Three of the country’s most dazzling beauties were proclaimed as this year’s Binibining Pilipinas during the Coronation Night held March 6 at the Araneta Coliseum. The three candidates bested 21 other aspirants and will represent the country in the prestigious Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International pageants.
Getting the judges’ nod for the three most coveted titles are candidate no.11, Krista Arietta Kleiner, as Bb. Pilipinas-International, candidate no.10, Maria Venus Raj, as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, and candidate no.21, Czarina Catherine Gatbonton, with candidate no.22, Dianne Necio, and candidate no.18, Helen Nicolette Henson, as first and second runners-up, respectively. The winners were constant favorites during the series of exciting pre-pageant activities, showing winning forms especially during the first-ever Pre-Pageant, which showcased the swimsuit and long gown competitions, and a Question and Answer portion with the judges.
Aside from being bestowed one of the three major titles, Kleiner was also declared Best in Swimsuit, Raj was awarded Best in Long Gown, and Gatbonton was conferred the Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice Award. The Miss Photogenic award was given to second runner-up Henson, who also clinched the Del Monte Ms. Fit & Right and the Ms. Philippine Airlines awards. Other winners of special awards were candidate no.7, Laurese Ann Caparas, for the Texters’ Choice Award and candidate no.4, Selena Alexis Antonio, for the Araneta Center Shoppers’ Choice Award.
The distinguished panel of judges for this year’s pageant was composed of H.E. Thierry Borja de Mozota, Ambassador of France to the Philippines; H.E. Ivan J. Crespo, Ambassador of Panama to the Philippines; Mike Enriquez, multi-awarded TV and radio newscaster; Juvenal Sanso, one of the foremost senior artists and masters in the country; Aurora Pijuan, former Miss International; Claudine Barretto, box-office queen and award-winning movie and television actress; Nonito Donaire, WBA Interim World Super Flyweight Champion; Gabe Norwood, basketball superstar; Jaime Bautista, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, Inc.; Goran Aleksandrovski, General Manager of Sofitel Philippine Plaza; and Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, 30th Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy.
A breathtaking dance showdown featuring the 2009 reigning beauty queens Pamela Bianca Manalo (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe), Melody Gersbach (Bb. Pilipinas-International), and Marie Ann Umali (Bb. Pilipinas-World) with the special participation of GMA heartthrobs Akihiro Sato, Victor Aliwalas, and Daniel Matsunaga, together with the Whiplash dancers, gave everyone an adrenalin rush and conveyed the night’s theme of “Shades of Glam.” Arnel Pineda, Filipino lead singer of the popular American rock group “Journey,” serenaded the ten finalists and impressed the audience with his vocal range. The Coronation Night was hosted by dashing GMA star Dingdong Dantes, with the lovely Carla Abellana as co-host.
For the first time in the pageant’s 46-year history, a Pre-Pageant (aired last February 28 over GMA 7) was held a few days before the Coronation Night. On Pre-Pageant Night, all 24 candidates modeled beautiful ternos created by some of the most well-known Filipino designers, elegant evening gowns, and chic swimsuits. They were serenaded by R&B and pop singers JayR, Kris Lawrence, and AJ Tabaldo. JayR co-hosted the night with Rhian Ramos and Drew Arellano.
Highlight of the Pre-Pageant were the special awards given to candidate No. 11, Krista Arietta Kleiner, as Best in Talent, and candidate No. 10, Maria Venus Raj, as Best in Regional Costume (terno). The Ms. Friendship special award went to two candidates as a tie was announced – another first in the history of the pageant – candidate No. 10, Maria Venus Raj, and candidate No. 19, Kate Princess Alimurong.
The newly-crowned 2010 Bb. Pilipinas beauty queens will undergo a series of intensive training sessions for personality development, languages, poise and grooming, runway skills, and on-cam training in preparation for the international competitions. Aside from the trainings, the newly crowned beauty queens will also take part in various humanitarian projects of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI). The annual Binibining Pilipinas pageant is a project of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), a non-stock, non-profit organization founded by its chair, Stella Márquez Araneta. The pageant, BPCI’s primary instrument as it pursues its mission of spreading peace and love across the nation, is a prestigious fund-raising activity for projects that would benefit orphans, indigent families, calamity victims, and other less fortunate members of Philippine society.
The 2010 Binibining Pilipinas pageant is presented By GMA 7, Inc. and the Araneta Center, together with Del Monte Fit & Right – “For the body you’ve always wanted,” Philippine Airlines (the official carrier), Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (official residence), Natasha Beauty (official make-up), and Manhattan Garden City. Also supporting the event are Swan Catering (official caterer), Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Manila Bulletin (official media partner),and Araneta’s service partners Gold’s Gym, David’s Salon, Picture City, Raymond Saldaña Photography, Dale Carnegie Training, Berlitz Language Center, Philippine Charter Insurance, Entrepreneurs School Of Asia, Cagsawa Travel & Tours, and the Department Of Tourism (DOT). The 2010 Bb. Pilipinas coincides with the Araneta Coliseum’s 50th anniversary.
