Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up Stacey Gabriel/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The 2023 Binibining Pilipinas aspirants have been together for about three months already since their selection as official candidates in February, and second runner-up Stacey Gabriel hopes that by this time the ladies have formed “loyal and meaningful bonds” with one another.
“I hope they develop genuine sisterhood. I think that is something that you will for sure take away when you join a pageant,” Gabriel told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the opening of the national costume photo exhibit at the Gateway Mall at the Araneta City in Quezon City on May 16.
“If you set your sights on solely the crown, I mean that’s one, two, three, or four crowns out of 40 girls, so really, you should come in with a mindset of ‘if I come away with a lifelong friendship, I will have already won,’” she continued.
The actress said during her competition, she was already running on “pure adrenaline” at this stage of the pageant. With events taking place one after another, rehearsals running long hours, and personal preparations with their respective teams lasting until late night, she advised the ladies to take all the health supplements they can have access to.
And with the competition reaching the homestretch, Gabriel reminded the candidates to build their mental, physical, and emotional strength, and asked them to reduce their screen time. “Don’t get stuck in the infinite scroll. Don’t read comments, you know, really just try to have tunnel vision, and remember why you began in the first place, and recenter yourself, and refocus yourself on your passion,” she said.
Gabriel also shared how much she has changed because of her pageant journey. She described herself as somebody who was inside a shell last year, and had low self-esteem. “Joining Bb. Pilipinas allowed me to fully embrace what makes me unique, and what sets me apart. Even these perceived flaws that some unkind people throw my way, I now completely love and really appreciate,” she said.
She will be joined by her 2022 batchmates, Bb. Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandes, and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Tamondong at the grand coronation night on May 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City.
The coronation program will feature a performance from Vice Ganda, with 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray returning as host. Reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg will also make a special appearance in the show. Tickets to the grand coronation night are now available at Ticketnet. EDV