An interior designer from Quezon City is the new Miss Universe Philippines.
Twenty-five year old Maria Mika Maxine Medina won the title at the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas coronation night on Sunday held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
No less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Medina, who will compete in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
Wurtzbach, who is currently based in New York as the reigning Miss Universe, flew to the country on Wednesday morning to crown her successor.
Medina defeated 39 other candidates from across the country in a bid to cop a back-to-back victory for the Philippines in the world’s most prestigious pageant.
She was also hailed the Bb. Philippine Airlines.
Kylie Verzosa, a pageant favorite, was named Bb. Pilipinas International. She also took home the Ms. Photogenic, Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice and JAG She’s Got the Look awards.
Securing the Bb. Pilipinas Grand International title was Nicole Cordovez, who works at the Department of Finance.
Laguna’s bet Jennifer Hammond was declared Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental. She also won Best in Long Gown.
The Bb. Pilipinas Supranational title went to 19-year-old Joanna Deapera Eden, who also bagged the Best in Swimsuit award.
Nichole Marie Manalo from Quezon City was Bb. Pilipinas Globe. She also won Bb. Creamsilk.
Other winners include Vina Prulla Openiano (Ms. Friendship and Best in Talent) and Angela Lauren Fernando (Best in National Costume).
Among those who made the Top 15 were Vina Prylla Openiano, Riana Agatha Pangindian, Apriel Smith, Roshiela Navarro Tobias, Kimberle Nae Licao, Dindi Joy Pajares and Edlyn Joy Cay Gamboa.
Binibining Pilipinas, now in its 53rd edition, is the longest-running and most prestigious beauty pageant in the country. It chooses and sends the country’s representatives to major international beauty contests.
