Battle of the queens this month

Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International Nicole Cordoves and Bb. Pilipinas-International Kylie Versoza

Pageant fanatics will hold their own kind of “Oktoberfest” as three Binibining Pilipinas queens compete in their respective global tilts in different parts of the world this month.

First to go on battle is Binibining Pilipinas-Intercontinental Jennifer Hammond, who hopes to become the first Filipino winner in the Miss Intercontinental pageant’s 45-year history.

“I have adjusted myself already to what the Miss Intercontinental pageant is looking for based on our research,” Jennifer said at the recent send-off press conference organized by Binibining Pilipinas.

“If the Miss Universe is very witty and fierce, Miss Intercontinental is more about looking ‘modelish,’ good in runway. I tried to make adjustments in each of these aspects,” Jennifer added.

She will compete against 59 other delegates from around the world at the finals in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Oct. 16.

Another beauty gunning for a historic first win for the country is Binibining Pilipinas-Grand International Nicole Cordoves.

“Miss Grand International is a young pageant, turning four years old,” said Nicole. “It is really distinct; it combines every pageant from Miss Universe to Miss International to Miss World.”

“The ramp portion is very entertaining,” she added. “If in the Miss International they are more sophisticated, here you stomp like a horse. After this you’ll have a speech on the main advocacy, which is to stop war and violence.”

Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental JenniferHammond

Nicole continued: “I prepared well. My favorite is the question and answer round. We focused on the styling and the catwalk for the presentations.”

She will face over 80 other aspirants in the finals in Las Vegas on Oct. 25 (Oct. 26 in Manila).

Also seeing action this month is Kylie Versoza, who will try to sustain the Philippines’ impressive record in the Miss International pageant by bagging its sixth victory in the contest’s 56-year history.

Over 60 candidates will vie for the title on Oct. 27.

“Miss International is different. They want to get the best girl possible, so they judge you off stage also,” Kylie said. “They watch the girls very intently. I guess what makes it different is they judge you every day.”

She added: “As far as adjustments go, I believe going through Binibining Pilipinas is a tough journey. What Japan likes is someone more subtle, but elegant in a way. Our journey in Binibini was a good training for that.”

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. also announced that Filipino designers will make the evening gowns and national costumes of the three beauties.

Nat Manilag is in charge of Jennifer’s wardrobe, while Nicole will showcase Val Taguba’s creations. Francis Libiran hopes to make another winning ensemble for Kylie.