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| (Image Source: Rappler) |
Through the years, the Filipino woman has embodied beauty in every sense of the word as well as bravery, kindness, compassion and intelligence. In the evolving modern world we live in today, Filipinas are driven and empowered to make a difference, transform and inspire lives, and become catalysts of change. One organization has been bannering the spirit and beauty of the Filipino woman amidst the challenges brought about by unforeseeable circumstances, and that would be Binibining Pilipinas.
Since its inception in 1964, the Binibining Pilipinas has grown and evolved into the most anticipated beauty pageant in the country with hundreds of women every year aspiring to be one of its official candidates who will then get a chance to represent the Philippines in some of the world's most prestigious pageants which would eventually bolster their lives and careers at the end of their Binibining Pilipinas journey. Over the years, the organization has played a pivotal role in the country's resilient domination in the global beauty pageant scene. Among the Filipinas who have dominated the global stage with the support of the organization are Miss Universe 1964 Gloria Diaz, Miss International 1970 Aurora Pijuan, Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Globe 2015 Lorraine Ann Colis, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman.
Aside from putting Filipina grace, beauty and intelligence at the forefront of global attention, the Binibining Pilipinas pageant serves as a platform to raise funds for various projects supported by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) that benefit orphans, indigent families and the less fortunate. Among these projects that numerous Binibining Pilipinas queens are actively involved in are children’s welfare programs at the Barangay Socorro Day Care Center and at the Pediatric Cancer Unit of the Philippine General Hospital; the construction of several houses together with Habitat for Humanity; the provision of relief goods to wounded soldiers confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center; TogetherWeHeal drive where the candidates help raise over P100,000 for indigent families; Donation of pizza to frontliners; and Operation Relief Efforts of Araneta City to Help (REACH) for the Ulysses-stricken families in Metro Manila. BPCI has also been an active player in nation building for the past five decades by providing skills training, workshops and other relevant services for the underprivileged.
This year, as the Philippines continues to face the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Binibining Pilipinas goes back to its core values with the theme "I Am Binibini" inspired by the spirit of giving and inspiring love amidst a difficult time embodies by Binibining Pilipinas candidates and beauty queens through their charitable efforts. With the said theme, BPCI aims to showcase the most important facets every Filipino has - hospitality, love and care in the face of a once-in-a-century health crisis that has crippled the economy and upended the way we live in. Four titles will be at stake for this year's edition, namely: Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental and Binibining Pilipinas Globe.
“Binibining Pilipinas has always been about empowering women and amplifying their voice,” said BPCI Head Mr. Gines Enriquez. “And we remain committed to this goal. By bannering Filipina beauty to the world, we are shedding light on some of the important advocacies supported by our Queens.” For Uniprom OIC Ms. Irene Jose, “We have seen some changes in the local pageant scene, but we remain dedicated to our goal: to encourage Filipinas whoever they are and wherever they’re from to dream big and showcase who a Binibini is to the world. “Binibining Pilipinas has been more than just a beauty pageant. It has united all of us Filipinos time and again in celebration of Filipina beauty, intelligence, and grace. And as we face a challenge of this magnitude, we aim to crown Filipinas who will inspire us towards unity."
For more information about the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, visit www.bbpilipinas.com. You may also follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.
