SB19 returns to Bb. Pilipinas, with Miss International Andrea Rubio in attendance

Reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio (left) and SB19 (right). Photos from ARMIN P. ADINA and BINIBINING PILIPINAS

Two years since debuting their take on the Binibining Pilipinas theme “Win Your Heart,” phenomenal boy group SB19 will return to the pageant’s stage to entertain the audience once again, for the 2024 grand coronation night that will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the most-enduring national beauty contest in the country.

After breathing new life to the already iconic theme song, and giving it a more modern upbeat flavor, the kings of P-Pop created a new era to the national pageant by becoming the official voice of the contest, echoing inside the halls during every event, and with spectators singing along to the tune.

Making the 2024 Bb. Pilipinas pageant a truly grand event marking six decades of championing Filipino women on the global stage, SB19 will be joined by OPM icons Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano as the special featured performers at the coronation night.

Also returning as hosts are 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, and 2014 Miss Universe semifinalist MJ Lastimosa, who will be joined this time by their fellow Bb. Pilipinas alumna, 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa.

Adding luster to the already star-studded affair is reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio. The Venezuelan beauty queen is the second titleholder in a row from the Japan-based global tilt to grace the Bb. Pilipinas pageant during her reign. Last year, the 60th queen Jasmin Selberg attended the ceremonies.

Reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio (left) and her predecessor Jasmin Selberg/ARMIN P. ADINA

Making the 60th anniversary of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant even more spectacular is the P1-million prize waiting for each of the two eventual winners. Even the runners-up’s prize money was jacked up to P400,000 this year.

The organization also unveiled two new crowns that will grace the heads of the new queens. They were crafted by acclaimed jewelry and accessories designer Manny Halasan, using responsibly-sourced diamonds, and taking inspiration from the Bb. Pilipinas logo.

All of these were announced during the much-raved press presentation program held at the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City on June 7, mounted by Aika Events and Productions, the same team behind the 2023 coronation show that also received a ton of positive feedback from pageant fans.

“The music, the cam angle and quality, the VO, iba talaga ang BBP,” a Youtube viewer said about the press presentation show that was streamed online in real-time.

Another viewer said, “And ganda ng production… I love BBP [walang] kupas [three heart emojis],” while another one said, “Lakas maka international stage. No issues. No tech probs. Awesome and flawless! Iba talaga BPCI! Walang kupas!”

The Binibinis will be seen next at the much-anticipated National Costume Competition, also at the New Frontier Theater, on June 11. The 40 ladies already teased what is to come through their individual “Asoka” makeup transformation challenge videos riding on the viral “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” online trend.

Two winners will be crowned at the Grand Coronation Night that will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City on July 7. The new queens will represent the Philippines at the 63rd Miss International pageant next year, and The Miss Globe competition later this year.