Maria Gigante (left) and Apriel Smith (right) (Photos by Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Facebook page)
CEBU’s bets Maria Gigante and Apriel Smith have been early favorites of the Bb. Pilipinas 2016 since the pageant started.
The two Cebuanas have also gained supporters and compliments from non-Cebuanos as they stand out during press presentation, photoshoots, fashion show and even on grand parade last April 9 along The Araneta Center.
As posted by Philippine Pageant Observer on its Facebook page, Smith and Gigante were among the 10 girls “who rocked the parade.”
Describing Gigante, the post stated: “Maria Gigante was a like a fish thrown into ocean because being muse at festivals is her thing. Her playful and exuberant vibe were effortless and she naturally just had fun.”
For Smith, she was described as, “gorgeous in her over all styling and she breezed through the parade leaving some dropped jaws amongst the crowd who came to watch.”
Former Binibining Pilipinas winners have also high hopes for Smith and Gigante in tomorrow night’s pageant.
Anna Maris Igpit who won Binibining Pilipinas World in 2006 and represented the country in Poland said that she worked with Smith several times during her modeling days.
“I’ve seen compete in several pageants, has strong modelling background so she (Smith) is definitely a stunner on stage and a performer. You can never ignore her dusky look which will make her a stand out,” Igpit told Cebu Daily News.
Igpit also considered Gigante as a personal friend whom she has always believed will be a good Philippine representative in international pageants because she has both beauty and brains.
“Her exotic features truly represents a Filipina woman. But wait until you hear her speak. She will also be a good ambassadress for charitable causes as she is a passionate woman of advocacies,” Igpit said.
Her only advice to Smith and Gigante is to enjoy this opportunity “as this will open many doors.”
“Whether they win or lose, representing Cebu on a national stage is already a great achievement, as not all women are given the same chance. All the best to you both Apriel and Maria! Go Team Cebu!,” Igpit added.
For Rogelie Catacutan who won Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2015 said both girls represent Cebu very well and might possibly represent and bring further pride to the country.
“There’s something about these two that lets them stand out among the rest. Probably because of that unique Cebuana charm. I do wish for both girls to get a crown. Though they underwent on separate trainings, they worked really hard to be at their best, both physically and mentally. Let’s give them our love and support,” she added.
Last Thursday night, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach went on Facebook live and confirmed that Miss Universe 2015 – 2nd runner up Olivia Jordan (USA) is attending the coronation night.
When asked about what she can say about the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 candidates, she answered, “all the candidates are winnable, prepared, I think they are all excited, and the energy is really good this year,” she added.
She was also asked who can win the next crown, Wurtzbach answered, “she must be able to sustain the same energy from day 1 to pageant night, that’s the challenge.”
After the coronation night, she will travel to Peru and attend Miss Peru pageant. Wurtzbach thanked her fans on a Facebook live especially during her Miss Universe 2015 journey.