From left: Bb. Pilipinas 2018 2nd runner-up: Samantha Bernardo, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2018: Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018: Eva Patalinjug, Miss Universe Philippines 2018: Catriona Gray, Bb. Pilipinas International 2018: Maria Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018: Jehza Mae Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018: Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas 2018 1st runner-up: Vickie Rushton
CEBU retained its crown for the Binibining Pilipinas Grand International title during the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 grand coronation night at Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday evening, March 18.
Miss Grand International second runner up Elizabeth Clenci passed on the crown to her fellow Cebuana, Binibini 32 Eva Psychee Patalinjug.
During the question and answer portion, Patalinjug was asked, “What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuing of our country’s economic success, if any?”
Her answer was: “A role of the beauty queen is to be a voice. I am here to make a message to all of you. In these times of uncertainty and fear that has seemingly taken over in our country, we have remained steadfast as we face all of the challenges. As a united nation, what we should do is to set aside our political differences, forget our academic and social preferences, and let love and loyalty for our country rise above all.”
The Cebuana beauty queen also received the Face of Binibini Award or Miss Photogenic.
Patalinjug, 23, is a law student from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
A part of Kagandahang Flores (KF) camp, she is not a newbie in the world of pageantry.
She won Ms. Cebu 2014 first runner-up and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2014.
Her other titles are Ms. CVRAA 2007, Mutya ng Palarong Pambansa 2008 and Ms. PRISAA 2010.
Other Cebu representatives also performed well during the pageant. Binibini 3 Muriel Orais and Binibini 26 Wynonah Buot made it to top 15 while Binibini 23 Ena Louis Velasco finished in the top 25.
FROM WORLD TO UNIVERSE
Clinching the top crown was Binibini 20 Catriona Gray who went home with the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title.
She succeeded Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2017 Rachel Peters and bested 39 other candidates.
A crowd favorite, Gray proved that she had the title in the bag by winning two significant special awards: Best in Long Gown and Best in Swimsuit. She also got the Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award.
The 24-year-old Filipino Australian was also named as Jag Denim Queen and Miss Ever Belina.
During the question and answer, she was asked, “After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of Marawi?”
“My answer and my message to the women were to be strong. As women, we are the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends but also in our community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high,” Gray said.
This is not the first time that Gray will represent the country in a major pageant.
She already wore the sash for the Philippines in 2016 when she joined Miss World and finished in the top five.
Binibining Pilipinas 2018 hosts were Richard Gutierrez and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
Judges were Edgar Saavedra, Mike Brown, Gerald Anderson, Alyssa Valdez, Martin Lopez, Thirdy Ravena, Colombia Ambassador Victor Echeverri, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Ces Oraña-Drilon, U.S Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo, Besty Westendorp-Brias, Raymond Villanueva, and Stella Marquez-Araneta.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Binibining Pilipinas Universe – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Binibining Pilipinas International – Binibini 17 Ahtisa Manalo
Binibining Pilipinas Supranational – Binibini 31 Jehza Mae Huelar
Binibining Pilipinas Grand International – Binibini 32 Eva Patalinjug
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental -Binibini 38 Karen Gallman
Binibining Pilipinas Globe – Binibini 19 Michele Gumabao
1st runner-up – Binibini 1 Vickie Marie Rushton
2nd runner-up – Binibini 14 Samantha Bernardo
SPECIAL AWARDS
Best in Swimsuit – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Best in Long Gown – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Pitoy Moreno National Costume – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Face of Binibini – Binibini 32 Eva Patalinjug
Miss Talent – Binibini 8 Shane Tormes
Miss Friendship – Binibini 8 Shane Tormes
Miss Ever Bilena – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Jag Denim Queen – Binibini 20 Catriona Gray
Miss Philippine Airlines – Binibini 3 Muriel Orais
Miss Creamsilk – Binibini 19 Michele Gumabao