Binibining Pilipinas reveals final candidates for 61st edition

Aspiring beauty queens, pioneering women and pageant veterans — all bringing with them their unique stories, backgrounds and advocacies — make up the 36 candidates vying for the crown in the 61st edition of Binibining Pilipinas.

The selection process began on March 5, when Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) opened applications, and concluded on March 21. This year, the contestants will compete for two prestigious national titles — Binibining Pilipinas International and Binibining Pilipinas Globe — currently held by Myrna Esguerra and Jasmin Bungay, respectively.

This new season of Binibining Pilipinas presents a diverse roster of girls, all bringing with them their unique stories, backgrounds and advocacies. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

The candidates include Jeanette Reyes of Batangas City, Liiya Patricia Santiago of Bulacan, Jercy Raine Cruz of Makati City, Mia Betina Golosino of Malabon City, Lois Vivien Garce of Albay, Nichole Nash Andrea Vergara of Sariaya, Quezon, Annabelle Mae McDonell of Iligan City, Adrea Clavel Sumadsad of Tiaong, Quezon Province, Jenesse Viktoria Mejia of Pangasinan, Kimberly Naz of Antipolo City, Alyssa Mildred Villarina of Rizal Province, Francesca Beatriz Alvalaion of Aklan, Shereenia Mae Valerio of San Mateo, Rizal, Devine May Torres of Zamboanga del Sur, and Bianca Mae Hernandez of Pasig City.

Completing the list are Alyssa Rae Zabala of Marikina City, Vivian Hernandez of Valenzuela City, Kathleen Enid Espenido of Siargao, Ma. Andrea Endico of Quezon Province, Farah Jane Rebustillo of Samar, Pretty Shane Arnejo of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, Anna Carres De Mesa of Batangas Province, Joanna Francez Batalang of Ilocos Sur, Radha Marie Cabug of District 2, Las Piñas City, Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao, Cyril Reign Nulud of San Fernando, Pampanga, Jemille Justine Zosa of Mandaluyong, Ma. Alexandra Mata of Tarlac Province, Glycelle Achurra Navarres of South Cotabato, Blessie Jay Villablanca of Antique, Nica Dacanay of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Joanne Marie Thornley of Pampanga, Jerimi Nuqui of Caloocan City, Patricia Layug of Bataan, Alyssa Marie Geronimo of Nueva Ecija, and Dalia Khattab of Las Piñas.

The Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant is one of the most anticipated competitions in the world. Launched in 1964, the yearly quest has become the country's biggest and most anticipated beauty event, with hundreds of aspirants participating from all over the Philippines.