The Binibining Pilipinas 2019 search kicked off with the announcement of the 40 official candidates from nearly 90 screened applicants held on March 18 at the KIA Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
This year’s batch, which is a mixture of veterans and newcomers, was welcomed by BPCI Chairperson Madam Stella Marquez-Araneta. They are aiming for six titles at stake namely Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas Globe, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International and the most coveted Miss Universe Philippines crown, currently held by 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
Victoria Marie Rushton and Samantha Mae Bernardo, last year’s first and second runners up, respectively, are in the running again, together with Top 15 finalist Maria Andrea Abesamis and Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Top 15 finalist Emma Mary Tiglao.
Mutya ng Pilipinas titlists Leren Mae Bautista, who won Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015 in Malaysia, and Ilene Astrid de Vera, Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 3rd runner-up, are also among the early favorites along with Miss World Philippines semi-finalists Marianne Marquez (2018) and Gazini Christiana Ganados (2014).
Other early favorites by pageant aficionados are Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Studies at the University of Canberra, Fil-Australian Hannah Arnold and Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong, a Cum laude graduate at the UP College of Law.
The rest of the 40 candidates are Jane Darren Genobisa, Samantha Poblete, Danielle Joi Magno, Mary Faye Murphy, Joanna Rose Tolledo, Jessica Marasigan, Marie Sherry Anne Tormes, Dia Nicole Magno, Honey Grace Cartasano, Francia Layderos, Cassandra Chan, Danielle Isabelle Dolk, Jessarie Dumaguing, Maria Isabela Galeria, Julia Eugene Saubier, Melba Ann Macasaet, Alanis Reign Binoya, Louisielle Denise Amorog, Joahnna Carla Saad, Pauline Anne Cordero, April May Short, Rubee Marie Faustino, Larah Grace Lacap, Martina Faustina Diaz, Malka Shaver, Kimberly Penchon, Jean Nicole Guerrero, Samantha Ashley Lo, Rosham Ramirez Saeed, and Sigrid Grace Flores.
Finals will be on June 9. Watch out for the Bb. Pilipinas 2019 preliminary activities to be announced soon.
