Cebuana Binibini queen might switch crowns with another winner

CEBU, Philippines – Continuing Cebu’s victorious streak in 2014 pageantry, another Cebuana managed to hurdle the steep competition in this year’s edition of Binibining Pilipinas by snagging the Supranational title Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But Rogelie Catacutan of Lahug, Cebu City might not want to get too attached to her crown yet, as there is talk of her possibly switching titles with fellow winner Christi Lynn McGarry, who was announced Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental.

McGarry can no longer compete in Miss Intercontinental as the Thalia look-alike already made a bid in the very same pageant back in 2010 when the contest’s Philippine franchise was still owned by Mutya ng Pilipinas. The Fil-Am placed in the Top 15 and even bagged the Queen of Asia and Oceania award.

This was one important detail the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 judges reportedly were not aware or informed of, and McGarry herself expressed during the pageant’s victory party that she was confused with her placement.

One solution for this snafu is reportedly a switch in titles between Catacutan and McGarry, but not without examining any legal ramifications first.

So pending any announcements, Catacutan will still be known as Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2015, a title she inherited from last year’s winner  Yvethe Marie Santiago who failed to place in the Miss Supranational winner’s circle last December in Poland.

Catacutan’s previous titles are Miss Cebu 2010 third runner-up, Reyna ng Aliwan 2011, and Miss Casino Filipino 2014. The registered nurse was also among the Best in National Costume Top 5.

Another finalist from the Queen City of the South, Miss Cebu 2013 Namrata Neesha Murjani did not enter the Top 15.

Third time lucky

As it was for Mary Jean Lastimosa, third time’s the charm for Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2015. This is the third time the Star Magic talent joined the pageant; she was a runner-up in 2013 and placed in the top 15 in 2014.

It can be remembered that Lastimosa, last year’s Miss Universe Philippines, lost in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant twice before clinching the top prize.

The 25-year-old from Cagayan de Oro City will represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Wurtzbach was not the only beauty contest veteran in this year’s pageant.

Janicel Lubina, a runner-up to Megan Young in the 2013 Miss World Philippines pageant, was named Binibining Pilipinas International. She became a media darling thanks to her humble blessings; before joining beauty pageants, Janicel worked as a house helper with her mother.

Ann Lorraine Colis is Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2015, while Hannah Ruth Sison and Kimverlyn Suiza settled for first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.

Special awards were also handed out to: Toni Alyessa Hipolito, Miss Friendship; Canielle Faith Santos, Miss Photogenic and Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice Award; Teresita Sen Marquez, She’s So Jag Award, Best in Talent and Best in National Costume; Lubina, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown; and Wurtzbach, Miss Creamsilk.

Judges were Ateneo Blue Eagles star player Kiefer Ravena, Novitel General Manager Bernd Schneider, Vice Ganda, Sarah Meier, Camarines Sur Congresswoman Leni Robredo, Robinson Land Corporation CEO Frederick Go, Ambassador from Chile Luis Fernando Lillo, General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Ambassdor to France Gilles Garachon and Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

RnB singer and newest ABS-CBN artist Jay-R, and “The Voice of the Philippines” Season 2 champ Jason Dy performed during the evening gown competition.

Toni’s hosting polarizes

Xian Lim teamed up with Toni Gonzaga for hosting duties, along with former queens Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup and Ariella Arida.

Besides Toni’s whimsical Cinderella-inspired opening gown that got people talking, she also created online wildfire because some netizens and even showbiz personalities did not like her dismissive remarks during the question and answer portion.

Director Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes tweeted: “The role of the host is to make the girls feel comfortable in the most difficult and nerve-shattering portion of contest. Unfortunately, Ms. Gonzaga unwittingly foisted the most unprofessional thing one could fathom. Her attitude was condescending, her stance was belittling — and she humiliated the contestants, turning the segment into a Comedy Bar routine — which befits her look at that moment as a badly dolled up transsexual.”

Another brutal critic of Toni’s hosting style was former Binibini winner Nina Ricci Alagao, who posted thus: “I admired how KC Concepcion handled not so satisfactory answers a few years ago…This time, I sensed over-confidence to the point of arrogance. And the way she prodded some of the judges to proceed with the Q&A was as if she was at par with these well-respected people in age and experience.”

After pointing out Toni’s pre-fame appearance that Alagao pointed out was far from her current features, adding that the TV host-actress should be a little more forgiving with people who aren’t perfect, Alagao ended with: “As my good friend Direk Edu Pillora put it, leave that kind of hosting to PBB, not BBP.”

Other netizens defended Toni, though, stating that she was a true entertainer and did a good job of garnering laughs during a tension-filled event. Judge Sarah Meier praised Toni for her great energy, while comedian Chokoleit called her an all-around performer. — PhilStar News Service with VAB