I mean, how on earth is Mutya Datul similar to Jenny Kim? No shade there, just an honest, innocent question. I think Jehza is better suited for the Miss Grand International crown. Nawat of MGI is known to favor extremely thin, long legged women with an edgy but elegant fashion sense, calculated catwalks, and an advocacy for virality purposes. Nonetheless, Jehza's performance is way too good for MGI, we all know that, don't we?

Prediction

Top 10: 50%

Runner Up: 20%

Title: 10%

I mean, judging off of social media, there seems to be a winner already. Looks like the Supra org wants an exotic winner from a crown-hungry country this year. You did, it, Indonesia! I'm still hoping for a surprise win from Jehza, but I'm lowkey tryna manage expectations. We'll know on December 7. 

Priyanka Chopra + Sofia Andres = Katarina Rodriguez

Katarina Rodriguez, Miss World Philippines - Katja!!! So. How do I even begin? Katarina has wanted nothing but to find her place in the world and to make the Philippines proud. She placed 2nd Runner Up in ASNTM 2014, and 1st Runner Up in Ms. Intercontinental 2017. Many believe she was the rightful winner of the Miss Intercon title and fans clamored for her to join Miss World as revenge. I watched the whole thing - her 110% performance in Miss Intercon to her 100% performance in Miss World Philippines and it's a little painful to see her give 90% now in Miss World. I mean, in a fair world, Katarina would have easily won Miss Intercon and her pageantry journey would have had a happily ever after ending right there. But in a world as dirty, as rigged, as unpredictable as pageantry, things do not end happily even for those who give it their all. So I can't really blame Katja if by now, by the end of a long year in perpetual pageant adrenaline rush, Katja throws in the towel and rolls her eyes. Ok, I take that back, Katarina is still fighting, and so gorgeously at that, for the crown, but you can tell she's already tired of all the cheating and favoritism. I said what I said, Miss World. 

Prediction

Top 30: 60%

Top 15: 30%

Top 5: 5%

Title: 1%

Julia Morley's presence in the crowning of Miss World Philippines gave us a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this year the madame will finally find it in her heart to forgive the Philippines for whatever wrong we may have done her. But. I mean. France is a good choice. And China spent a lot on hosting so. Congratulations, anointed ones! Enjoy December 8!

Marine Lorphelin & Lalaine Benette with a bit of Astrid Berges-Frisbey

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines. Just. Look. At. That. Face. That. Gaze. That. AURA. That face should seriously be enough to convince you she's a strong Miss Universe contender. But should you need more proof that she deserves the title, here you go:

1. She's an amazing speaker. Videos of her speaking in public about her advocacies such as education, gender equality, and HIV have been shared in social media as far back as 2013.
2. She's an effective brand ambassador and model. Her face is everywhere, from magazines to billboards to TV, and not just in the Philippines. Catriona is a popular commercial model in Thailand, and has walked the runways of Hong Kong, Moscow, and New York.
3. She's overflowing with talent and vision. She can write, draw, paint, sketch, play musical instruments, what can this woman not do?!

Art work by Catriona Gray

4. She's an amazing singer with a Certificate in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusets.
5. This gift of music of hers, she recently used to raise funds for an organization that helps Filipino children and poor communities, YOUNG FOCUS INTERNATIONAL. She has been an advocate way before joining pageantry.
6. Oh, since Demi Leigh Peters started the Unbreakable Campaign which aims to empower women through martial arts ~ I just would like to mention that Catriona has a black belt in Choi Kwong Do.
7. She's more than just beautiful. She has a good heart. A playful and positive spirit. A genuine love for the needy. And unbeknownst to many, has a charming sense of Filipino nationalism, which she subtly shows off through her statement pieces and outfits. This woman is a cut above the rest.

Prediction

Title: 99%

Puerto Rico is breathtakingly beautiful, Mexico is sexy and alluring, Denmark is angelic and flawless, Venezuela is stunning and smart, South Africa has good credentials, Vietnam has the MU spunk, Spain is a history maker, India is Hollywood pretty, Japan is adorable and cute, BUT CATRIONA IS CATRIONA, SHE'S A DIFFERENT LEAGUE ALTOGETHER. I'm leaving a 1% chance because, well, in all pageants, there will always be that odd judge with odd tastes and odd morals. Heh. Crowning is on December 17, 2018

Mila Kunis + Kendall Jenner = Karen Gallman 

Karen Gallman, Miss Intercontinental Philippines. My girl Karen never made me worry. This is probably because Miss Intercon hasn't really started yet lol. Also because it's a very low fuss pageant, it being minor (and does not pretend to be anything more, Hi, MGI) so you don't really see that many predictions and fan pages and bashing. And because Supra, World and Universe are all happening at the moment so Intercon girls can still all chill. Karen has more reasons to chill - the Philippines is hosting the pageant this year, probably the organization's way of apologizing for what they did to Katarina last year. Karen has homecourt advantage: local fans, local media, no cultural, climate, diet adjustments necessary, and because she's the host, the spotlight's going to be on her on every event. And who needs to worry about being constantly in the spotlight when you've got that kind of face? 

Prediction

Title: 90%

I was going for 100% but I had to remind myself I haven't seen the other contestants yet LOL. Confident much? I'm glad we're closing the pageant season with Karen in Miss Intercon in Manila. At least a runner up placement is in the bag. The org knows they owe us a crown. Finals is on January 29, 2019 

Opinion on Ahtisa Manalo's 1st Runner Up Placement on Miss International 2018

My heart is still grieving over Ahtisa Manalo's almost win. Sure, Venezuela is still Venezuela. Mariem Claret Velazco, birthday or not, deserved the crown. She was polished, queenly, and elegant the entire competition. What breaks my heart is the fact that even though we saw how Ahtisa gave her 101% and was fan, judge, and co-contestant's favorite prior to competition night, we all know how she missed the crown. People have the silliest excuses, trying to pull the destiny card and all but anyone free of bias know why Ahtisa lost.

The competition was for Ahtisa to lose from the very beginning. Angelic beauty, elegance and grace, charm and humility - she's got everything down pat. It was a sure win. Even with Venezuela, Laos, Mexico and South Africa giving her a tough fight, Ahtisa was ahead of the pack. Always ahead of the pack. Even the Philippines' biggest haters (Latinas and Indonesians) refuse to take her down. I've seen some bashing here and there but never as bad as what they do to most Filipina beauty queens. Ahtisa's arresting beauty and charm is relatable in all cultures. It also doesn't hurt that the Japan-based competition favors girls who look, behave and carry themselves like Ahtisa does effortlessly. I mean take a look at this picture and get back to me if you think this isn't as Japanese doll-goddess-princess as a woman can get:

Here's a list of reasons why Ahtisa lost the crown that was already hers from the beginning:

1. THAT EVENING GOWN. THERE I SAID IT. PAYT ME FASHION GURU WANNABES.

So I'll try to not let this get lengthy. But damn. Whoever told Ahtisa to wear an effin T-Shirt at a pageant that wants its muse all Disney princess-like seriously needs to apologize to Ahtisa. Again, Miss International wants a Fairy Tale Princess at a gala, not a 35 year old Princess of Wales at a fundraiser. I mean, if it has to be this boring in front, make it elegantly interesting at the back! We know an updo hairstyle doesn't work for Ahtisa, we know she's definitely going to wear her hair down, so why make her wear an evening gown that has nothing going on in front?! This makes me so angry!!! LOL

That neckline doesn't help. A bateau neck would have worked if they're really going for the conservative, understated look (which doesn't work in pageantry - even in Miss International!) Ahtisa, even with all the "intricate, expensive, masterfully crafted details", looked too underwhelmingly casual and chill. AHTISA DOES NOT DESERVE THIIIIS.

Now, look, fashion guru wannabes who defend and excuse this misstep. I understand it's a Michael Cinco creation. The guy's a genius. AND CRAZY EXPENSIVE. But this just did not work for Ahtisa. Enough of the you've got no fashion sense excuses. First of all, the judges are clearly not fashion designers, fashion gurus, fashion bloggers, they're not going to go OOOH MICHAEL CINCO, OOOH LOOK AT OUR FASHIONISTA FRONTRUNNER TAKING THAT RISK, OOOH LOOK AT THAT TRENDSETTER. The judges wanted someone who looked stunningly pretty from where they were seated. They did not need to be told who created the gown, how much it was, and how pretty it looked up close. If anything, the gown was distracting. Ahtisa came on stage and guess what the judges saw - a pale girl in a pale t-shirty dress that looked plain and without details from afar with all the lights. Oh, did I mention the gown was the same color as the stage?

Also, there is no excuse for the ill-fitting sleeves.

I've been keeping my mouth shut since Eva Patalinjug's loss in the recently concluded Miss Grand International. But if the rumors are correct that Eva took fashion styling advice from the same people who influenced Ahtisa to wear this gown at the most important event of that night - YOU OWE THE PHILIPPINES TWO CROWNS. Or at least one Miss International crown and a runner up placement for Miss Grand International.

Let's talk a bit about Eva. Whoever told her to go all feminine and frothy and fluffy clearly went overboard. Eva's look and appeal was old Hollywood glam. Who in their right mind would tell her to ditch that winning signature look and style her differently. The inauthenticity of it all and the poor fit on Eva's Marilyn Monroe body type was an eye sore. Had they allowed Eva to be Eva - sultry, sexy, and dangerously alluring she would have placed in top 5 even with that joke of a cooking show. Eva was less toned in MGI compared to when she joined BBP. They should have considered that before making her wear this unflattering gown:

I know whoever advised both Eva and Ahtisa meant well. But they need to be told they're overthinking things. Let beauty queens be beauty queens and not fashion guinea pigs and trendsetters and statement makers. The focus should be on the queen, not on the dress she's wearing. I hope this doesn't have anything to do with Indonesia. The Philippines is already MADE in the pageant world. Let's leave the Best Dresser Award to Indonesia. Why compete with them for an unimportant award? We are losing crowns and placements all for trying too hard beating Indonesia at the fashion arena. That's their forte, let's not be greedy. ALSO, STOP THAT SILLY WAR BETWEEN INDONESIAN AND FILIPINO PAGEANT FANS. THE PHILIPPINES IS A POWERHOUSE, AND INDONESIA IS A RISING STAR, THERE'S ENOUGH ROOM FOR EVERYONE TO SUCCEED, STOP PULLING EACH OTHER DOWN.


2. THE SPEECH. IT WAS AMAZING BUT

Ahtisa did not need a writer for her speech. Unlike the other finalists, Ahtisa's speech was heartfelt, authentic, and powerful. It wasn't a ready made speech peppered with pageant cliches. The trouble was - it was a little too Miss World/Miss Universe. I was listening to it on live streaming and while I thought it was amazing, I felt it was a little too erm boastful to Japanese ears. We all know Japanese customs value self-effacing humility more than anything, and Ahtisa confidently sharing her achievements at such a young age seemed a little "look at me, i've done this and that, amazing right?" Ahtisa did acknowledge her fellow finalists and was probably just trying to stick to the empowerment theme, ergo the strong delivery and powerful aura - but I guess the Japanese are the Japanese regardless of that year's theme. They wanted a Disney princess. They weren't ready for a strong, empowered woman. Which was confusing, really.

The winner, Miss Venezuela, on the other hand, looked and spoke like she was straight out of a fairy tale. It was her birthday, too, which she did not forget to mention. Clearly, it was an effective strategy, as it appealed to the Japanese who are known to be polite and not very keen to hurt feelings. Just to be clear though, had it been Mariem vs. Mariel De Leon, or Mariem vs. Bea Santiago, I'd go for Mariem. Mariem's very pretty (Ahtisa is prettier) and was, again, polished and poised, she deserved to win too. Watch her winning speech and you'd know why even though Ahtisa was absolutely adorable the entire competition, Mariem nailed the most important part of the competition.

3. LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL... TWO OF THE JUDGES ARE, YOU KNOW, FROM THE LAND OF THE PHILIPPINE HATERS

There are people who do not have the right to judge competitions out of partiality. But for the oddest reasons, they're invited/they invite themselves to judge, whatever. So. LOL. Regardless if they understood who started this silly war, there is just no way they can judge without the slightest bit of bias. I once sat as a pageant judge too, and I know how an extra point here to boost my favored contestant, and a little deduction there to eliminate my least favored contestant can affect total scoring. Note that there were 9 other judges too but my little pluses and minuses affected total scoring! Imagine there's two of them whose country wouldn't like it if the Philippines won.

At the end of the day, the result is what it is. I read somewhere Ahtisa missed the crown by one point. One freakin point, which makes it all the more depressing. What if she wore a nicer gown? What if she delivered the speech in her usual sweet, charming way, the way she won the hearts of many in Binibining Pilipinas Q & A? What if there were no Indonesians in the judging panel? What if it wasn't Mariem's birthday?! LOL 

People everywhere are clamoring for Ahtisa to join Miss World. The lesser informed want her to join Miss Universe. Like Meenakshi Chaudary, the girl that almost won Miss Grand International, we can only wait and see what the future holds for Ahtisa. In an ideal world where the deserving, most hardworking, most qualified wins, Ahtisa would make it anywhere. But we all know how pageantry works, politics, mudslinging and all. Still proud of Ahtisa. Still one of the best queens we've sent in the international arena. 

Filipina Celebrities who could've made us proud in the world of pageantry

1. Georgina Wilson

Gorgeous George

This woman not only has a flawless, angelic face, she's also incredibly smart. She studied Economics in Ateneo de Manila University and later transferred to the University of Sydney and graduated with a degree in Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Finance.

George Wilson. She would have given early 2000s Latinas a run for their money.

She's also Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz's niece, who we can only wish nagged her to join pageants. At 5'10, with her beauty, intelligence, sophistication and wit, she would have easily bagged Miss World and Miss International titles. Even during Trump era Miss Universe (1996-2014) where there was a strong preference for blonde bombshells and Latina Barbie prototypes, Georgina could have given Natalie Glebova and Stefania Fernandez a good fight. Georgina winning during her age of qualification - years 2004 to 2012 - could have ended the long drought for Filipina delegates in international pageantry earlier before Venus Raj in 2010.

Georgina is now 32 and a wife and mother. She preferred modelling, hosting and a little bit of local acting over trying Binibining Pilipinas. Whether it was the crazy pressure from being in everyone's dream candidate wish list, or if it was her socialite status she was protecting, George broke everyone's hearts when she turned 26 and did not audition for BBP in 2012.

2. Isabelle Daza

Georgina's cousin, and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz's daughter, Isabelle has been on every Filipina pageant fan's watch list since she started modelling. At 5'7.5 and with a duskier, fiercer version of her gorgeous mother's face, it's long been expected that Belle would someday try repeating her mother's successful stint in the world of pageantry. 

Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Isabelle Diaz Daza in 2016

Like her cousin, Georgina, she shied away from pageantry and dabbled in acting and hosting. She even hosted Miss World Philippines 2011. During her launch as a local actress, she was asked questions about following her mom's footsteps, to which she replied that her mom tells her that one crown in the family is enough. She said she never dreamed about becoming a beauty queen and that there are way too many beautiful women for Binibining Pilipinas. She said if she joined and won, people might say she only won because she's the daughter of Gloria Diaz.

photo from her twitter account

Isabelle is now a wife and mother at 30 years old. I remember reading a magazine article where Gloria takes pride in her daughter's achievements in school and interest in basketball. Must be difficult having a Miss Universe for a mom. Seems Belle decided early on that she is going to be her own person. She could have been a strong contender during Jennifer Barrientos or Bianca Manalo's BBP seasons. Isabelle could have paved the way pre-Venus Raj for a string of consistent placements in Miss Universe.

3. Sarah Lahbati

I remember the first time I saw Sarah on TV. She was this tall, fresh-faced Moroccan-Filipina teenager from Switzerland who wowed the audition judges by introducing herself in French. It was a SHE'S GOING TO BE MISS UNIVERSE moment. I wasn't all that interested in pageantry back then, but that face, that body, that aura, heck she speaks French, English, Filipino, Arabic, German and Italian, dances, sings and plays the piano and guitar, she's well-traveled and cultured = MISS UNIVERSE!!! She's 5 freaking 10. She's evvvverything. (Now that I think of it, I should have written a separate post for this amazing woman!)

photo from Sarah Lahbati's instagram

She's still young and would have still been qualified to join pageants until 2020. The sad news is - and a lot of pageant fans still cry over this - she gave birth to a child with actor Richard Gutierrez in 2013 - she was 19. Pageant fans have been mourning for 5 years now. Both photos above are of a very pregnant Sarah Lahbati - the first one is a few days away from giving birth to her second child! Now if we can all look even half that gorgeous while pregnant.

She needs no crown.

She is an alumna of Starstruck - the same reality TV show that propelled Miss World 2013 Megan Young to Philippine showbiz. Her fiance is the brother of Miss World 1993 2nd Runner Up, Ruffa Gutierrez.

4. Kim Domingo

I know, I know. It's a lost cause. But for those who do not know: Kim qualifies age-wise (born 1995, she's currently 23), height-wise (she's 5'7), educational attainment-wise (she studied Dentistry), nationality-wise (though half French, she's born and raised here), obviously face-and-body-wise. Here's the deal breaker: early on in life, Kim decided to take the sexy star route. And we all know how that doesn't sit well with our national directors. 

Kim started modelling at an early age to help provide for her family. And because of her inherent beauty and sex appeal, she was thrust into the world of car show modelling. It's a shame she wasn't first spotted by a ramp or commercial modelling agent - she could've gotten the same amount of exposure and money, without consequentially getting disqualified from joining pageants (or Binibining Pilipinas at least). And hey, there's money to be made in pageantry. I know I'm not the only who thinks that face and body isn't for local tabloids only.

I mean, if a very young, raw, inexperienced girl like Janina San Miguel could be plucked from nowhere and be encouraged to join Binibining Pilipinas, why wasn't anyone there who could have done the same for Kim before she started doing car shows as a teenager? This world is truly unfair. It's years too late now, Kim has done way too many topless and skimpy shoots and videos, and while she now gets help in cleaning up her image, BBP will never overlook her past. She could have been a Mutya Datul or an Ahtisa Manalo. Imagine her all tanned and polished - imagine all that could have been. 

Janine Gutierrez - Celebrities we're excited to see in Binibining Pilipinas

Am I the only one absolutely heartbroken after finding out that Janine Gutierrez is already 28?! I mean, how is that even possible? All along I thought pageantry is a dead giveaway to this gorgeous young woman who happens to have a Miss World 1993 2nd runner up for an aunt. Just look at that face! And this body:

Sure, not everyone dreams of joining and winning pageants, but when you're this beautiful, you have the name, the money, and the connections, you're already in the limelight and you have talents to showcase, you OWE it to your country to join pageants. Ok, I got a little emotional there. Sorry, Janine. But in all seriousness, this is plainly heartbreaking. I'm doing another feature on Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza and Lucy Torres, the list is getting way too long for women who would have made our country proud but decided not to because... well, I'm sure they have good reasons. It's just too sad for us, pageant fans. 

Georgina and Isabelle not joining pageantry was rather forgivable - they probably didn't think much of pageantry (even Catriona Gray thought beauty contests were superficial and all, until she realized it was a platform that gives one the power that could change the lives of many!). Lucy Torres was already in her 30s when I started taking interest in pageantry, I guess she's on my list of The Ones That Got Away simply because she's everything that Miss International is about. She's the epitome of grace, understated elegance, doll-like arresting beauty, and substance. But Janine Gutierrez! This is just heartbreaking. 

Janine would have been perfect for Miss World. At 169 cm, with a degree in European Studies, and a very commercial beauty that appeals to Western and Eastern standards, she would have easily been a Julia Morley favorite. We all know Ms. Morley favors the Indian/Middle Eastern look and Janine's large eyes, thick hair and Bollywood-type beauty would have nailed it.

Like Liza Soberano, Janine's personality may be a little too Miss International. Her features are a bit sharp and strong for the said pageant, but the right styling and makeup could have easily transformed her face into the delicate porcelain doll that the Japan-based contest prefers. Had she joined Binibining Pilipinas last year, she could have still won the Miss Supranational title, traditionally given to contestants with unassuming, sweet, childlike faces.

Ok, time to move on.

Liza Soberano - Celebrities we're excited to see in Binibining Pilipinas

Liza Soberano - At 20 years old, Liza stands at 169cm - rather short for pageant standards - but the caliber of her face screams nothing but Miss Universe.  Demi Leigh Peters stands at 168 and Pia Wurtzbach at 170, two of the shortest winners ever, nonetheless, it was their charisma, fierceness and wit that got them the most coveted crown.

Liza is a little shy and sweet - more Miss International than Universe, but her dusky complexion, universally appealing beauty, and chameleon-like features (Latina/Eurasian/PanAsian) can easily place her at the top 16. She only needs some Miss Universe brand styling, a trimmer and longer-looking bod and she's good to go. She's already got a huge international fan base, commercial marketability, communication skills, and the perfect reputation for a good advocacy. She's currently studying Psychology in preparation for Medical School, while working as an actress and commercial model.

Should she choose to keep her sweet and charming aura, Miss World is a good choice, too. Reigning queen, Manushi Chillar, was also into acting, having attended drama school and was also in medical school when she won in 2017. The Philippines' first Miss World winner, Megan Young was in showbiz when she joined international pageantry.

Both Miss Universe and Miss World's age qualifications is 18 to 27. Liza has the next 7 years to train and mature into the next Pia, whom she has portrayed in a TV drama feature in 2017. Fans have since been clamoring for Liza to join the world of pageantry. 7 years is a long wait, but we'll all be rooting for you, Liza!

Photos from Liza Soberano's Instagram

Celebrity Lookalikes: Pia Wurtzbach & Audrey Hepburn

It's weird that nobody seems to notice the resemblance until I point it out.

They don't always look alike, as in the photo above. They look most alike in profile, or when Pia's not smiling. Pia has fiercer, more elongated eyes, while Audrey has rounder, softer-looking eyes. But it's largely due to makeup trends. It wasn't an easy task collecting photos of the two that clearly show their resemblance because of the differences in makeup. Also, Audrey's photographs were mostly posed to make her look charming and sweet - the look of her time, while Pia's are fiercer and sultry - the look of her time. Portraitists, makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts like me would see past all that and easily see how their faces are practically from the same mold.

They're both doe-eyed, with long, elegant eyebrows. They both have such tiny delicate faces, thin long necks, and perfectly contoured bone structure. The placement of their ears and cheekbones are the same, their jaws and chins are similar in shape. Their lips are the same shape, size and fullness. Features-wise, their only major difference are their noses (Audrey's is more refined, while Pia's is more ethnic) and foreheads (Audrey's is wider, while Pia's is a bit higher and rounder). 

Pia is taller than Audrey by only an inch. She's 5'8 while Audrey is 5'7. They have similar body types - tall, thin, and feminine. But Pia has fuller, more queen-like figure at 34B-23-35. Audrey has a more ramp model-like figure at 34A-20-34.

In the rare case that you do not know who they are, Pia is 2016's Miss Universe from the Philippines, while Audrey is a Hollywood actress and style icon in the 60's.

Imagine Pia with thicker brows and Audrey's signature chopped bangs.

Pia's eye makeup makes her eyes look sharper and longer than they really are, while Audrey's upper eyeliner make hers look rounder.

 

Imagine Audrey with a darker skin tone and thinner brows. Again, try to see past the eye makeup. 

Lips.

Eyes.

Facial Expressions. And again with the inner corners of their eyes.

They both have such tiny, delicate faces. Again, try to see past the heavy eye makeup on both women.

They have similar fashion sense, too. Both are known for their classy, elegant black dresses, and chic updos.

This is not a very flattering photo of Pia, but it shows the similarity of their bone structures especially the brow bones and eye sockets. 

Please tell me you also see it. Lal.

Also, I find it ridiculous that it's been almost 8 months since her coronation but Pia's bashers from Colombia still won't accept their defeat. I've seen the worst of their comments (Hi, Colombians, we Filipinos understand Spanish! Most of us are multilinguals.) regarding Pia's looks. Here is one of Pia's "bad" photos:

Bad.

So yeah, she has a Filipino nose. It's short, lacks forward projection along with the part between her lips and nose. That's also why her inner cheeks seem off. The mid part of her face lacks projection. That's all that's "wrong" with her. Everything else is beautiful. But tell you what, even that "wrong" bit about her is beautiful. You guys wanna know why? Because she's too beautiful inside that whatever is "ugly" outside is completely compensated for. Also, that lack of mid face projection - that's what makes her face Filipina. And we love her for embracing it and making our country proud. Enough of the bullying. She's beautiful, period.

I mean, how can you not see that?

She's pretty even in fan art.

Even without makeup.

Even more so with makeup. The heck's wrong with your eyes? How can you call someone this beautiful ugly?