Bb. Pilipinas marks more milestones in 2011

By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
January 31, 2011, 11:55am
MANILA BULLETIN

The 40 official candidates of Binibing Pilipinas 2011. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Saldaña)

MANILA, Philippines —  In a surprising twist of events, 40, not 24, ladies will vie for the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant’s highly coveted titles this year.

“We want it to be different this year. This year, it’s really amazing. The number of qualified girls, there’s just so many of them. So many qualified girls and we can’t just limit them to 24, so that’s why we decided to extend it,” Gines Enriquez, Araneta Coliseum Sales and Marketing Manager, explained to Bulletin Entertainment after the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Special Press Preview held at the Gateway Suites last Jan. 29.

The decision to choose 40 instead of the traditional 24 official candidates is a first in the pageant’s 46-year history. Members of the press were invited to witness the screenings that began last week; another move that is also a first since the entire screening process used to be a private affair.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chair Stella Marquez Araneta explained to Bulletin Entertainment why they decided to involve the media more actively this year.

“We like to do things that will be more relevant to the year. And I think that people want to be more involved, that's why I have invited people to come in and see what we do,” said she.

Araneta also clarified that there had not been any changes in the pageant’s selection process rules in light of the Venus Raj nationality mix-up last year.

“No, no. There are no difference[s] in the rules. The rules are the same.

“There was just a mistake that she brought some papers that were not for the international contest and that's why she was disqualified. Once things were fixed, then she was welcomed [back].

“But the rules are still the same, they have not changed,” she said.

The remaining 50 applicants endured the rigorous, more than six-hour long final screening in front of a panel consisting of Araneta, BPCI co-vice chair Pitoy Moreno, and past and reigning beauty queens including Venus Raj, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas - International Krista Kleiner, 2010 Bb. - Pilipinas World Charina Gatbonton and 2010 2nd runner-up Nicolette Henson.

“We are thinking of who will represent the best from the Philippines, and that's all my concern. But of course, we select girls who are qualified to enter a beauty contest internationally and have a chance to win,” Araneta said.

This year’s roster of applicants was composed of registered nurses, models, hosts, athletes, and corporate professionals, among others. Aside from parading in their cocktail dresses and two-piece swimsuits, some of the applicants also showcased their talents such as singing, guitar playing and beatboxing.

However, two candidates who stood out because of their backgrounds were former “Deal or No Deal 26k” girl Martha Chloe McCulley and Kathleen Subijano, younger sister of 1994 Bb. Pilipinas – World Cara Subijano.

Below is the full list of the 40 official candidates for the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 coronation night to be held in April at the Araneta Coliseum:

Jenette Noguchi, Elizabeth Clenci, Gianna Therese Quintos, Shamcey Supsup, Diana Arevalo, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Jenilyn Olivar, Teresa Pamela Ludovice, Ma. Kristina Marasigan, Queenierich Rehman

Camille Alexis Baltazar, Glennifer Perido, Krystle Ann Grant, Jennielyn Natividad, Patricia Marie Tumulak, Paula Camille Figueras, Roxanne Cabañero, Marish Alyssa Marquinez, Hazelyn Santos, Arabella Hanesh

Carla Lacson, Martha Chloe McCulley, Diane Necio, Luzelle Felipe, Jenn Roe Gubat, Isabella Manjon, Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, Ladylyn Riva, Kathleen Subijano, Wendy Lucas

Sabrinne Al-Tawil, Janine Tugonon, Kenneth Dimaapi, Angelica Ong, Samantha Purvor, Zephora Mayon, Carolyn Ty, Grendel Alvarado, Sarah Nicole Clenci, and Suzette Hernandez.