September 8, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Their reign may be long over, but the legacies of the former Binibining Pilipinas queens have lived on.
During the launch of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.’s (BPCI) “Beauty Ever After” commemorative coffee table book held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, The STAR interviewed some of the previous titleholders about how their Bb. Pilipinas’ wins impacted their lives.
Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez shared that her life changed completely after winning the crown. “After I won, of course, it’s different if you have a crown. You become ladylike. As well as you represent the country differently,” she offered.
Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.
“The character of a person who was crowned takes on a different path. It becomes beautiful. And you have to be a good example as a Binibini. There were a lot of big changes.”
Melanie, who was only 15 when she was named the winner, further recalled, “Bigla akong naging dalaga na rin ‘cause I was very young at that time. And I’m just so grateful for that time because I achieved many accomplishments before, especially at work.”
Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida said that her life “took a 180-degree turn” after competing in the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. “Especially coming from the province (Laguna), Binibini life was something so new to me and nobody knew I was gonna win.
Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida.
“Because when you come from the province, you feel like you’re always an underdog. But Binibini made me believe that your dreams can come true no matter where you’re from. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if not because of Bb. Pilipinas.”
Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, who bagged the Miss Photogenic award at the Miss Universe 1997, mentioned that the Miss Philippines title will always be there.
“I became a Bb. Pilipinas (winner), laging nandiyan yan eh. So in every decision, in every challenge, I always think, ‘OK, what can people learn from this?’
“Somehow, it’s egotistical but it’s a mentality like you always have to choose what is good (and) what is right because somehow there are people watching you. That’s a kind of good pressure because I try my best to always choose the right thing.”
Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1996 Aileen Damiles.
Actress Alma Concepcion, who finished among the Top 10 finalists at the Miss International 1994 and took home the Miss Friendship award, said that joining Bb. Pilipinas has a “lifetime impact” on her. “Because every day, people still say, ‘She’s a beauty queen.’
“But sometimes I forget that), when I’m in the grocery, when I’m doing palengke. In our daily life, we don’t think about it 24/7 but people approach us and they always say, ‘She’s a beauty queen.’ And that’s the only time I get reminded, ‘Ay oo nga pala, I’m a beauty queen.’ So behave. Haha!”
Participating in the Bb. Pilipinas also opened plenty of opportunities for Bb. Pilipinas 1996 Aileen Damiles, who received the Miss Photogenic award at the Miss Universe 1996 competition.
“I was able to meet a lot of people who helped me with my charities. There were also many opportunities here and abroad,” she said.
Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1997 Abbygale Arenas-de Leon.
“At the same time, I was able to continue my charity for the elderly and those who are cancer victims. It was a very fulfilling experience for me during my reign and as Miss Philippines. And now that I’m a mother, of course, (it is also) very fulfilling.”
She is grateful to Madame Stella de Araneta for taking good care of all the Binibini queens as well. “It’s a good feeling to see the other Binibinis here. It’s been three decades and I’m so happy that a lot of us are here,” she added.
The “Beauty Ever After” limited-edition coffee table book chronicles the journey of Binibining Pilipinas, marking six decades of beauty, grace, and transformation in more than 500 vibrant pages of stunning photographs and touching stories.
Bb. Pilipinas International 1994 Alma Concepcion.
“We are proud to bring you captivating stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and iconic moments that have shaped the pageant industry over the years through this book,” said BPCI executive committee member and trustee Irene Jose.
BPCI junior executive committee member Pia Ojeda added, “Each page will transport readers through the glorious evolution of Philippine pageantry. As we look back at our beautiful story of the past 60 years, we can’t wait to write the next 60 with you all.”
The “Beauty Ever After” coffee table book is available for purchase at https://bbpilipinas.ticketnet.com.ph/.
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