A Binibini reunion

Besides the 40 gorgeous girls competing for two titles, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and Bb. Pilipinas-International, at the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas Pageant on April 10 at the Araneta Coliseum (aired live by media partner ABS-CBN), those who got the lion’s share of the audience and of the photographers at the press presentation Tuesday last week (March 8) at the Luzon Room of Sofitel Philippine Plaza were the title-holders in the past 44 years. The affair, led by Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) head Stella Marquez-Araneta, turned out to be a Binibini reunion, according to Funfare Update’s “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas.

“All of them still look like winners,” said Celso.

Among them: Nini Ramos-Licaros (1968 Bb. Pilipinas-International and semi-finalist in that year’s Miss International), Simonette delos Reyes-Ferraren (1970 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe), Chiqui Brosas-Hahn (1975 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and Miss Universe fourth runner-up), Annette Liwanag-Ty (1975 Miss Maja Pilipinas and Miss Maja International fourth runner-up), Peachy Sacasas-Alimurung (1981 Bb. Pilipinas International and Miss International semi-finalist), Joyce Ann Burton-Titular (1981 Miss Young-Pilipinas and 1985 Bb. Pilipinas Universe), Jenette Fernando-Dizon (1993 Bb. Pilipinas Tourism), Miriam Quiambao (1999 Bb. Pilipinas Universe and Miss Universe first runner-up), Maricarl Tolosa-Cabel (2001 Bb. Pilipinas International), Karen Agustin-Ostrea (2002 Bb. Pilipinas Universe), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005 Miss International), Denille Valmonte (2006 Bb. Pilipinas International), Maggie Wilson-Consunji (2007 Bb. Pilipinas World), Luisa Beltran (2007 semi-finalist), Jennifer Barrientos (2008 Bb. Pilipinas Universe), Marie Ann Umali (2009 Bb. Pilipinas-World) and Nicolette Henson (2010 Bb. Pilipinas second runner-up).

Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) head Stella Marquez-Araneta (second from right) with Denille Valmonte (International 2006), Maggie Wilson-Consunji (World 2007) and 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman

Added Celso, “After sashaying and posing to an upbeat choreographed number in sexy orange swimsuits, the beauties were joined on stage by reigning queens: Venus Raj (Miss Philippines Universe and Miss Universe fourth runner-up), Czarina Gatbonton (Bb. Pilipinas World) and Krista Kleiner (Bb. Pilipinas International and Miss International semi-finalist).

Three last-minute candidates Bernadette Aguirre (No. 9), Girlie Lero (No.17) and Monique Manuel (No. 40), filled up the vacant slots left by Venus Raj deadringer Roxanne Cabañero, Grendel Alvarado and Jenilyn Olivar who were disqualified for some reasons.”

Also present were Jorge Araneta, BPCI execs Pitoy Moreno and Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo, and other BPCI and ABS-CBN executives. TJ Manotoc, son of 1970 Miss International Aurora Pijuan, hosted the affair.

Front row, from left: Chiqui Brosas-Hahn (Universe 1975), Peachy Sacasas-Alimurung (International 1981) and (inset) Nicolette Henson (second runner-up 2010); and (back row, also from left) Dang Cecilio-Palanca (Universe 1979), Joyce Ann Burton-Titular (Young-Pilipinas 1981and Universe 1985), Maricarl Tolosa-Cabel (International 2001) and Annette Liwanag-Ty (Maja 1975)