BB. PILIPINAS WELCOMES 2016 ROSTER OF OFFICIAL CANDIDATES

By Noli A. Berioso and Francis Calubaquib         Photos by Lito Caleon

​Forty exceptional and captivating ladies were chosen as official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2016. The final screening happened last February 12, 2016, Friday, at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila in Quezon City. The lucky applicants went through a very strict selection process before making it to the Magic 40.  

The executive committee of BPCI, which is responsible for choosing the deserving women, had a very hard and difficult time during the 10-hour marathon screening.  Present during the selection was the Chairwoman of  Bb. Pilipinas, Inc., Stella Marquez Araneta.  She was joined by the other members of the screening committee that included fashion director Raymond Villanueva and ABS CBN Entertainment executive Chit Guerrero. Also in the panel were the reigning queens of Bb. Pilipinas 2015 led by Janicel Lubina-Bb. Pilipinas-International; Christi Lyn McGarry-Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental; Bb. Pilipinas Supranational- Rogelie Catacutan; Miss Globe Ann Lorraine Colis and runners-up Hanah Ruth Sison and Kimverlyn Suiza. 
The winners of these year’s titles will have the chance to represent the country to different prestigious international pageants abroad like Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Supranational, Miss Grand International and Miss Globe. 2015 was a banner year for the Bb. Pilipinas queens as the country won its 3rd Miss Universe crown after 42 years, courtesy of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Anne Lorraine Colis also took home the Miss Globe crown in Toronto, Canada; Christi McGarry was named first runner-up in the Miss Intercontinental in Germany; Parul Shah grabbed the 3rd runner-up finish at the 4th Miss Grand International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand while Janicel Lubina and Rogelie Catacutan reached the semi-finals in their respective pageants.
The new Binibinis will have a very hectic schedule of activities for the duration of the pageant including photo shoots, sponsor visits, TV and radio guestings, charity works, and will compete in various pre-finals events. 
Here are the names of the official candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2016: Mariella Castillo, Kristine Estoque, Nicole Manalo, Joana Eden, Alexandra Garcia, Maria Gigante, Apriel Smith, Nicole Cordoves, Kim Ross Delos Santos, Maxine Medina, Kylie Versoza, Sheena Dalo,  Dindy Pajares, Edjilyn Gamboa,  Angela Fernando, Loren Artajos, Angelita Alita, Riana Pangindian, Tatiana Maher, Roshiela Tobias, Anjelica Lopez, Paula Rich Bartolome, Lina Prongoso, Jessica Gonzales, Marlan Flores, Angela Valdez, Priscilla dela Cruz, Vina Openiano, Daziela Gange, Angelique de Leon, Leonalyn Dela Cruz, Jeslyn Santos, Christianne Ramos, Jenelyn Malpaya, Janele Olafson, Jehza Huelar, Jennifer Hammond, Crescent Anne Samaco, Kimberly Penchon and Aniger Cruz.
Coronation Night is scheduled on April 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be telecast over Kapamilya network ABS-CBN.