Binibining Pilipinas beauties (from left) Stacey Gabriel, Chelsea Fernandez, Hannah Arnold, and Maureen Montagne. Image from Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas Maureen Montagne punctuated her decade-long pageant “career” by relinquishing her crown as The Miss Globe in October in Albania, a title that also served as her valedictory in a colorful journey in pageantry, a fulfillment of her dream to give the Philippines an international crown. One would wonder if someone as accomplished as she still has a wish for the coming Christmas. But she still does.
“My Christmas wish is for Hannah [Arnold] to win Miss International and bring home the seventh crown because she is so deserving,” Montagne told the Inquirer in an interview at the sidelines of the press conference for Araneta City’s “Christmas Like No Other” holiday program on Oct. 28 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City. She hosted the event.
With everything her heart desires for herself already fulfilled, the Filipino-American model now yearns for something for somebody else, her Bb. Pilipinas sister and batchmate.
Both Montagne and Arnold signed up for the 2020 Bb. Pilipinas pageant that extended to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Montagne went on to The Miss Globe pageant and snagged the international crown, while the latter had to wait for the 60th Miss International pageant to push through.
CAPTION: The Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne/ARMIN P. ADINA
After postponing the 2020 Miss International pageant, the Japanese organizers decided to cancel the 2021 staging and instead mount the 60th edition in 2022. Arnold had already crowned her Bb. Pilipinas successor in July without seeing action abroad, and pageant followers were wondering whether she will still get the chance to represent the Philippines in her international competition.
Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) clarified that Arnold will still be the one who will be sent to the 60th Miss International pageant, and her successor Nicole Borromeo will compete in the global tilt’s edition next year.
If Arnold wins the international pageant, it will give her 2021 Bb. Pilipinas batch a three-crown haul. Aside from Montagne, Cinderella Faye Obeñita also captured the Miss Intercontinental title.
Arnold will fly to Japan later this month for the 60th Miss International pageant, which will culminate in a coronation program at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on Dec. 13.
“Please keep supporting Hannah. She, I think, is our last contestant for 2022. Let’s support her all the way and pray for our queen,” Montagne appealed to the Filipino people.
She also shared her own resolution for 2023: “I think my New Year’s resolution is to be a more competitive host. I feel like I’ve finally gotten my foot (at) the door and every event or job I’m improving. I know I’m not perfect, but I really want to be one of the top premier hosts in the Philippines.” EDV