(From left) Katrina Anne Johnson, Angelica Lopez, Anna Valencia Lakrini, Atasha Parani. Image: ARMIN P. ADINA/INQUIRER.net
Binibining Pilipinas is known for celebrating the elegance, inner strength, and eloquence of a woman — and this year’s edition was no different.
Apart from the evening gown and swimsuit portion, the pageant was a display of the candidates’ self-confidence under the pressure of the much-awaited question-and-answer portion.
After all, the segment doesn’t just put a Binibini’s communication skills into test. It is a glimpse into her social awareness, political views, personal views, and how she can make a positive change in society.
Take a look at how the winning queens fared in the question-and-answer portion:
Palawan’s Angelica Lopez – Binibining Pilipinas International 2023
Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez. Image: ARMIN P. ADINA/INQUIRER.net
QUESTION: What makes you a “Binibini” who walks the talk and who is beyond mere self-promotion?
ANSWER: I stand here tonight because it is my mother [who] instilled in me the values and morals that I am using to be the woman that I am today — a woman who has the strength, courage, and tenacity to decide for herself what she wants [and] really works hard to achieve it; to also have the courage to face any obstacles in life and tenacity to hold onto her wisdom of choice. I believe it is always a dream come true to be here. That is why I am a Binibini that I’ve always been meant to be. Thank you!
Bataan’s Anna Valencia Lakrini – Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023
Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Valencia Lakrini. Image: ARMIN P. ADINA/INQUIRER.net
QUESTION: In what ways is a beauty pageant candidate aiming for a crown similar to a politician running for an electoral post?
ANSWER: As someone who’s joining for the second time, I know that a beauty pageant has a platform on which we can talk about causes that are dear to our hearts. My cause that is dear to my heart is nutrition. As a nutrition scientist [and] as an advocate for proper nutrition, I know that [by] advocating with this platform from Binibining Pilipinas, we can inspire so many people. A politician can inspire a whole community, and so can we.
Davao Del Sur’s Katrina Anne Johnson – Binibining Pilipinas 2023 First Runner-up
Binibining Pilipinas 2023 first runner-up Katrina Johnson. Image: Facebook/Binibining Pilipinas
QUESTION: What are you most unapologetic for when it comes to your personal values?
ANSWER: What I am most unapologetic for is my authenticity, my honesty, [and] my sincerity. My parents really instilled those values in me at a young age, showing me that you can accomplish anything in the world that you put your mind to as long as you’re loyal to who you are, and who you are in your heart. And I really hope that I’m able to inspire other people standing on this stage, showing you that even though you may not fit societal [norms], if you are who you are, you are able to show that to the world. Thank you.
General Trias, Cavite’s Atasha Parani – Binibining Pilipinas 2023 Second Runner-up
Binibining Pilipinas 2023 second runner-up Atasha Parani. Image: Facebook/Binibining Pilipinas
QUESTION: Social media definitely creates engagement in pageantry. However, some observed that these are shallow and non-lasting connections. Binibini 16, what are your thoughts on this social situation we are facing now?
ANSWER: As a public figure and as someone from ABS-CBN who gives service to the Filipino, I believe that social media is not just connection but as well engagement, and touching other people’s lives with the heart that you have — a heart of gold. And for me, my advocacy is for the children who have been domestically abused. If I were to imagine [inspiring] them and see that younger self of mine in the mirror every single day, I would do it another time, like it’s my ultimate last chance. I just really want to show everyone that with social media and every platform, you can still move people and the world. Thank you. EDV