Janicel Lubina helps her family make ends meet by joining beauty contests. Fil-Indian beauty Namrata Hurjani wowed the press with her olive skin as she strutted across the stage. Wyn Marquez drew cheers, especially from her aunt, 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez, who flew all the way from the US to support her brother’s (comedian Joey Marquez) daughter.
They are just three of the 34 beauties from all over the country who are eyeing a Bb. Pilipinas crown come the big night on Sunday, March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum (the event will be aired live on ABS-CBN).
The candidates, who were presented to the press on Tuesday, February 17 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, bested over a hundred applicants who came during a rigid four-day screening in January.
Hectic schedule
A hectic round of activities, including a fashion show on Thursday, February 26 and a Parade of Beauties on Saturday, March 7, await the candidates, who are getting tips on proper projection, the right posture and others in the course of their training.
The beauty pageant has produced outstanding Miss Universe candidates like Venus Raj (4th runner-up, 2010), Shamcey Supsup (3rd runner-up, 2011), Janine Tugonon (1st runner-up, 2012) and Ariella Arida (3rd runner-up, 2013).
Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa made it to the top 10 of the international beauty pageant.
Among the other outstanding products of the Bb. Pilipinas are Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Supranational 2013 Johanna Datul, Cindy Miranda (Top 10 finalist, Miss Tourism Queen International 2013).