So after months of following the pageant, we reach the homestretch this coming weekend. Lots of events, interviews, opportunities of exposure, pictorials, etc, have occurred and now we await the results. But before that happens, how well can we predict who will take on the 6 titles this weekend....based on a group of ladies, where each woman has strengths AND weakness in different areas. As beautiful as they all are, the one observation I have is the fact that the "hunger" for the Miss Universe Philippines crown is not as evident as it was, when both Pia and Catriona competed in 2015/2018. We all knew that they wanted the top prize and both women, thus making it easy for fans to predict them as winners. However, this year it seems like the winner for MUP, even nearing the finals is "up in the air".....so once again, I'm looking forward to some unexpected results. SO that being said, here are my FINAL PREDICTIONS on the upcoming Sunday Finals":
MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2019: Patch Magtanong
Honestly, I think she fairs well in all segments of competition. She is eloquent & intelligent, she is physically fit, her stage presence is good and what I love most; she is exotically Pinay. She is a nice contrast to Catriona, and I think it's about time we see a Morena (I hope that's the correct term) on the Miss Universe pageant stage; especially since 2017 & 2018 were both represented by Mestizas. I really like the way she emotes, and she seems very relatable. Her nerves do show a little bit when being interviewed; but with practice, she could really hone her skills and excel. She reminds me of when Shamcey Supsup competed in 2011. Very new to pageants, but overall; the full package and her preparation prior to Miss Universe really paid off. I think Patch could easily bring the Philippines into a Top 5 finish at Miss Universe.
ALTERNATE: Aya Abesamis, Gazini Ganados, Emma Tiglao, Hannah Arnold
BB PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL 2019: Emma Tiglao
After previously competing at Binibini and Miss World Philippines, I think it's Emma's time to shine. This girl has proven each time that she has competed that she is a strong, determined competitor. Her experience, combined with her beauty will definitely prove to be an asset at an international pageant, which is why I think that Miss International would be the perfect pageant for her to compete it. Over the last few years, the Miss International winners have been a balance of sweet & sexy (Edymar, Kylie, Kevin, Mariem) and I certainly think that Emma possesses this trait. In addition, her look would be very well received by the Japanese organization. She's a beautiful lady, and I think that if she is sent to MI, she has a very strong chance of bringing that title back to the Philippines.
ALTERNATE: Hannah Arnold, Vickie Rushton, Gazini Ganados
BB PILIPINAS SUPRANATIONAL 2019: Aya Abesamis
Low and behold, the daughter of Desiree Verdadero returns to Binibini WITH A VENGEANCE. Aya has blown me away this year, especially with her transformation from last year. In this short period of time, she has improved immensely and I have a very strong feeling that this is the title that she will win. I think her communication skills have also improved since last year, so that should work well in her favor. She is a stunning Filipina and I think her look would definitely rock the Miss Supra stage. She's exotic, modelesque and her stage presence is excellent. Supra is not too focused on interview, so even if she doesn't master the perfect Q&A, I'm pretty sure that the judges will take a huge liking to her Pinay beauty. Aya is on cusp of the older girls in the group, but having previous Binibini experience should hopefully, work in her favor.
ALTERNATE: Maria Isabela Galeria, Gazini Ganados, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Jessarie Dumaguing
BB PILIPINAS GRAND INTERNATIONAL 2019: Samantha Mae Bernardo
I know that not many people really consider Grand International a major pageant, but I'm in the minority where I think it's rapidly become a big pageant that girls want to compete in. My only qualm is the fact that the director of this pageant could somewhat be unprofessional, and in order to sustain a proper reputation, some comments and practices should be enforced to the utmost professional, which sometimes the director forgets. However, I do love the production of this pageant, and the Philippines has done remarkably well in this pageant since its inception in 2013. That said, who do I think can win the first ever MGI crown for the Philippines? Well, I think that Miss Bernardo has everything it takes to do it. As we know, the organization seems to favor Latin countries (Meenakshi Chaudhary was ROBBED BIG TIME, last year), so Samantha has an aura that could pass off as Latina. The was she presents herself, and her stage presence oozes this kind of confidence that we see in Latin countries. In addition, she's pretty decent in interview and can execute her train of thoughts in a good way. As well, her sense of style is always on point. I think that if she were to win this title, she could easily make a huge impact at MGI 2019 and bring home the crown.
ALTERNATE: Patch Magtanong, Leren Bautista
BB PILIPINAS INTERCONTINENTAL: Samantha Lo
Another beauty that has really risen to the occasion is Samantha Lo. She is another of the most well spoken candidates this year, and has been deemed as the "Filipina Cindy Crawford" by many pageant fans. Our reigning Miss Intercontinental 2018 is Karen Gallman of the Philippines and she is absolutely STUNNING. If Samantha were to win this title, I could easily see a back-to-back victory with more training and preparation. Sam also possesses previous pageant experience so I think that will work very well in her favor.
ALTERNATE: Julia Saubier, Vickie Rushton, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Hannah Arnold
BB PILIPINAS GLOBE: Julia Saubier
Julia is the most well spoken candidate this year. Her execution of thoughts, her confidence; it all shines through when she speaks. I like the fact that she has a sweet face, she seems down-to-earth, and very relatable. However, if we are talking about the full package, and representing the Philippines at Miss Universe, she might end up blending in; rather than standing out. I do think that her performance at Binibini this year, was pretty good considering the fact that it is her first pageant. However, she could definitely benefit a few more years of experience before winning a crown. If I were to predict a crown for her this year, however, it would most probably be the Globe. AND, if that's the case, she would have an excellent shot at winner the Miss Globe title.
ALTERNATE: Aya Abesamis, Vickie Rushton
TOP 15:
Vickie Rushton: Although she was 1st runner up last year, I don't think a crown is secured for her this year. She is also one of the older contestants in the pageant. I think she has done everything well this year and I would not be surprised if she snatches a crown.
Gazini Ganados: Such a beautiful face; and overall is a strong candidate. However, her communication skills are a little shaky. Her nerves are very evident when she speaks, and I think if she is able to work on that, she could win a major crown in the near future.
Leren Mae Bautista: I think that this girl is stunning and could easily pull an upset.
Maria Isabela Galeria; I LOVE her, and I would've predicted her higher; she could easily pull an upset. She is fresh and beautiful (gives me major Dindi Pajares natural freshness)
Jessarie Dumaguing: This girl exudes exotic vibes and beauty. I think that she has time to compete again. Right now, I will place her in the Top 15.
Shane Tormes: I really like Shane. She may not be the strongest competitor, but I admire her determination to compete and fight to represent the Philippines. She's got a unique type of beauty and looks very down-to-earth.
Resham Saeed: another unique and exotic beauty, I think this girl could pull a surprise. Resham has trained with IPEN beauties in Canada, so I think that experience will certainly help her make an impact at Binibini.
REST OF THE TOP 25:
Sigrid Flores
Jessica Marisigan
Illene De Vera
Denise Omorog
Denielle Magno
Larah Lacap
Martina Diaz
Kimberle Penchon
Jane Genobisa
Nicole Guerrero
All in all, this is another highly anticipated and will be another big year for the Philippines in pageantry. The bar is always being raised and the country continues to surpass it. 2018, the Philippines had proved victorious in many Big 5 pageants winning the most prestigious, and prove their Asian powerhouse status, so I have no doubt in my mind, that this year will be another glorious and successful one to look out for. 40 amazing women, 25 spots, 6 crowns.....it's going to be difficult to predict. But one thing remains the same; Filipinos are very passionate about pageantry, which really does make them the best fans in the world - this passion drives every Filipina beauty queen in their most difficult moments, to rise above adversity and give it their all, when the time comes to compete their respective pageants. I hope you enjoyed the read and Happy Binibini!