Binibining Pilipinas runners-up Christal Jean Dela Curz (left) and Trisha Martinez. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
A month has passed since Binibining Pilipinas International Myrna Esguerra and Binibining Pilipinas Globe Jasmin Bungay received their respective national titles and earned the responsibility to represent the Philippines on the global arena. But it will not be just the two of them who will buckle down to training, because their runners-up Christal Jean Dela Cruz and Trisha Martinez are also tasked to undergo the same preparation regimen as them.
As first and second runners-up, respectively, Dela Cruz and Martinez are not just mere “ladies-in-waiting” in the event that the original representative would become unable to compete abroad; the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) may also tap any one of them should the organization acquire a new franchise that would require another delegate to be sent right away.
“It’s really a critical role. Not that I wish anything [will] happen to my queens. No, that’s the last thing that I want. But being a runner-up is really a big shoe to fill. We really have to prepare as if we are competing also internationally,” Martinez told INQUIRER.net in an interview.
She said she is focused on fulfilling her duties and responsibilities as a runner-up. And Dela Cruz echoed the same declaration, saying, “Yes, as runners-up, that’s what [BPCI] said to us. And that’s what we are prepared to do as well.”
The two, along with Esguerra and Bungay, emerged on top of the field of 40 aspirants who competed in the 60th anniversary edition of the longest-running national beauty pageant in the Philippines, an epic celebration that saw more than 100 former winners gathered together on stage. The celebration took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City on July 7.
“The experience is extraordinary. I can really feel that this batch was really special. I joined last year and it’s totally different. I can really feel that BPCI pulled out all the stops,” said Martinez, who shared that the moment will be something worth telling her future children.
Dela Cruz, for her part, shared getting goosebumps upon learning about the massive reunion of Bb. Pilipinas alumnae. “We were all cheering, and so I’m happy about that. Because aside from being a candidate, imagine standing with those amazing women who have fulfilled their duties and responsibility into being a queen with a purpose. Such a remarkable moment for me, and I will forever cherish that moment,” she said.
The two ladies also shared who among the previous runners-up were their favorites. For Martinez, it is Gabrielle Basiano from 2021, and it was Pia Wurtzbach from 2013 for Dela Cruz. Both eventually became Binibining Pilipinas titleholders in succeeding participations.
“I’m very close to Gabby [Basiano, 2022 Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental], and actually she’s one of the queens [who] told me ‘if ever you will be joining again, you will be facing a lot of criticisms, you will receive a lot of bashing. But it’s gonna be worth it, you just have to be there, you just have to show up.’ So I really owe Gabby for that advice,” Martinez said.
Dela Cruz, meanwhile, cited Wurtzbach’s perseverance before finally becoming Miss Universe in 2015. “She joined three times, and one of those she ended up being first runner-up. And she’s one of the judges during the coronation night. She really gave me an inspiration, that your journey doesn’t really stop here. You still have a long way to go and you just have to pursue what you want, and what you truly love [and] desire,” she said.
They will be as busy as the titleholders, but with a lower prize package and an anxiety-enducing period of uncertainty whether they will indeed join an international competition or not. But Martinez said she is grateful, nonetheless.
“I’m really very happy. Just to have this sash, it’s a different feeling. It’s always the goal, you always aim for the highest. I have this perspective in life, even [when] I took the board exam, my goal is to be a topnotcher, so that if ever I will not be able to reach the top, I’m still there. So it’s the same mindset that I have here in Bb. I aimed for the top, I’m still here. So, I’m really happy about it, I’m really grateful for this that I never thought about being so close to a title. And I think it’s really destiny,” she said.
As for Dela Cruz, she has already declared that a second trip back on the Binibini stage is highly likely. “I’m so grateful that I get to be part of the legacy and I can forever say that ‘once a Binibini, always a Binibini,’ right? But I’m still young and I’m not closing any doors yet,” she said.