Binibining Pilipinas, considered as the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant, introduced a new set of queens hoping to bring pride to the Philippines on March 18, Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Let us take a look back at some of the most memorable moments during the night of the coronation:
1. “Build, build, build”
The Twitterverse went nuts after Binibini 35 Sandra Lemonon candidly admitted that she doesn’t have an answer to the question directed at her.
Lemonon was asked to give her opinion about the current administration’s “Build Build Build” program.
In a nutshell, the said program aims to build new infrastructure to help improve the country. Lemonon, however, was left speechless so she simply said that she knows nothing about it.
“The insights of the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. Actually, I studied so much for this Q&A, but suddenly that’s something that I really don’t know much about. But, at least I’m here trying to answer a good question. Thank you!” she said.
After her honest and straightforward answer, netizens on Twitter commended and supported the beauty queen.
Sandra Lemonon didn't only saved herself and her dignity from embarrasment but also she did something that should reflect the country's face in terms of news: nothing much is seen but only the drug war instead of the much needed infra developments happening. #BbPilipinas2018
— Hunter James (@HUNTERtheJAMES) March 18, 2018
Sandra Lemonon is so brave and honest. Teka? Ano ba kasi yang build build build na yan? Do you wanna build a snow man? #BbPilipinas2018
— archie (@archyree) March 18, 2018
Be a Sandra Lemonon in this world full or pretentious and pabibos. #BbPilipinas2018
— Shin Mesina (@shimmysina) March 18, 2018
If Sandra Lemonon @sandralemonon will join Binibining Pilipinas again next year I promise, I'll support her BIG TIME! Who are with me!?#BbPilipinas2018
— Chachan Fernando (@hoychachan) March 18, 2018
Sandra Lemonon may not go home with a crown tonight but she stood her ground mightier than any other candidate.
Why?
Because rather than spacing out with no answer at all, she was quick enough to acknowledge not knowing anything about it. #BbPilipinas2018
— Yumiko (@mikoyoshiy) March 18, 2018
2. Introduction of the new set of crowns
Pageant enthusiasts have been asking the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. to change the rhinestone crowns of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, which has been used since 2005, because it apparently looks “cheap” and “outdated”. According to Pageanthology, the old set of crowns were from K.S. Concepts Ltd., a crown manufacturer based in Huntington Station, New York.
Photo credit: Pageanthology
This year, Binibining Pilipinas introduced six new crowns that will represent each title.
3. Richard Gutierrez’ unique way of hosting
Many viewers noticed that Richard Gutierrez, who hosted the pageant, was “shouting”, making him look like he was struggling with his hosting stint.
Again, Richard Gutierrez needs to relax. He’s been screaming since the start of the pageant. I swear before the end of the night, he will be so “paos” na. #BbPilipinas2018
— its JESSE a.k.a BAM (@itsJESSEakaBAM) March 18, 2018
Richard Gutierrez needs some coaching from his twin brother and/or sister when it comes to hosting. Qiqil si Supremo. #BbPilipinas2018
— Mond Virtusio (@mondvirtusio) March 18, 2018
Richard Gutierrez sounds like he's struggling big time and the guy doesn't know what timing is. Pia Wurtzbach on the other hand, sweetie you were crowned Miss U for a reason. #BbPilipinas2018
— Alphina (@maleedus) March 18, 2018
Somebody tell Richard Gutierrez to calm down #BbPilipinas2018
— Arianne ? (@ArianneOh) March 18, 2018
It was later clarified that the audio in the coliseum wasn’t audible, which made Gutierrez raise his voice.
The viewers also made remarks regarding the way he was announcing a candidate’s number.
Richard Gutierrez should stop pausing in the middle of numbers. He says Twenty. Pause. Four. Instead of twenty-four. Hay. #BbPilipinas2018
— Jewels Carthusian♕ (@JewelsHRH) March 18, 2018
Whats with Richard Gutierrez!?? Why is he shouting too much?. Binitin pa n’ya yun pag tawag kay 20 four!!! Inulit pa with 30 two!!! #BbPilipinas2018 #BbGrandCoronationNight2018
— JohnVillanueva Puzon (@JohnRPuz0n) March 18, 2018
Si Richard Gutierrez, paasa mag-announce… Candidate 20… 4…. 24 pala… Candidate 30…2… 32 pala. Kaloka! Kailangan may pause in between?! #BinibiningPilipinas
— SweetPsychoCATH (@_SweetPsycho_) March 18, 2018
Ito talagang si Richard Gutierrez… Hinang pa yung pag-announce ng "4" sa "24". I thought si 20 yung matatawag. Naguluhan si cameraman. Naifocus tuloy kay Catriona. #BbPilipinas2018
— Christine Cabel (@ChristineCabel) March 18, 2018
4. Pia Wurtzbach entertaining the live audience
The preliminary rounds of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, such as the swimsuit, long gown, and question and answer portions, had a delayed telecast. The crowning moment, however, was televised live.
To keep the audience members hyped and alive during the break, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach took matters into her own hands.
In a video that was shared online by Senyora Santibanez, Pia was seen having her own moment at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as she belted out Freestyle and Pops Fernandez’ song titled Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.
Jusko buti na lang nandito si @PiaWurtzbach para mang-aliw habang waiting sa crowning!!! #BbPilipinas2018 pic.twitter.com/ZXJqI2j8XT
— SENYORA (@Senyora) March 18, 2018
5. Announcement of winners
The Binibining Pilipinas pageant chooses the country’s representative to different international beauty pageants in the world. That is why many tune in to know who will carry the country’s name and bring pride to the Philippines.
The following candidates won a Binibining Pilipinas crown:
– Miss Universe Philippines 2018: #20 Catriona Gray
– Bb Pilipinas International 2018: #17 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
– Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018: #38 Karen Gallman
– Bb Pilipinas Globe 2018: #19 Michele Gumabao
– Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2018: #32 Eva Patalinjug
– Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2018: #31 Jehza Huelar
– 1st runner-up: #1 Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton
– 2nd runner-up: #14 Samantha Bernardo
6. Catriona Gray made history
24-year-old model and singer Catriona Gray claimed the highly coveted Miss Universe-Philippines crown. Because of this, Gray will make history by being the first Filipina to represent the Philippines in two of the longest-running pageants in the world, Miss Universe and Miss World.
She first bagged the Miss World Philippines title in 2016, and eventually became a Top 5 finalist in Miss World 2016. After her Binibining Pilipinas win, she will be representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant which is set to happen later this year.
She was also the first ever candidate to win all major awards of the pageant, namely Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Long Gown.
