EARLY FAVORITES – The heat (read Bb. Pilipinas fever) is on!
Avid beauty watcher and Highspeed contributor Mel Caparas names the early favorites, based on his observations while covering the pageant.
They are: Jehza Mae Huelar, Camille Manalo, Sirenne Sutton, Rachel Peters, Charmaine Elima, and Ma. Angelica de Leon.
The coronation night will be held on April 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and telecast live on ABS-CBN.
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RIGOROUS – Mel reports:
This year’s exciting roster consists of local pageant winners, degree holders from top schools, honor graduates, artists, sports and fashion enthusiasts, and working professionals who excel in their respective fields. Representing various provinces in the country, the 39 official candidates bested hundreds of aspirants who went through rigorous screenings and interviews in January.
The official candidates are: Dane Felise Marasigan, Arienne Louise Alingo, Ma. Gail Tobes, Jessica Ramirez, Joselle Mariano, Bejieleen Nama, Jennyline Carla Malpaya, Leitz Camyll Ang, Vanessa Saliba, Jehza Mae Huelar, Kimberly Pajares, Angelique Celine de Leon, Sirenne Sutton, Sarah Jireh Asido, Ma. Angelica de Leon, Larah Grace Lacap, Camille Manalo, Nelda Ibe, Rachel Peters, Christagale Borja, Jamaica Ambal, Chanel Olive Thomas, Arah Salientes, Dindi Joy Pajares, Clarice Marion Villareal, Ruffa Nava, Beatrice Valente, Juliana Kapeundl, Karla May Manongsong, Mae Liezl Ramos, Katarina Rodriguez, Charmaine Elima, Kristi Rose Cequena, Gabriela Ortega, Thoreen Halvorsen, Sammie Anne Legaspi, Ana Patricia Asturias, Elizabeth Clenci, and Kristel Guelos.
It’s going to be a tough competition this year following the impressive showing of reigning Bb. Pilipinas queens in their respective pageants: Kylie Versoza, Miss International 2016; Maxine Medina, Miss Universe 2016 Top 6; Nicole Cordoves, Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-up; Nichole Manalo, Miss Globe 2016 3rd Runner-up; Jennifer Hammond, Miss Intercontinental 2016 Top 15 and Joanna Eden, Miss Supranational 2016 Top 25.