FILIPINO-BRITISH beauty Rachel Obregon Peters from Camarines Sur was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2017 and led 8 other winners at the finale of the 54th Binibining Pilipinas Pageant held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday night.
Peters, a 25-year-old, 5’9” graduate of International Baccalaureate at the British School in Phuket, Thailand and has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Tourism and Events from La Trobe University in Australia, was crowned by last year’s winner and Miss Universe 2016 top 6 finalist Maxine Medina.
When asked during the interview round what would have been her message to the leaders who attended the recent ASEAN summit if she were invited as speaker, Peters replied: “I believe one of the biggest problems that our country is facing today is divisiveness in politics, in religion and also in culture. And I believe that it is something that is the same across the world. And that is something I would want to address. I believe that when people can learn to tolerate each other’s differences and respect each other’s opinions, then we will just be a stronger nation and world.” Her answer elicited resounding applause from the audience.
Peters also won three special awards: Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit and She’s So Jag.
The Bb. Pilipinas-International 2017 title went to Ma. Angelica “Mariel” Andolong de Leon, 23, from Las Piñas City, improving on her semi-final finish at the 50th edition of the pageant in 2013. The 5’8” classical opera singer and daughter of actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong was crowned by last year’s winner and reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa.
When asked “What activity perceived to be male-oriented can you do better?” Mariel answered: "Well, I think I can box better than males. I believe I can do everything better than males because it isn't about gender at all. It's about abilities, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your confidence within yourself, and with that, you can achieve anything."
Mariel also took home the Best in Evening Gown and Miss Creamsilk awards.
The other winners were: Elizabeth Dorado Clenci, 26, a Filipino-Romanian full-time bassist who was born in Canberra, Australia and represented her mother’s hometown of Mandaue City, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2017; Chanel Olive Villamayor Thomas, 26, a half-Australian model and host from San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational 2017; Katarina Sonja Rodriguez, 24, a model and competitive long distance runner from Davao City, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2017; and Nelda Cunan Ibe, 24, a cadel pilot of Alpha Aviations Group Philippines and BA English Literature graduate of Tarlac State University, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2017.
Named as first and second runners-up, respectively were: Charmaine Francisco Elima, 24, a flight attandant of Philippine Airlines from Binangonan, Rizal; and Kristel Nones Guelos, 24, a dentist from Tanauan City.
The winners came from 15 semi-finalists and a first cut of 25 from an original field of 40 contestants. The top 25 competed in swimsuits and evening gowns while the top 15 went through the question-and-answer round.
The judges included actor Paulo Avelino, CNN Philippines news anchor Mitzi Borromeo, Brazilian Ambassador Rodrigo Souza, chief operations officer of BPI Holdings Inc. Phil Reed, veteran news anchor Ted Failon, current head of ABS-CBN marketing Nandy Villar, former volleyball star-turned-Kapamilya host Gretchen Ho, European Union ambassador Franz Jessen, and PLDT-Smart Chief Revenue Officer and ePLDT President & CEO Eric Alberto.
The 5-hour pageant, hosted by Xian Lim, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj, extended way past 1:00 AM Monday when the telecast caught up with the live show at the Big Dome.
Entertainment numbers were provided by Daniel Padilla, Jay-Ar, Jayson Dy and Daryl Ong.
Text by Jay Patao
Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Coronation
at Araneta Coliseum Cubao QC
Top 15 / Winners Crowning
April 30, 2017
Photographer / Lito Caleon
Media Affiliation / Fabmanilaph
#BbPilipinas2017
