MANILA, Philippines—Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was a feast to the eyes when the 34 contestants for the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 took the ramp donning their best casual wear and national costume gown in a pre-pageant special show.
As early as now, crowd favorites were contestant number 10, Filipino-German Pia Romero, otherwise known as Pia Wurtzbach and contestant number 34, Teresita Sen “Wynwyn” Moreno Marquez.
It turned out it’s Miss Wurtzbach’s fourth time to join Bb. Pilipinas and her supporters in the audience are one in the belief that she’ll be the titleholder this year.
Miss Marquez is the daughter of actor-public servants Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno. Wynwyn has also acted in a few soap operas, which explains her fan base. Every time she appeared on stage, the coliseum is filled with shrieks and screams. Some brought placards and posters bearing her face and name.
INQUIRER.net discovered two buses parked infront of the Big Dome’s red gate, which were waiting to for supporters from Parañaque City. As we all know, Marquez once served as mayor and Moreno as councilor of Parañaque.
In fact, former beauty queen-model-actress Melanie Marquez was in the audience. When she was interviewed by one of the pageant’s hostess, she said, “They are all beautiful but of course, you know who is my favorite.”
Melanie is the aunt of Wynwyn.
Melanie’s words of wisdom: “You should all be thankful to BB. Pilipinas because this will be your stepping stone in the realization of your dreams. Even if you don’t win, be grateful and continue to strive. Look at me, I am Melanie Marquez because of BB. Pilipinas.”
As if on cue, present were the younger alumni who were all titleholders. Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Venus Raj and BB. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 Ariella Arida were members of the panel of judges.
Bb. Pilipinas-International 2014 Bianca Guidotti and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa were radiant in their green glowing gown on stage as co-hosts.
They were joined in by their co-alumni from last year’s pageant, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Parul Shah, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Yvethe Marie Santiago and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Kris Tiffany Janson.
The first part of the night had the contestants donning their best casual wear sponsored by Jag jeans.
Second part had them taking the ramp in their most innovative choice for a national costume.
Iconic rock band The Dawn performed two songs on the left side of the stage as the beauties paraded before the audience.
Vocalist Jett Pangan looked younger and chic in his fuschia-pinkish long-sleeves. Bass guitarist Buddy Zabala and lead guitar player Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez can’t help but crane their necks to the contestants passing near them as they wait for their cue to play.
First was “Habulan,” their song about, well, chasing someone special who seems out of reach, appropriately accompanying the parade-like walk on the ramp of all the 34 contestants in their choice of national costume.
Second was “Iisang Bangka” for the final pose of the beauties. It was the band’s earlier hit about unity that became more popular when it was used for a beer commercial. It’s as if suggesting to ordinary mortal males in the audience, if you can’t get a shot of being their lovers, just be united in drinking beer.
Finally the names of the top five contestants for the best in national costume category were announced. The winner will be named on the coronation night on March 15, also at the Big Dome.
In no particular order they are: Contestant number 25, Rogelie Catacutan, whose gown was designed by Philip Tampus; Wurtzbach by Albert Andrada; Marquez, a simple white gown designed by Frederick Peralta; contestant number 27 Ina Dominica Guerrero by John Cliff Dimaala and number 29 Nancy Lee Leonard designed by Edwin Uy.
Thankfully there were no cake-inspired designs.
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