Bye Bye Bb. Pilipinas, Hello Miss Universe Philippines

With the new year comes new beginnings and endings,  and in the case of Binibining Pilipinas, the earth- shaking announcement of the parting of ways between Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) and the Miss Universe Org. The split effectively marks the end of a glorious era in Philippine pageant history. Under the guidance of Madame Stella Marquez Araneta, the country’s premier pageant has produced four Miss Universe winners, eight runners up, 10 semifinalists and the most number of Miss Photogenic winners.

For the past 55 years, BPCI has built and nurtured Bb Pilipinas into becoming the country’s premier beauty search and whose winners have brought pride and recognition to the country.  As the official Miss Universe franchise holder, Bb Pilipinas has been spearheading the selection of the country’s bet for the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions. It was unimaginable that the search for the Philippines’ candidate for Miss Universe would be headed by another pageant.  The news that the Miss Universe Organization did not renew its license with Bb Pilipinas sent shock waves to pageant fans. 

MEET THE NEW GROUP BEHIND THE MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES ORG. Starting this January, the newly- organized Miss Universe Philippines Org (MUP) will launch its inaugural search for the next Miss Universe Philippines. The group has former Bb Pilipinas- Universe 2011 and Miss Universe 2011 3^rd RU Shamcey Supsup- Lee as its national director and long-time pageant mentor Jonas Gaffud as creative director. Other officials include Albert Andrada as the Design Council Head, Lia Ramos as Head of Women Empowerment Committee and Charity, lawyer Nad Bronce as Head of Legal Affairs, and Mario Garcia as Business Development and Marketing Head. 

As Stella takes her exit, Shamcey sashays to take over

In a carefully- worded statement released right after the Miss Universe 2020 finals, MUP announced their partnership with the Miss Universe Organization in the selection of the Philippines’ bet for the Miss Universe Pageant and, at the same time, expressed the gratitude of the MUO of the leadership of the Araneta Group and Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. for their more than 50 years of stewardship of the Miss Universe brand and franchise in the Philippines. 

From Stella to Shamcey

The new alliance and partnership is confident that with its alignment with the transformative purpose and vision of Miss Universe, the beauty, the grace and intelligence of the Filipina will continue to shine and captivate in the global stage.

BPCI PROMISES A BIGGER & BETTER BB PILIPINAS SANS MISS U TITLE Through an official statement, "Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) and its ExCom headed by Ms. Stella Marquez de Araneta, Ms. Conchitina Bernardo, Ms. Betsy Westendorp Brias, Mr. Raymond Villanueva and Ms.Irene Jose, informed everyone that after 55 years of nurturing and protecting the brand, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has decided not to renew its license with BPCI," 

Despite the setback, BPCI is putting on a brave face and appears to be moving forward even after losing the Miss Universe franchise with the launch of the 2020 edition of the annual search for Binibining Pilipinas, the longest- running and the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country which is aimed at focusing on its charitable initiatives and the selection of the country’s bets to upcoming international beauty competitions. 

The major crown will go to the Binibining Pilipinas International title. Other crowns are Binibining Pilipinas Supranational, Binibining Pilipinas Globe, and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International. But more importantly, BPCI shall continue its charity works with orphanages, children’s hospitals and wounded soldiers at the AFP Hospital, animal welfare and other charitable causes.

WHO IS MADAME STELLA MARQUEZ ARANETA?  With the breaking news that Bb Pilipinas Charities, Inc lost the Miss Universe franchise to the newly- organized Miss Universe Philippines Org, Stella Marquez Araneta, the lady behind BPCI became a trending topic in social media. 

Stella Marquez & her Court

THE FIRST MISS INTERNATIONAL  Born Stella Marquez Zawadsky, the Colombian beauty captivated the world when she was crowned the first Miss International in 1960. After winning the title, she got invited to visit countries from around the world. It was a year after becoming Miss International that Stella was invited to grace a fashion show to be held at the Araneta Center in Quezon City, Philippines where she met a dashing and well- mannered Philippine industrialist named Jorge Leon Araneta who swept her off her feet. 

What followed was an intercontinental romance that spanned the Pacific Ocean from Manila, Philippines to Cali, Colombia. Their love story culminated with a dazzling fairy tale wedding in Cali, Colombia. During the Golden Anniversary of the Bb Pilipinas Pageant back in 2013, the entire country swooned when the very private Jorge Araneta planted a kiss on his beauty queen wife during the tribute for Stella.

The now famous kiss was more than just a recognition of her exemplary and remarkable handling of BPCI. It was a reaffirmation of a Pinoy’s love and devotion for his beloved.

STELLA’S LEGACY & GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE SOCIETY Madame Stella maybe a Colombian by birth but she is definitely a Filipina by heart. Stella has been instrumental in paving the way for the discovery of lovely Filipinas who put the Philippines in the world map of legendary beauties. 

It was in 1964 that she organized the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI), a non-stock, non-profit organization and foundation, the organizer of the Binibining Pilipinas (or Miss Philippines). For the past 55 years, BPCI has established skills trainings and educational workshops for the indigents and philanthropic/humanitarian projects and activities that have benefitted many orphans and street children, poor families and other less fortunate members of the Philippine society. 

Bb Pilipinas queens’ Golden Reunion in 2013

Under her stellar handling of BPCI, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners, five Miss International winners and a Miss Supranational winner and this achievement has already secured for her a place in Philippine pageant history.

BOHOLANAS WHO WON IN BB PILIPINAS Four Boholanas have won in Bb Pilipinas. They are Karen Boyonas Gallmann 2018 Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental and 2018 Miss Intercontinental (First Pinay to win the crown) Anna Maris Arcay Igpit 2006 Bb Pilipinas World, Richelle Pacaldo Angalot 2009 Bb Pilipinas 1^st Runner Up and Perla Salig Teves 1979 Bb Pilipinas 1^st Runner Up

Your Roving Eye with Bb Pilipinas- Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallmann

& Ms. Vanessa Aumentado who organized Karen’s victorious homecoming visit 

L-R: Anna Maris Igpit, Ritchell Angalot & Perla Salig- Teves

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is Finally Home!

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach arrived early this morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Jakarta, Indonesia. Despite the unholy hour, Pia looked absolutely smashing and confidently beautiful. 

Getting crowned as the most beautiful woman of the universe absolutely boosted Queen Pia's self- confidence and self- assuredness.   

 Royal welcome for Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach

Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc Chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta led well- wishers in giving Pia a warm welcome befitting a queen. After a mini press conference at the arrival area, the beauty queen was whisked off to Novotel Araneta Center, her official home for her homecoming.

Pia needs all the beauty rest and pampering for she will plunge into a whirlwind of activities starting tomorrow.

Queen Pia’s homecoming will be highlighted by two big events: 

1.Victory Parade, January 25, Monday,

Her victory parade route includes Quezon City, Manila and Makati 

2.Tribute to Miss Universe show,  January 28, Thursday

Venue: SMART Araneta Coliseum

  

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  Novotel Araneta  welcomes Miss U 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

In between are the courtesy calls, press conferences, welcome parties, sponsor visits and attending Vic Sotto & Pauleen Luna’s wedding. A high point of Pia’s homecoming will be her sentimental journey home to Cagayan de Oro City. 

Welcome home Queen Pia and long may you reign!

Miss Universe Philippines Trivia & Tidbits Through the Decades

With the Miss Universe triumph of Pia Wurtzbach, the Philippines is now ranked fourth after USA, Venezuela & Puerto Rico in that order as the countries with the most number of Miss Universe crowns. The Philippines also lives up to its billing as the Pearl of the Orient Seas since it is the most successful Asian country in Miss Universe. Three Miss Universe crowns, two 1^st RU, five 3^rd RU, two 4^th RU and eight semifinalists plus special awards.

From 1952 to 1957 and 1962 to 1963, the Miss Philippines pageant was held to select the representative of the Philippines to the Miss Universe Pageant. There were no representatives from 1958- 1961. 

After the first Miss International winner Stella Marquez Araneta of Colombia got married to Filipino Jorge Araneta, she organized Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc in 1964 right after acquiring the local Miss Universe franchise and has been sending candidates from 1964 to the present without fail.

Here now are the firsts for the Philippines in Miss Universe:

 Teresita Torralba Sanchez

FIRST FILIPINA DELEGATE. Teresita Torralba Sanchez entered pageant history books as the first Filipina to have competed in Miss Universe when she was selected to be the country’s representative in the pageant’s inaugural edition in 1952. 

Teresita Torralba Sanchez was crowned Miss Philippines 1952 on April 26, 1952 by the Mayor of Manila, Arsenio Lacson at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel. 

During the pageant finals on June 28, 1952 held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, Teresita fainted but recovered before the announcement of winners.  

FIRST TOP 15 SEMIFINALIST. Maria Candida Blesilda "Bessie" Mueler Ocampo who was crowned Miss Philippines on December 19, 1953 at the Boys Town Auditorium is the first Filipina delegate to make it as top 15 semifinalist  

  Blesilda Mueler Ocampo: 1st Top 15 for RP

FIRST TOP FIVE FINALIST. Miss Philippines Lalaine Betia Bennett is the first Filipina to enter the Miss Universe Final Five. Lalaine eventually finished as 3^rd Runner-Up to Ieda Maria Vargas of Brazil. She married her official escort in the pageant, Felix Skievasky, a US Naval Officer of Polish-Filipino descent in Manila.

  Lalaine is Miss U 1963 3rd Runner Up

FIRST BB. PILIPINAS- UNIVERSE. In 1964, Maria Myrna Sese Panlilio became the first Bb Pilipinas to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe Pageant  

FIRST MISS UNIVERSE. Gloria Diaz became the first Filipina and third Asian to win the Miss Universe Pageant after besting 60 other beauty delegates from around the world at the 18th Miss Universe pageant held at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida, USA , July 19 1969. Outgoing queen Martha Vasconcellos of Brazil crowned Gloria Diaz.  

Incidentally, Gloria is also the first Filipina and first Miss Universe to enter the sound- proof glass booth  that made its first appearance during the final Q & A in Miss Universe 1969

FIRST SIBLINGS TO COMPETE IN MISS UNIVERSE. When Simonette Berenguer de Los Reyes represented the country in the 1970 Miss Universe Pageant, she made history with her sister Yvonne Berenguer de los Reyes as the first Filipina siblings to compete in Miss Universe. Yvonne competed in 1955

FIRST MISS PHOTOGENIC. 1971. Alluring and vivacious Vida Valentina Doria is the first Filipina to be voted Miss Photogenic by the press photographers of Miss Universe

Miss Photogenic is Miss Philippines

FIRST FILIPINA MISS UNIVERSE & MISS PHOTOGENIC WINNER. In 1973, Margarita "Margie" Moran became the first Filipina to win both the Miss Universe crown and the Miss Photogenic award. Margie is the second Miss Universe to achieve the feat. The first being Margreta Arvidsson of Sweden back in 1966.

1973 Miss Universe & Miss Photogenic

FIRST ASIAN COUNTRY TO HOST MISS UNIVERSE The Philippines became the first Asian country to host the Miss Universe Pageant in 1974. The country hosted the pageant for the second time in 1994.

FIRST SUMMA CUM LAUDE GRADUATE 1976 Lizbeth Padua. Hopes were high in 1976 when a Summa Cum Laude graduate from UP Diliman Lizbeth Padua represented the country in Hong Kong. She was however shut out from the semis thus starting the first of four years of non- placement.

FIRST BEST NATIONAL COSTUME Charlene Gonzales won the Best National Costume award in the 1994 Miss U Pageant held in Manila.

Charlene Gonzales wins Best National Costume with her Tboli costume 

FIRST CLAIROL HERBAL ESSENCES AWARD. 1999. Miriam Quiambao became the first Filipina to win the Clairol Herbal Essences Style Award for her personal style with emphasis on her healthy hair

FIRST BEST IN SWIMSUIT. Ariella Ara Arida became the first Filipina to be selected Best in Swimsuit after topping the swimsuit competition in the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant held in Moscow, Russia. She eventually finished 3^rd RU

 

 Best in Swimsuit & Fans' Favorite

FIRST FAN VOTE WINNER. In addition to the Best in Swimsuit special award, Ariella is also the first Filipina recipient of the Fan Vote Award which catapulted her into the Top 16 

FIRST MISS UNIVERSE WINNER FROM WME/ IMG.  Pia Wurtzbach holds the distinction of being the first Miss Universe winner under WME/ IMG, the new owners & management 

My Other Fave Bb Pilipinas Girl

# 39 Mutya Datul from Isabela is my ultimate bet this year

She is deemed to be the prettiest in this year's Bb. Pilipinas the Gold Edition. She has everything going for her. She's got the face, the body, the moves and the charm.

However, she is already being maligned for her perceived inability to express herself in fluent English. 

Here's how she answered the Top Ten Q & A in last year's Mutya ng Pilipinas and you be the judge:

          

 

My take on this? This is a beauty pageant NOT a quiz bowl. If she wants to represent the Philippines in the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant, then answer the final question in Filipino.

So what do you think guys? I want to hear from you. Please leave a comment

Who knows? She just might make history as the first Filipina to answer in Filipino during the final Q & A in Miss Universe!

Good luck Mutya ng Binibini! 

SCHEDULE OF 2013 BB. PILIPINAS TELECAST IN ABS CBN:

Sunday, April 7 10 pm "2013 Bb Pilipinas Pageant: The Primer"

Sunday, April 14 10 pm "2013 Bb. Pilipinas Coronation Night"  

Photo Credits:

Miss Philippines Beyond 2013

Edmund Chua OPMB

Jory Rivera OPMB