MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The reigning queens of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant expressed their excitement over the Silver Anvil award that the 2021 staging of the competition received from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

“This is such an incredible achievement and reward for all who tirelessly continued to work through the pandemic for a pageant that is loved by many and tuned into,” Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold told the Inquirer in an online interview.

For her part, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Panlilio said she already considers it an honor to be part of the 2021 competition. “Given that the pageant took almost two years to come to life due to COVID-19 and another uncontrollable factors that caused delays, it is to the organization, the marketing and public relations team and each and every person involved that I share my victory of being a [Bb. Pilipinas] queen with,” she continued.

Arnold said that while people always associate the pageant with the queens, there are “people behind the scenes who are constantly thinking of and creating new, safe, fun and empowering ways to showcase the beauty of us [Filipino women] and the Philippines.”

The Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) scored its first ever Anvil award in the “PR Tools-Exhibit and Special Event-Beauty Pageant” category in the 57th edition of the Anvil Awards. The organization said it was among 99 entries shortlisted from a total of 540 public relations programs submitted.

The body recognized Araneta Group, through BPCI, for introducing innovations to address the changes in the event industry landscape resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Creative executions involving modern technology include the augmented reality (AR) component for the national costume showcase, multimedia advocacy promotions, mobile app voting, virtual pre-pageant presentations, and the grand coronation night which was broadcast live for the first time across multiple platforms.

Araneta Group’s official Anvil Award entry said, “[w]ith the shift to digital, Bb. Pilipinas attracted an even larger fanbase, as evidenced by the growth of its social media reach, engagement, and impressions. Views of all Bb. Pilipinas activities reached a cumulative total of 1.03 million. The Grand Coronation Night alone logged 2.3 million views and earned 4.5 million total impressions. It also proved to be one of the biggest events of the year, dominating headlines and earning media values worth more than ₱45.8 million.”

The Bb. Pilipinas pageant has opened its 2022 season, with aspirants encouraged to turn in their application until April 8 to [email protected], or to the BPCI Secretariat at the South Gate.

While all women deserve to be on the Bb. Pilipinas stage, Arnold said, she will particularly look for “women who are true to themselves, have a genuine purpose as to why they are joining and of course have a glow on the outside that comes from all the kindness within.”

Panlilio, meanwhile, said she hopes to see women who are “genuine, open to growth and supporting other women in this industry, someone who is selfless, prepared, and most importantly a woman who will leave her own legacy for our country.”

The 2021 Bb. Pilipinas pageant has produced two international titleholders already—2021 Miss Intercontinental Cinderella Faye Obeñita and 2021 Miss Globe Maureen Montagne.

Panlilio participated in the 2021 Miss Grand International pageant in December, while Arnold is set to compete in the 60th edition of the Miss International pageant later this year.