The sudden downpour didn’t dampen the Grand Santacruzan at the Araneta Center last Saturday, May 30, featuring past and present Binibining Pilipinas title-holders and runners-up as sagalas.
Instead of around the Center, the procession of beauties was held at the Araneta Coliseum.
A much-awaited annual event at the Araneta Center, the Santacruzan commemorates Queen Helena’s search for the Holy Cross. It is one of the most popular and highly-revered traditions in Filipino culture celebrating beauty and bounty.
This year’s festivities were more grand and more elaborate than those of previous years. Kicked off by the Santacruzan, the whole-day affair was capped by a Grand Kainan at Dampa in Farmer’s Market.
Top (from left): 2009 Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up Richelle Angalot (a.k.a. Rich Asuncion); 2009 Bb. Pilipinas candidates Jane dela Cruz, Abby Cruz, Jaysel Arrozal, Barbara Salvador and Diana Arevalo; 2009 Bb. Pilipinas Miss Friendship awardee Gizelle Rivamonte; 2009 Bb. Pilipinas candidate Mary Tiffany Jones; 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach; 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-World Marie Ann Umali; and 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Pamela Bianca Manalo. Seated (also from left): 1964 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Myrna Panlilio and 1994 Bb. Pilipinas-International Alma Concepcion.
Clockwise from top right: Pamela Bianca Manalo, Reyna Elena... Marie Ann Umali, Reyna de los Angeles... Melody Gersbach, Reyna de las Flores... and 2008 Bb. Pilipinas-International Patricia Fernandez.