New Binibining Pilipinas Queens Named

March 7—after what seemed to be one of the longest production of the pageant, three new queens were crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2009.

Melody Gersbach (Candidate No. 20) was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International, while Pamela Bianca Manalo (Candidate No. 15) was named Bb. Pilipinas-Universe. Marie-Ann Umali (Candidate No. 17) was named Bb. Pilipinas World. Completing this year’s court are Richell Angalot (Candidate No. 3), 1st Runner-Up, and Regina Hahn (Candidate No. 11), 2nd Runner-Up.

The remaining finalists were:

Vanessa Johnson (Candidate No. 1)
Diana Arevalo (Candidate No. 6)
April Love Jordan (Candidate No. 9)
Priscilla Mae Honorio (Candidate No. 22)
Barbara Salvador (Candidate No. 23)

Winners of the Special Awards were:

Miss Natasha : Pamela Bianca Manalo - Candidate No. 15

• Best in Swimsuit : Pamela Bianca Manalo - Candidate No. 15


• Ms. Philippine Airlines : Pamela Bianca Manalo - Candidate No. 15


• Manila Bulletin Readers Choice : Pamela Bianca Manalo - Candidate No. 15


• Ms. Photogenic : Marie Ann Umali - Candidate No. 17


• Best in Long Gown : Marie Ann Umali - Candidate No. 17


• Ms. Natasha Beauty : Richell Angalot - Candidate No. 3


• Ms. Talent : Richell Angalot - Candidate No. 3


• Shoppers Choice : Richell Angalot - Candidate No. 3


• Ms. Salsa Jeans : Priscilla Mae Honorio - Candidate No.22


• Ms. Friendship : Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte - Candidate No.4
  
  Other highlights of the pageant were the tributes given to Filipina International pageant winners Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Aurora Pijuan (Miss International 1970), Margarita Moran (Miss Universe 1973), and Melanie Marquez (Miss International 1979); and to Asia’s Fashion Czar, Pitoy Moreno.
  
  The event, televised on GMA 7, was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Iza Calzado.

The Not So Lucky 13

If you were wondering why Sandra Seifert, Candidate 13 was missing in the activities of the 2009 Bb. Pilipinas Pageant, it was because she was given the boot by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI).

Allegations of a previous pictorial of Sandra in a men's magazine is said to be the primary reason behind her exit from being a candidate in this year's pageant. Apparently, these allegations turned out to be true as it could be found at a mainstream men's magazine. This then became a ground to disqualify as it broke rules governing Binibining Pilipinas.

We wish Sandra the best in all her future endeavors. She could've given the other candidates a run for their money and potentially could've made the country proud.

9 Hopefuls Battle It Out During Talent Night

March 1, 2009 – 9 candidates showed their talent in the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas Pageant Talent Night.

The open area of Gateway mall was filled with people cheering for their favorite candidate as one by one the ladies introduced themselves to the public. 9 of the candidates showed their talents following an audition held weeks before. A panel of judges will score each contestant who in turn has the chance to win Miss Talent award to be announced on the coronation night. Among the judges were GMA 7’s Startruck Alumni Mark Herras and LJ Reyes.

Drizzle Didn't Fizzle the Parade of Beauties

March 1, 2009 – The threat of rain did not affect pageant fans as they flocked to the Araneta Center to get a glimpse of the 24 official candidates of the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas Pageant.

Garbed in pink printed two-piece swimsuits and headdresses, the 24 gorgeous contestants paraded around the center on top-down cars while waving to the excited crowd. The parade, attended by the media and members of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), was also graced by the presence of the reigning queens: Patricia Fernandez, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2008; Jennifer Barrientos, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2008; and Danielle Castaño, Bb. Pilipinas-World 2008.

For pictures of the event, please scroll down below or just click on this link.