The 57th edition of Bb Pilipinas, the premier pageant in the Philippines, is finally coming to a close this Sunday, July 11 with the crowning of a new batch queens who will raise the country’s flag in the international stage, including the country’s representative to the 60th Miss International beauty pageant.
We have all seen the official candidates showcase their goods in the swimsuit presentation and national costume videos, and talk in the free speech round during the “Road to the Crown” primer. Who among this year’s candidates has what it takes to take on challenge and bring glory to the country? After careful deliberations, we present to you Missosology’s Final Hot Picks for Bb Pilipinas 2021.
CROWN CONTENDERS
For Bb Pilipinas International: Masbate | Hannah Arnold
One of the familiar faces in the competition, 24-year-old Hannah is back to finally claim her rightful crown. She is the perfect Binibini prototype: tall, beautiful, with a good academic background (she has a degree in forensic studies!). This children’s education advocate is one of the most engaging speakers in the batch, too. The Philippines seems to have mastered the art of placing (and winning) in Miss International, and Hannah could definitely keep the streak going for the country. Her sophisticated beauty and sweet demeanor would be so hard to ignore in the Land of the Rising Sun.
For Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental: Borongan’s Gabrielle Basiano
This 22-year-old model and mental health awareness advocate is a unanimous choice among our pool of experts as one of the crown contenders for this edition. Her styling is always on point and we are keeping our fingers crossed that she does well in the onstage Q&A come finals because her face screams winner. She has been on top of her game since Day 1 and we believe her modelesque form and headturning beauty will be a hit in Egypt come Miss Intercontinental later this year.
For Bb Pilipinas Globe: Batangas, Maureen Montagne
It is easy to count Maureen out with the emergence of new faces, but we cannot ignore the fact that 27-year-old model and events host has international pageant experience under her belt. Her experience as first runner-up in Miss Eco International 2019 and as a semifinalist in Miss USA 2015 surely come in handy as she competes for Bb Pilipinas. With her veteran smarts and good communication skills, Maureen will surely be a force to reckon with not only in the finals, but in the international stage, too.
For Bb Pilipinas Grand: Valenzuela, Meiji Cruz
There is always one not-so-popular candidate who emerges in the finals and gets a crown. With Meiji peaking at the right time, it won’t be a surprise if she wins more than just this title. The Philippines has been sending top-notch delegates to this contest, but despite their impressive credentials and stage presence, the crown remains elusive. This is the only crown in the Bb Pilipinas franchise that the country has not won, and we believe this 27-year-old model has what it takes to win the crown. Just look at how she worked the poolside swimsuit presentation with so much ease! It would be (another) crime to waste this beauty.
Completing our Top 5 is 25-year-old cabin crew and mental health awareness advocate from Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza. After Rabiya Mateo’s Miss Universe Philippines win, hopes are high that Karen will give their hometown another national title. It can’t be denied that Karen has one of the freshest faces; however, she he needs to improve her stage presence. In case she fails to win a crown, we want to see her back next year as we envision her making waves in any international pageant.
Check out the full list here:
1 For Bb Pilipinas International | Masbate, Hannah Arnold
2 For Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental | Borongan, Gabrielle Camille Basiano
3 For Bb Pilipinas Globe | Batangas, Maureen Montagne
4 For Bb Pilipinas Grand | Valenzuela, Meiji Cruz
5 Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza
6 La Union, Carina Carino
7 Rizal, Honey Cartasano
8 Caloocan, Shanon Tampon
9 Oriental Mindoro, Graciella Lehmann
10 Davao del Sur, Justine Felizarta
11 Angeles, Ma. Francesca Taruc
12 Manila, Patrizia Garcia
13 Cagayan de Oro, Cinderella Faye Obenita
14 Agoncillo, Micca Rosal
15 Quezon Province, Patricia Denise Babista
16 Arayat, Noriza Mae Valerio
17 Cavite, Samantha Alexandra Panlilio
18 Zamboanga, Bellatrix Tan
19 Bocaue, Vianca Marcelo
20 Olongapo, Alexandra Faith Garcia
