Binibining Pilipinas candidates let hair down in a day of fun, art
The Bb. Pilipinas candidates had some downtime at the Art in Island multimedia museum./ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The candidates in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant have engaged in charity events, including a blood donation drive, since they officially joined the competition earlier his month. But for a change, the organization treated the contestants to a day of fun at the Art in Island at the Araneta City in Quezon City on the last day of February.
The 40 candidates marveled at the multimedia art installations and 3D murals in the updated mixed-media museum, taking photos at every corner and in each turn they made in the multi-level establishment, with several rooms also offering various artistic backgrounds.
Jeanne Bilasano from Albay said the visit exceeded her expectations. “When I was in college in UST (University of Santo Tomas) we have been planning to go here a long time ago. Then the pandemic happened, we weren’t able to do that. And the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) gave us the chance to visit Art in Island. It makes me so happy to actually experience it not just by myself, but with all the other girls,” she told the Inquirer.
“I was surprised with how big this is, how a lot of installments have been added. We were thinking it’s gonna be the old ones, the graphic photos. Then they added more things, so it’s nice to see,” she added.
Fellow Bicolana Rheema Adakkoden from Camarines Sur found the experience “surreal,” and expressed gratitude to the national pageant organization for the opportunity.
Image from ARMIN P. ADINA
“I expected there will be fun activities ahead, but not something like this. It’s really something that I am enjoying right now, I’m really thankful. I thought it’s going to be a small establishment, but it’s huge. I thought there will be little corners where we can take photos. I’m finding so many spots to take photos. So I’m encouraging people to come here and experience it yourself,” she said.
But Jessilen Salvador from Aklan confessed that she had been looking forward to this day far longer than the rest of the candidates. “Actually, when I was watching the Bb. Pilipinas activities last year, this was the one I wanted to go to, Art in Island. I really love the lights, sceneries like this,” she shared. The sister of actress Maja Salvador also lauded the brains behind the museum. “I’m really amazed. Whoever thought of this concept is brilliant. And us Filipinos love taking pictures, I’m one of them. It’s really beautiful here,” she said.
So excited was the Aklanon that she visited the museum’s social media page to scroll at photos the day before their visit. “So when I got in earlier, I was like a kid. I was excited to go inside, explore, and take more photos,” Salvador shared. And take photos she did, which resulted in her consuming her smartphone’s full memory capacity.
The 2023 Bb. Pilipinas pageant will hold its coronation ceremonies at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City, tentatively scheduled in May. BPCI did not reveal yet how many crowns will be awarded in this year’s competition. EDV
