The 1st Bb. Pilipinas Pageant (1964)

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
The Philippine Star
01/26/2005

From left to right: Elvira Gonzales (Second Runner up, mother of Charlene Gonzales), Myrna Panlilio (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1964) and Milagros Cataag (First Runner Up)

On July 5, 1964 at 8 p.m., the maiden edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant was staged at the Araneta Coliseum. The event was scheduled July 3 but was postponed due to Typhoon Dading that battered Central Luzon including Manila and its suburbs earlier that week.

Out of 28 aspirants, only 15 were chosen as official candidates. They were Marilou Alberto, Lilia Alvarez, Milagros Cataag, Marita Dimayuga, Aida Gaerlan, Elvira Gonzalez, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Edna Rosanna Keyes, Carmelita Larrabaster, Sonia Orendain, Maria Myrna Panlilio, Thelma Shaw, Chiqui Somes, Milagros Sumayao and Josefina Zaldua.

The pageant opened with the introduction of the finalists followed by their appearance in cocktail dresses. Then, wearing elegant ternos, they delivered short speeches. Finally, they paraded in identical playsuits (less-revealing swimsuits).

Lalaine Benett, Miss Philippines and Miss Universe 1963 third runner-up, announced the winners. Milagros Cataag was adjudged Bb. Waling-waling and Elvira Gonzalez as Bb. Ilang-ilang. Myrna Panlilio was declared the first Bb. Pilipinas.

Myrna Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 1964 -- The 1st Bb. Pilipinas winner

Then 21 years old and an AB major in Foreign Service graduate of Maryknoll College, Panlilio was a Merchants Bank teller. She won P2,000 cash, Regal sewing machine, a year’s supply of Helene Curtis beauty products, a complete wardrobe from Philippine Couturiers Association, a golden trophy from the Lions Club and free trip to Miami, Florida, USA.

The panel of judges was composed of Aurora Recto, Elvira Manahan, Jake Romero, Ramon Tapales and Romeo Gustilo. Entertainers were Pilita Corrales, Alice Reyes Dance Group, Vic Soledad, The Filipinas Quartet and balancing expert Walter Lavarr.

Two nights before the Bb. Pilipinas finals, Panlilio was among the 15 candidates of Maid of Cotton 1964 (won by Bettina Herrero) held at the Philam Life Auditorium on July 3.

Alberto, Gonzalez, Larrabaster and Somes joined the Philippines’ Fairest Ten for 1964 search held at the Philam Life Auditorium on July 4. Only Gonzalez made it to the final 10.

Gonzalez (mother of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1994 Charlene Mae Gonzalez and Richard Bonnin) and Sumayao (a.k.a. Mila Ocampo, mother of Snooky Serna) were Miss Philippine Press Photography winners.

Chiqui Somes appeared in Hangga’t May Hininga (1964) with Eddie Mesa and Ronald Remy. Mila Ocampo did Takdang Sandali (1965) with Gloria Sevilla, Amado Cortez and Von Serna. Elvie Gonzalez was featured in Dugay Na Sa Maynila, Tonto Ka Pa (1968) with Anita Linda, Gina Laforteza and Max Alvarado.


*** SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ricardo "Ricky" F. Lo & Celso Caparas