Past and reigning Bb. Pilipinas queens (from left) Roberta Tamondong, Stacey Gabriel, Samantha Bernardo, Jeanette Fernando, Alma Concepcion, Maricarl Tolosa, Nicole Borromeo, Hannah Arnold, Gabrielle Basiano, and Chelsea Fernandez join this year’s contestants on stage. SCREENSHOT FROM BB. PILIPINAS VIDEO
MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas titleholders from different batches reunited at a preliminary event with the pageant’s contestants this year, and even graced the stage to deliver important messages, not only for the contenders but also for the crowd gathered to see them.
Reigning Bb. Pilipinas queens Chelsea Fernandez, Gabrielle Basiano, Roberta Tamondong, and Stacey Gabriel acknowledged the past queens who attended the Talent Competition on March 29, and called them onstage at the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City.
Joining the reigning queens were 1993 Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Jeanette Fernando, 1994 Bb. Pilipinas International Alma Concepcion, 2001 Bb. Pilipinas International Maricarl Tolosa, 2020 Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Bernardo, and 2021 Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold. “Thank you very much Binibinis, we stand on your shoulders,” Gabriel said.
Also called to join the former winners was reigning Bb. Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo. “Hindi ako nanalo ng ‘Best in Talent’ (I didn’t win Best in Talent), but I feel so honored to be on the other side and judge to see the 28 performers of our batch 2023. My God, performer level over 1,000! I was so impressed, and I’m hoping you guys are so entertained, I can’t wait for coronation,” she said.
Fernando likewise congratulated the ladies, along with Tolosa who was hailed Best in Talent during her year. The latter also said, “without BPCI (Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc.) we will not be here. BPCI is the root of all the pageants in the Philippines, from Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International.”
Concepcion and Arnold, meanwhile, recognized the avid supporters. “This Bb. Pilipinas and the pageant world wouldn’t be in this big magnitude if not for the pageant fans who made the industry even bigger than before. Thanks to all of you,” Concepcion said.
Arnold shared: “I was secretly watching backstage, and the vibes there were so incredible, I could hear all of you yelling. The girls were so lucky to have your support. And I think all of them deserve Best in Talent and be the JAG Queen also. Congratulations to everyone.”
The winners of the Best in Talent award and the JAG Queen title will be announced at the coronation night scheduled on May 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City. Forty Binibinis will compete, but BPCI still has not announced how many titles will be up for grabs in the competition. EDV