Within crowning distance

MANILA, Philippines - The pageant host called out their names, but they welcomed the announcement with mixed feelings. Nevertheless, Laura Lehman and Hannah Ruth Sison, first and second runners-up, respectively of the recently-concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2014 beauty pageant, continued to flash their warm smiles, walked forward to receive the runner-up sashes and bouquet of flowers and took their designated place on stage.

These two ladies now share something in common with Miss Universe Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon, Bb. Pilipinas runner-up Elaine Kay Moll who became the Philippine’s bet to Miss Supranational 2012 eventually bagging third runner-up, and the recently-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa. As a runner-up, they are just a few notches away from the coveted crown. But will they, like Janine and MJ, vie for the title another time? Will they be willing to go through the rigors of competition all over again? Laura and Hannah share insights that even as a runner-up, one can feel as triumphant as having the coveted title and crown, sans the pressure of competing in an international pageant.

What was your initial reaction when you were proclaimed a runner-up?

Hannah: This is my second time to compete. The first time, I didn’t even make it to the Top 15. Now, I landed a notch higher so I am happy for that.

Laura: Mixed feelings. Three months ago, I did not know anything about pageants. It is my first try. I just pushed myself as far as I could and I am happy that I made it this far. Binibining Pilipinas told us that as runners-up, we would benefit from the same training as the titleholders so that is good.

What are your thoughts about joining again?

Hannah: Right now, I will just focus on my duties and responsibilities as runner-up, plus the training that Binibining Pilipinas will give us along with the winners. I’m turning 26 this year and I have another year to think about joining again. Of course, we are all inspired by MJ’s victory after three tries. It really is challenging, especially when you are almost there. Joining again is always a risk. It is better if you just focus on growing and the training. Besides, there will always be a different set of judges the next time.

Laura: Being a runner-up is a humbling experience. You feel you got something less than what you aimed for. There is always a reason why things happen. But I decided that I would enjoy every minute of it. While it is humbling, being a runner-up is also a challenge that you still need to push more. My mind is still open. If I join again, definitely, I will have an advantage because of the training we will have.

What do you remember most about your pageant experience?

Hannah: It is a good thing that our batch this year was a happy batch. I will treasure the friendship I made with the other girls. Unlike last year, I didn’t feel too pressured with this batch. Last year was too competitive. This year, there were no fights and we just enjoyed the pageant.

Laura: I liked the GK (Gawad Kalinga) experience when we spent time with kids. When you are in competition mode, your guard is always up, but when we were with the kids, we just let loose, were comfortable and just focused on being happy with the kids.

How do you deal with the fact that the winners come from competing training camps?

Hannah: I think there was less tension this year. Even if the Kagandang Flores group trained me, I made friends even with the girls from the other camps. Actually, joining a beauty pageant should not be a competition among camps. Right now, I will focus on the training to be provided by Binibining Pilipinas.

Laura: I am from Aces & Queens and I heard that last year, the competition was really intense. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not like that at all. Everyone, regardless of “camp” affiliation was helping each other. Actually, I was more focused on doing well as I stopped school for this.

If you were asked your question now, how would you change or modify your answer?

Hannah: (Question: Would you fall with someone outside your religion?) I would still say that I would fall with someone outside my religion. I think that love is not about religion if both of you understand each other. It can work. Besides, one is not supposed to condemn anyone because of religion.

Laura: (Question: What city best represents you?) I answered Amsterdam because I wanted to say that it is a very open-minded city and a fun-loving place people. I would probably modify my answer and say Barcelona, because in Spain, you feel very close to Filipino culture. I feel very close to home. Besides, Barcelona is full of excitement and adventure, just like me.

It is clear that whether they try again or not, Binibining Pilipinas runners-up Laura Lehman and Hannah Sison are treating their runner-up finishes as the best place they can be for now.