Binibining Pilipinas candidates. All photos from Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines — The 2023 Binibining Pilipinas pageant is already a competition of familiar faces, with pageant veterans from different national competitions trying again to capture national crowns. But the familiarity also extends to other candidates, those who resemble other women who have already made a name for themselves.
Ever since young singer-actress Maymay Entrata graced the international runway, fans have been clamoring for her to try pageantry. She indeed graced the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant stage, but as a performer and not as a contender. Now followers may get to feel how it will be like to have her compete this year through her lookalike Tracy Lois Bedua from Iloilo City.
Jessie Salvador from Aklan may have actress-host Maja Salvador for a sister, but her face is uncannily similar to that of young actress Elisse Joson, while some pageant observers even noted her resemblance to Bea Alonzo.
During the peak of their careers, former actress Nanette Medved and former model Kelly Misa have figured in several fans’ wishlist of established women they want to see on the pageant stage. This wish may somehow be granted by their doppelgangers.
Julia Mendoza from Roxas City, Capiz, has been likened to the erstwhile “Darna” actress. And while Atasha Reign Parani from General Trias, Cavite, has already made her own mark in show business as a former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and actress, Misa’s fans are somewhat channeling through her their desire to see the former model’s jump to the world of pageantry.
Even singer Morisette Amon, dubbed “Asia’s Phoenix,” seems to have thrown her hat in the pageant arena through her lookalike Babyerna Liong from Tacloban City.
Former Bb. Pilipinas queens also appeared to be staging a comeback through their respective lookalikes.
Mirjan Hipolito from Angeles City is channeling former Miss Universe first runners-up Miriam Quiambao and Janine Tugonon, while Tricia Martinez from Laguna looks like 1994 Miss Universe finalist Charlene Gonzales.
Even the most recent Miss Intercontinental winner from the Philippines, Cinderella Faye Obeñita, seems to be coming back on the national stage through Elaiza Alzona from Zambales.
The eight ladies will battle it out with 32 other aspirants at the 2023 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on May 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City. Tickets are already available at Ticketnet.
Reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg has already arrived in the country for her special participation in the program, which will be hosted anew by 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray and 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, with 2014 Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa. Vice Ganda will also perform.
The pageant is also giving away free tickets to the grand coronation night. For a chance to win tickets, go to the Araneta City official Facebook page and look for the “Win Your Way to the Crown” image, and follow the instructions.
Two winners will win three tickets each, while seven more winners will each get two tickets. The deadline for comments is at noon on May 27. The winners will be announced in the same day. EDV