50th Bb. Pilipinas tilt set to break traditions

AMANDA Navasero. Photo by Arnold Almacen

The 50th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant will be “a big one [that] will break a lot of traditions,” according to Chit Guerrero, special projects head of the contest’s official broadcast partner ABS-CBN.

MARIEL de Leon. Photo by Arnold Almacen

“The way we’re going to present the bathing-suit competition will be a breakthrough, but I cannot go into details,” Guerrero said in an interview with Inquirer Entertainment during the official presentation of candidates at the Makati Shangri-La last Monday. “Also, we’ll present the long gown in a way that has not been done before.”

MUTYA Datul. Photo by Arnold Almacen

For the first time, she said, there will be 50 candidates “but that wasn’t forced just to go with the golden theme.”

There were many deserving aspirants from the more than 100 applicants, she added.

All of this year’s aspirants are joining Binibining Pilipinas for the first time, although some of them had participated in other national beauty pageants and local contests.

To build up the excitement even more, Guerrero refused to reveal the celebrity musical performers for the coronation night, other than disclosing the participation of the ABS-CBN Orchestra.

CINDY Miranda. Photo by Arnold Almacen

Meanwhile, if she were to choose a successor, 2012 Miss Universe first runnerup Janine Tugonon said she would relinquish her title to “someone who has strong values and principles and a deep relationship with God. Having beauty and brains is a given, but I also want someone principled, whose values are intact.”

For her own successor, 2012 Miss International semifinalist Nicole Schmitz said: “Miss International winners are generally sweet, kind and caring. I hope I can pass my crown to someone like that.”

Katrina Dimaranan, 2012 Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, hopes for a successor “who can show people how she can inspire others and tell their stories.”

Concert king Martin Nievera and award-winning actress Dawn Zulueta will host the coronation night on April 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 14.

The ceremonies will be telecast live on ABS-CBN.