It was a glittering Sunday evening when Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves and Miss Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa hosted the 59th edition of Binibining Pilipinas at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Darren Espanto opened the show with a rousing performance of “Win Your Heart,” while the “Unkabogable” star Vice Ganda performed “Rampa” during the swimsuit competition. After the segment, Ganda shared he was “ecstatic” that he was able to perform the song, which he said he specifically wrote for the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country.
For this year’s edition, Miss International 1960 Stella Marquez Araneta and Miss International 2022 Jasmin Selberg, the reigning titleholder from Germany, graced the coronation.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Madam Stella Marquez Araneta, first-ever Miss International,” Selberg captioned her Instagram post two days prior to the big night at The Big Dome.
At the end of the night, two queens and two runners-up were named, with the reigning queens — Binibining Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo, Binibining Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez, and runners-up Herlene Budol (1st) and Stacey Gabriel (2nd) — relinquishing their titles.
Palawan native Angelica Lopez, 22, won Binibining Pilipinas International. Lopez’s advocacy is inspiring, empowering and educating less fortunate children to be resilient and limitless amid life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Binibining Pilipinas Globe Anna Lakrini is a 25-year-old model and German teacher who represented the province of Bataan. Just like her inspiration, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, she’s interested in getting to know different cultures and countries and is an advocate of accessible and affordable nutrition.
Lakrini was also named Jag Denim Queen and Best in Swimsuit.
Binibining Pilipjnas 1st runner-up Katrina Johson, 25, is a licensed and certified clinical pharmacist from the province of Davao del Sur. As a medical professional, she wants to spread awareness of the importance of healthcare.
Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Atasha Parani, an ABS-CBN talent, said she wants to raise greater awareness about children and youth who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.
The other winners of the night included Albay’s Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano (Best in National Costume), Roxas City’s Julia Mae Mendoza (Face of Binibini), Hermosa, Bataan’s Mary Chiles Balana (Binibini Friendship) and Catanduanes’ Candy Marilyn Völlinger (Best in Talent).
The frontrunner and heavy favorite, Laguna’s Trisha Martinez, won Binibini Ever Bilena, Binibini Philippine Airlines and Best in Evening Gown.