Bb. Pilipinas 2018 yields 40 contestants

By Jose D. Patao Jr.
January 19, 2018

THE 55th Binibining Pilipinas Pageant has officially kicked off when it held its final selection of contestants at the Kia Theater last Monday with almost 80 aspirants showing up for the crucial screening that went up to past midnight.

Fifty-three hopefuls survived the first cut. A long review and deliberation with the executive committee headed by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. chairperson Stella Marquez de Araneta preceded the awaited announcement of 40 official candidates for this year’s search.

The final roster included former national titleholders from other tilts, repeaters from previous Bb. Pilipinas pageants, models, professionals and working students. The 40 contestants with their corresponding official numbers are: 1.Vickie Marie Rushton, 2. Katherine Ventura, 3. Muriel Orais, 4. Patricia Asturias, 5. Rose Murphy, 6. Janice Roman, 7. Sigrid Flores, 8. Shane Tormes, 9. Agatha Romero, 10. Kayesha Chua, 11. Maria Andrea Abesamis, 12. Janette Sturm, 13. Istie Cequeña, 14. Samantha Bernardo, 15. Juliana Kapeundl, 16. Annalita Vizcarra, 17. Ahtisa Manalo, 18. Rosantonette Mendoza, 19. Michelle Gumabao, 20. Catriona Elisa Gray;

21. Anjame Magbitang, 22. Sophia Baiño, 23. Ena Louis Velasco, 24. Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, 25. Jerelleen Rodriguez, 26. Wynonah Buot, 27. KZ Cajandig, 28. Angelica May Corbe, 29. Samantha Avestruz, 30. Sarah Margarette Joson, 31. Jehza Mae Huelar, 32. Eva Psychee Patalinjug, 33. Stephanie Joy Abellanida, 34. Mary Joy de Castro, 35. Sandra Lemonon, 36. Loren Mar Artajos, 37. Patrizia Garcia, 38. Karen Gallman, 39. Trixia Marie Maraña, 40. Angelie Aubrey Asuncion.

Among the early favorites are Miss World Philippines and Miss World 2016 third runner-up Catriona Gray, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2014 and Law student Eva Patalinjug, Aya Abesamis, the daughter of Miss Universe 1984 third runner-up Dess Verdadero and cousin of Miss World 2003 Top 5 finalist Mafae Yunon; former Mutya ng Pilipinas and PBB housemate Vickie Rushton; and volleyball player Michelle Gumabao.

The winners this year will earn the right to represent the Philippines in the top international pageants, namely, Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Grand International, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe.

The candidates will undergo a series of preliminary activities and competitions leading to the grand coronation night at the Araneta Coliseum on March 18, to be aired live by ABS-CBN.

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A brand new national pageant for males - Mr. Philippines 2018 - was launched on Monday at Icon Hotel, Timog Ave., Quezon City under its CEO and founder Francisco “Gareth” Z. Blanco, Jr. and realized through the support of businesswoman-philanthropist Ms. Marieta G. Ortega, the executive producer for this year’s tilt.

The winners, to be proclaimed at the finals on June 23, 2018, will represent the Philippines in international pageants abroad. ICON Productions 888 will be the official production outfit of Mr. Philippines 2018.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/entertainment/bb-pilipinas-2018-yields-40-contestants