The making of a Bb. Pilipinas queen

MANILA, Philippines - It’s that time of year again. Just a few days into 2015, more than a hundred of the country’s loveliest once again trooped to the offices of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and filed their applications to join the premier beauty pageant. Only 34 made the final cut and will be presented to the press today at the Sunset Pavilion of the Sofitel Manila. Two Binibining Pilipinas queens, Rosemarie “Chiqui” Brosas (1975 Miss Universe fourth runner-up, held in El Salvador) and Ariella “Ara” Arida (2013 Miss Universe third runner-up held in Russia) share their insights on the current batch and how the search has evolved and reached new heights.

There are 34 ladies in this year’s roster. What are your initial reactions to the batch and how do you think they will fare in the international competitions?

Ariella: Most people say, and I agree, with this observation, that this is the batch which has the most number of prettiest faces. I also noticed that there are a good number of returning aspirants, which is good because one should keep trying to reach a dream. The Philippines will always be a strong contender in beauty pageants although sometimes hindi naman tayo laging mananalo.

Chiqui: Back then we were having such a hard time getting good candidates. Through the years, we were really trying to get the candidates na talagang maganda at pambato. Maybe because of the winning streak, Binibini now enjoys better prestige and presentation of the winners so there are more candidates who are attracted to join. And the winners through time become successful in their careers even after Binibini.  People realize that Binibini is able to develop personality as well and get to travel.

The girls will immediately plunge into several training sessions until the Coronation Night on March 15. What are the important things they should keep in mind?

Chiqui: I feel that the girls during the recent batches have more training. So the girls should take advantage of that. Right now, I think they actually hire someone to train the girls even out of the country. I noticed particularly this in the Q & A portion. They are given sample questions to ponder on. There is more presence, more training in the way they walk and other things.

Ariella: It is easy to learn the moves and be beautiful physically and all, but the important thing is to be sure of yourself, to not have insecurities. That for me is the most difficult thing to prepare for. When you are confident and comfortable with yourself and you are pitted against all the other beautiful ladies from all over the world, “dedma lang sa mas maganda or mas sexy.” It was during my send-off that I really felt that confidence. I didn’t think of anything negative and just focused and got excited when I competed. I just enjoyed every minute of it.

What was your favorite gown during competition?

2013 Miss Universe third runner-up Ariella ‘Ara’ Arida

Ariella: I loved the white gown I wore the night I won Miss Universe Philippines because it made me look like a Grecian goddess. It was flowing and I loved the way it followed my movements. It was also a very flexible kind of gown because there were several movements that you could do with it. During the Miss Universe competition, the yellow gown was a bit challenging to walk in it, but I loved the way it followed the shape of my body. So during rehearsals I tried to perfect walking in it.

Chiqui: During my time, they used local designers. A designer would endorse you. In my case, Rudy Fuentes endorsed me and was also my designer. Since I was also modeling for Pitoy Moreno, in the competition, I also used his gown. I remember I also had another gown for the National Costume with another famous Filipino designer, Christian Espiritu. The gowns were really, really nice.

Your message to Binibining Pilipinas 2015 candidates?

Ariella: Just enjoy and don’t dwell on the pressure. In this country, the beauty pageant stage is very competitive and it can eat you up. Just enjoy the journey to the crown.

Chiqui: Just be yourself. Just enjoy and practice sportsmanship. Never give up, there is still next year. Polish yourselves and become better and then join again. Just enjoy! It is something that is once in a lifetime. And don’t forget to build friendships among the other candidates.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2015 candidates still have a lot on their plates after the Press Presentation. The girls will be participating in a Fashion Show on Feb. 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Parade of Beauties on March 7 and the Grand Coronation Night slated on March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, which will be telecast live at ABS-CBN.