Say hello to the country’s new queens!
Palawan bet Angelica Lopez was named the new Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 at the pageant’s coronation night held on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Lopez was crowned by reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg of Germany and Cebu’s Nicole Borromeo, who won in last year’s national competition.
Lopez is set to represent the country in the 62nd Miss International pageant next year, where Selberg will pass on the title to her successor.
The country’s other new title holder is Anna Valencia Lakrini of Bataan who was named Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023.
Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao del Sur and Atasha Reign Parani of General Trias, Cavite were named first and second runner-up, respectively.
Winning answer
Lopez showed her confidence throughout the competition, especially during the much-awaited question and answer portion.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, one of the judges, confronted her with the question: “What makes you a Binibini who walks the talk and who is beyond mere self-promotion?”
In her answer, Lopez paid tribute to her mother who passed away over four years ago.
Her full answer:
“I stand here tonight because it is my mother who instilled in me the values and the morals that I am using to be the woman that I am today—a woman who has the strength, courage, and tenacity; the strength to decide for herself what she wants, really works hard to achieve it. To also have the courage to face any obstacles of life and tenacity to hold on to her wisdom of choice,” she said.
“And I believe, it is always a dream come true to be here, and that is why I am the Binibini that I am always meant to be. Thank you,” she added.
Humble beginnings
With her victory, Lopez could be yet another inspiration to young, hopeful Filipinas who also want to make it big.
The 22-year-old has not shied away from revealing her humble beginnings.
In previous interviews, she openly shared that her decision to pursue pageantry was based on her desire to help her parents with their expenses.
This is also why it has been her advocacy to help less fortunate children. In fact, she has been leading feeding programs and gift-giving activities in her home province.
Judges, hosts and special awards
Several candidates at the pageant won the following special awards:
Best in Evening Gown: 29 Trisha Martinez of Laguna
Best in Swimsuit: 24 Anna Valencia Lakrini of Bataan
Best in National Costume: 14 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano of Albay
Bb. Friendship: 36 Mary Chiles Balana of Hermosa, Bataan
Face of Binibini: 19 Julia Mae Mendoza of Roxas City, Capiz
Best in Talent: 40 Candy Vollinger of Catanduanes
Bb. Pizza Hut: 31 April Angelu Barro of Cagayan de Oro
Jag Denim Queen: 24 Anna Valencia Lakrini of Bataan
Bb. Ever Bilena: 29 Trisha Martinez of Laguna
Bb. Philippine Airlines: 29 Trisha Martinez of Laguna
Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice: 32 Sharmaine Magdasoc of Ortigas, Pasig
Bb. Bingoplus: 39 Loraine Jara, Bulacan
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves hosted the coronation night.
Apart from Lacuna and Selberg, the panel of judges included award-winning actress Dolly de Leon, Tatler Philippines editor-in-chief Anton San Diego, business woman and content creator Small Laude, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Wolfgang Steakhouse founder Peter Zweiner and actor Piolo Pascual.
Also in the judges’ panel were SB19’s Josh Cullen and the President’s son Willian Vincent Marcos.
The live audience was entertained with performances from young singer Daren Espano, who serenaded everyone with his rendition of the pageant’s theme song Win Your Heart, while It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda engaged the viewers with his Rampa anthem during the semifinal swimsuit round.
P-pop group Alamat also performed a musical number.
