The weather was hot but excitement filled the air with the presence of Miss Universe 2016 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach at the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 candidates press presentation at the poolside of Novotel Hotel Tuesday afternoon at the Araneta Center.
Wurtzbach is home to help promote in the Philippines, Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity organization which helps raise issues faced by children born with cleft lip and palate in developing countries, in partnership with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).
The 40 lovely Binibinis wore pink swimwear by Pegarro. The presentation was at the same time a pre-pageant swimsuit competition to decide the semi-finalists. The Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) Committee, led by Stella Marquez-Araneta and Wurtzbach sat at the judges table. Bb. Pilipinas 2015 beauties Janicel Lubina, Rogelie Catacutan and Christi Lynn McGarry hosted the press presentation.
Pia spoke to the girls to give encouragement, “This is a good opportunity for you to win a beauty title, to have your own platform and to have doors of opportunities opening for you and for your career in the future.”
Pia asked the fans to support the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 candidates’ activities including the Fashion Show at Kia Theater on April 6, the Parade of Beauties on April 9, and finally, the grand coronation night on April 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and telecast live on ABS CBN, where Pia be gracing to crown her successor.
A fearless forecast of possible semi-finalists could be the following (in no particular order):
Apriel Smith – a black Fil-Am beauty from Cebu and the daughter of the late/former PBA player Daryl Smith
Nichole Marie Manalo – Nursing graduate and younger sister of Bianca Manalo
Kristine Angeli Estoque – a statuesque BS Biology graduate at Davao Medical School
Angelica Lopez – a model and student of Tourism Management
Jennifer Hammond – cum laude Nursing and PMAP model
Kylie Verzosa – a pre-school teacher and Business Management graduate at Ateneo de Manila University
Maria Mika Maxine Medina – a PAL flight attendant and a graduate at Philippine School of Interior Design
Maria Gigante – A graduate of Philosophy and Indie film actress from Bantayan island of Cebu
Vina Openiano – a hotel and restaurant services graduate at Montessori Professional College
Dindi Joy Pajares –a flight attendant and student to be a piloto
Maria Lina Prongoso – an accounts payable analyst from Iriga City
Sarah Christine Bona – a registered nurse, licensed widwife and caregiver
Angelica Alita – a professional chef from Puerta Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Alexandra Faith Garcia – a graduate of Tourism, swimmer and Iron Man triathlete placer from Olongapo City
Kimberle Mae Penchon – a member of WCARP, an NGO for orphans of Baguio City
Paula Rich Bartolome – a HRM graduate and former Super Model Philippines finalist
Edjelyn Joy Cay Gamboa – a student of customs and administration from Oriental Mindoro
Jeslyn Santos- a Broadcast Communication graduate and volleyball player
Joanna Eden – a student of international studies at De La Salle University and a flute/saxophone player
Nicole Cordoves – an employee of the Department of Finance and member of Iris Philippines, an NGO for the welfare of women and children.