The 50 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 contestants at the Talent Show… beauty queens Nicole Schmitz, Janine Tugonon, Shamcey Supsup and Katrina Dimaranan up in front!

I have been dying to see all 50 girls in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 and I finally got my first glimpse of them all (as official candidates) in the Talent Show held last Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Gateway Mall Activity Center.

My first impression and predictions? I’ll tackle all that in my next posts.

For now, here are my thoughts on the 16 lasses who chose to present their talents:

Predictably, most contestants chose to sing. What can you do when we are a nation of songbirds and karaoke kings? The second popular talent presented was dancing. No surprise there either. Then there were a couple unexpected presentations: a hoola-hoop number and a magic show.

Then we had one declamation. We Pinoys LOVE declamation. I trace it back to all those declamation contests in elementary and high school; contests which our teachers seemed quite fond of. It was a great way to torture students who needed to improve their crappy grades, LOL!

But I wonder if any contestant ever won Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas history because of her declamation skills… hmmm… do any of you pageant history buffs know anything about this? Feeling ko wala pang nananalo dahil sa declamation…  but correct me please, if I’m wrong

As for my prediction for Bb. Pilipinas Talent 2013 – I can only guess. Unlike the three previous years where it was pretty clear to me who would win (Krista Kleiner in 2010, Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and Katrina Dimaranan in 2012) this year is a bit more difficult. No one had a presentation that really knocked me out. But I did enjoy each one!

Nevertheless, I shall hazard a guess – that Anna Carmina Antonio (#11, below) the contestant who did the magic show will win because it was the most unique presentation in the Talent Show and she was pretty good at her tricks. Most of all, she left me wondering how she fit into those tiny little silver shorts that looked no bigger than a hanky. I guess it’s just MAGIC, LOL! Okay, I’m just teasing!!! Anna Carmina Antonio really looked awesome in her magician’s outfit, for true!

Anna Carmina Antonio from Isabela – my pick for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 for her skill in prestidigitation!

My second choice for Miss Talent would be Theresa Marie Fenger (#35, below) who did a song number.  Miss Fenger happens to be the lead singer of the local group Eurasia. Out of all the singers she had the most polished  performance. It involved a lot of  shimmying and butt wiggling which left her breathless but still able to belt out her lines. If I tried that, I’d have an asthma attack in 30 seconds flat. But in Theresa Marie Fenger’s case, it was the audience who couldn’t breathe due to her electric grooves and mooves!

NOTE*** Miss Theresa Fenger was, unfortunately, disqualified from the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. Please click here to read more about what happened.

Theresa Marie Fenger sings Rihanna songs! She reminds me of KC Concepcion in this shot…

My third choice is Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom (#44, below), the contestant who danced Flamenco. She TRULY had classic flamenco moves with fancy fingers, sinewy arms and snappy feet. She also had a very Flamenco look about her – intense and yet sexy at the same time. Flamenco is all about attitude and this girl had it nailed!

Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom looks fierce in this bullfighting pose. She reminds me of Kuh Ledesma here…

Miss Talent Darkhorse: Maria Angelica de Leon (#31, below).  This gorgeous babe is capable of producing some awesome Soprano notes! Bravo to Mariel de Leon for giving us some REAL entertainment – the offspring of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong sang an opera number that made me think of angels in the sky… but I’m sorry I can’t tell you what the song was since I’m not much of an opera fan (altho I appreciate it) and you know how opera singers are like rock stars? You can’t understand a single word they’re singing… heehehehe…  but in fairness, this girl is my Miss Talent Darkhorse. She could steal the special award from under our noses because some of the judges looked like opera fans to me…

The one and only opera number came from Maria Angelica de Leon

Special mention: Christine Paula Love Bernasor (#18, below) from Ormoc, the contestant who did the modern Pandanggo sa Ilaw dance – she dropped one candle right after she placed it on her head, caught it quickly, mesmerized the audience with a naughty smile and gave a ‘give-me-one-more-try’ signal at us. I was automatically arrested by her charm! If there was a Miss Charming award, it would definitely go to her. AND, her choice of song – a Francis M  a Black Eyed Peas rap song titled Filipino (I think) Bebot, was a great idea!

Oooops! Christine Paula Love Bernasor drops her candle! She reminds me of Patty Betita…

And now for the rest of the talent contestants and my thoughts on their presentations:

Rea Nakpil cries Alms! Alms! in her declamation. Such fabulously fierce eyes on her. No beggar could ever look this beautiful!

I love this dramatic shot above of Rea Nakpil (#43) as she took on the role of a street beggar. Her flashing eyes are her best asset. It is just too bad that the sound system was malfunctioning so we did not get to hear her declamation clearly. However, when she got to the shouting parts, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a big solid voice (and not a shrieking one) come out of her. Watching her writhe, moan and beg on stage was a treat!

*****

Parul Shah gets the best abs award from ABQ for having no vestige of fat on her waistline! Doesn’t she remind you of actress Nanette Medved?

I was dismayed because most of the time, Parul Shah (#33) showed the audience her backside when her front side was far, FAR more interesting! Her abs are to die for. Her smile is a killing machine. And her hips have the sonic qualities of a Tahitian earthquake.

*****

Zandra Flores sings “Loving You” while the audience is loving her…

Zandra Flores (#3) flowed onto the stage in a billowy blue gown and sang “Loving You,” that song with an ultra high note in it. And yes, she can hit that note like a prize fighter!

*****

Imelda Schwiegart (#45) sings Rihanna’s Diamond in a glittery gown that had a hard time containing her sex appeal…

Thanks to her performance, my hubby and I suffered from LSS (last song syndrome) all night. We kept singing – “Shine bright like a diamond…” all night long and laughing our heads off. Anywhoo… Imelda Schwiegart (#45) looked dazzling in her imeldific gown which matched her song and made me think of Marilyn Monroe. Imelda wins the Sexiest Singer Award from ABQ!

*****

Angeli Dione Gomez shows off her Hoola Hoop tricks!

Angeli Dion Gomez (#48) showed us a thing or two about taming a wild Hoola Hoop! This was one of the more unique presentations at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show and an audience favorite!

*****

Count. One, two, three, four, five, six. SIX! Anna Carmela Aquino has SIX pots on her head!!!

This number had me at the edge of my chair; I was so scared she’d drop her towering load of six pots! My seatmate started taking footage – ‘just in case she breaks them all,” he said. Very funny. Well, Anna Carmela Aquino (#10) did not break a single pot but she had me and the rest of the crowd squealing in fright because there were a few moments that looked scary. Good job with the pots, grrrrl!

*****

Nicole Donesa looks like a Disney Princess and sings like one too!

Was this Sleeping Beauty singing a golden oldie? NO! It was Nicole Donesa (#4) warbling away…  “Someone to Waaaaaatch… Over Mmmeeeeeee… “

*****

Belly Dancing!!! From Aiyana Mickiwicz…

Belly dancing is always fun to watch! But when you don’t have much of a belly, how can you be a belly dancer? This is the question I wanted to ask Aiyana Mickewicz (#47) as she twirled around the stage in her golden costume…  LOL!

*****

Pia Wurtzbach mesmerizes with her eyes as she sang to the audience at the Bb. Pilipinas Talent Show 2013!

Pia Wurtzbach (#15) walked on stage, pure vixen, and treated us to a rendition of “On My Own” from Le Miz. Her soulful eyes fit the song well!

*****

A dance interpretation from Jan Helen Villanueva… check out the Bb. crown, it’s right on her head!

We all felt bad for Jan Helen Villanueva (#40); because of a mix-up in her music, she ended up lying in a fetal position for several minutes on stage as she waited and waited and WAITED for her song to begin. You know how some dance numbers start with the dancer curled up on the floor? Anyway, when her song, Ave Maria, finally started playing, Jan Helen Villanueva was all over the stage leaping and twirling and doing high kicks. She also did a pretty neat flip at one point. Love it!

*****

Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo sings us some Phantom of the Opera…

It’s really wonderful when contestants choose great songs with depth to entertain us – Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo (#42) dished out “Think of Me” from the Phantom of the Opera and I’m sure she was hoping that the judges would think of her come coronation night on April 14, 2013!

*****

Dear ABQ Readers:

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013 was a blast! All 50 contestants have leveled up since the Talent show a week ago and I expect them to keep leveling-up as coronation night approaches!

But I am still having a hard time choosing my favorites for the 3 crowns that will be awarded come coronation night in mid-April. In the years of Venus and Shamcey, I spotted my winners fast. Specially with Shamcey – she was my winner the moment I set eyes on her. But in the year of Janine, it was not easy for me to pick my favorites and this 2013 is the same! Too many beautiful women to choose from!

Anyway, here are the 50 contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (in batches of 10) at the Press Presentation. Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

CONTESTANTS 41-50

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 – Contestants 41 to 50

***********

41. Ariella Arida – 24 yrs – Laguna

Ariella Arida has a South American vibe to her. She reminds me of that petite Filipina model/socialite from the 70s or 80s – she is now a shoe designer (you see her designs in SM and Robinson’s etc) and her last name starts with a P. I just can’t seem to remember her name! Anyway, Ariella Arida’s strongest features are her piercing eyes. Her lean, athletic body comes from all the running she does; in fact, she recently completed her first-ever 21k marathon! This 24 year old comes from Laguna and is a Chemistry grad.

**********

42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo – 24 years – Makati

This soprano is a heavy-weight not just in singing but also in lifting weights. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo loves going to the gym and you can see it in her well-defined, trim legs. In the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show, she was the last contestant to perform- she sang something from her favorite musical, Phantom of the Opera. I like her hair and styling better in the Press Presntation (than in the Talent Show) because it made her look more model-like. Check out my blog post on the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show here…

**********

43. Rhea Nakpil – 23 years – San Mateo, Rizal

Actress/Model Rhea Nakpil just has that over-all bright feeling when she is on stage. Like as if she’s just happy to see everyone. However, this lady is truly a thespian at heart – she showed us her ‘dark’ side at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show when she took on the character of a beggar and did a declamation piece crying, “Alms, alms, alms!” I have a stunning dramatic shot of her in my blog post for the Talent Show. Just click on the link! While she’s got a terrific smile, I personally prefer her dramatic look over her sweet and bubbly one…

**********

44.Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom – 19 years – Las Pinas

If I were to give out a special award for the most adorable catwalk at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation, it would have to go to Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom. She just kept throwing us one flirtatious smile after another and it made her stand out in her set of 10 contestants. We first met this half-Swedish Kuh Ledesma look-alike at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show where she showed off her Flamenco Skills which I really liked because she can move like a real Spanish dancer… And from what we can see in the collage above, Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom has a pageant-worthy body!

**********

45. Imelda Schweighart – 17 – Puerto Princesa

Every time Imelda Schweighart comes out on stage, I think of the late Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009. Both are half-German. But while Melody was more of the Disney Princess type, Imelda sizzles like Marilyn Monroe – hot, hot, HOT!  IMHO, Imelda had the sexiest performance at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show (she sang Rihanna’s Diamonds) and I think she has a strong chance of winning the International crown. (Unfortunately, she’s only 17 so that cancels her out for the Universe title which has 18 as it’s minimum age.) If she wins the International title, I’d have her work hard on losing just a few more strategic pounds and toning up the legs a bit. Imelda Schweighart is definitely in my list of favorites!

**********

46. Amanda Noelle Navasero – 21 years – Makati

Many newbies have to try and try again just to qualify as an official Bb. Pilipinas candidate. Others join local pageants first before giving the Philippines’ number 1 pageant a try. But Amanda Noelle Navasero is one of those few girls who come out of nowhere and then suddenly, she’s in the list! Amanda Noelle Navasero has a sweet smile that I adore – for me, it is her best asset. Her slight frame gives her that ramp-model look; I can see this College of St. Benilde tourism student burning up the catwalk in the future at Fashion Week!

**********

47. Aiyana Mickiewicz – 23 years – Baguio City

Aiyana Mickiewicz. Love the contrasting porcelain skin and red lipstick. That never fails to capture my attention. Although she looked good at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show where she did a Belly Dancing number, I loved her look more here at the Press Presentation because she had a more queenly aura. Even if she is as pale as a Twilight vampire, it suits her beauty. Her penchant for working out in the gym has paid off; Aiyana Mickiewicz looked hot in her swimsuit!

**********

48. Angeli Dione Gomez – 19 years – Cebu City

One of my favorite faces in Bb. Pilipinas 2013! Angeli Dione Gomez has the perfect look for television; I can already see her as a news presenter or a show host. She definitely exudes intelligence and sharpness. And I imagine she is well-spoken coming from a highly respected family in the Queen City of the South, Cebu. Good legs, tight body, thanks to horse-back riding. But an accident forced her to stop ‘horsing around’ so she now sticks to Poi, juggling and hoops. She did a nifty Hoola Hoop number at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show, click here to see more!

**********

49. Herlie Kim Artigue – 22 years – Cebu City

Love this girl, what a smile! Pinay beauty talaga… Herlie Kim Artigue’s best asset is her gorgeous Filipina smile which exudes warmth and hospitality. Beauties like her belong on tourism advertisements for the Philippines. She’ll make everyone abroad think it’s really fun in the Philippines (and it is, if you’re hanging out with the right people!) Herlie Kim Artigue comes to Bb. Pilipinas with a 4th RU achievement in the Miss Cebu 2012. Not baaaad, Herlie gurlie!

**********

50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual – 21 years – Taytay, Rizal

Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual‘s nickname’ Krisma’ fits her well because she got tons of Charisma with a capital C! For me, she looks like a cross between sexy actress Carmi Martin and the late Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009. What do you think? I’m loving the photogenic smile and the curves on this Miss PSBA 2012 winner and even is she is not as tall as some of the Eiffel towers in this batch, Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual might just sneak past them into the Semi-finals!

**********

The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!

After much hemming and hawing I finally have my list of golden favorites in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. This was a particularly difficult batch to study, not only because there were 50 of them, but because they are all so competitively beautiful in varied ways. This time around, I put less emphasis on height (although that’s still important) mostly because last year saw not-so-tall girls doing well in beauty pageants. A development that I’m happy about. So here goes… ABQ’s Top 15: My Golden Favorites in Bb. Pilipinas 2013!!!

FOR THE UNIVERSE CROWN: I am torn in half between Charmaine Elima and Parul Shah. Charmaine has my brains while Parul has my heart. To me, both are “Universables”!!!

CHARMAINE ELIMA VERSUS PARUL SHAH

#13 Charmaine Elima

If people were like coffee, then Charmaine Elima would be a perfect blend of Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon with a South American undertone. The angles on her face give her that undertone; angles that also make me think of beauty queens from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. However, the very same angles on her face could come off too strong so she needs to go softer on the jaw and cheekbones, specially when face-to-face with judges. As for her communication skills, Charmaine Elima is fluent in English (can speak continuously without grasping for words) however, the grammar is not so accurate. Thankfully, foreign judges focus less on grammar and more on charm and making sense. As for her body, she’s got that thin but curvy physique which God only gives to the select few. We just have to accept that, LOL! She may not be so tall at 5’7″, but neither is last year’s Miss Universe winner Olivia Culpo who is 5’6″. If Charmaine Elima wins the Bb. Pilipinas Universe crown I believe the Philippines will be sending one of the strongest candidates ever to the Miss Universe beauty pageant.

#33 Parul Shah

The first time I saw Parul Shah was late last year at the World Trade Center in Manila. The second I saw this Fil-Indian beauty with Pangasinan roots, I knew she was a winner! She confidentially told me that she was planning to join Bb. Pilipinas 2013 and, I know this was quite rash of me, but I said, “I think you’d be good for the crown, you have my support.” I had another chance to see her up close, without a smidgen of make-up when we had lunch together. It wasn’t a planned meeting; Parul just happened to be with a common friend. Her winning asset is her beauty queen smile. It’s not manufactured; it’s a sincere, beautiful smile that can light up a room. Being gorgeous even without make-up is also a big plus because contestants have to meet the judges face-to-face. Being raised in Dubai and having lived in Baguio add to her dimension. Her 5’8″ physique is bikini-worthy, made even lovelier by her natural tan. If she wins Bb. Pilipinas Universe, I can almost see Donald Trump going nuts over our Parul Shah!

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CROWN:

BEA SANTIAGO VERSUS MARIEL DE LEON

# 15 Bea Santiago

Fantastic on stage! This Canadian-based backpacking Filipina has already been tried and tested on the international stage; Bea Rose Santiago entered the Top 10 of the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2012 held in China last year in December. That’s a pretty mean feat considering China is our territorial adversary. A separate thought: If Bb. Pilipinas sends a contestant to the Miss Supranational this year, I think this 5’9″ mestiza from Masbate would be perfect!

# 31 Mariel de Leon

Mariel de Leon was initially my first choice for the Bb. International crown simply because she looks like a baby doll, has a fabulous pedigree (her parents are award-winning actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong) and comes in a lovely 5’8″ package. However, I feel that this Batangueña needs to live up to the fierce Batangas spirit and ditch the sweet girl-next-door feel. So if I were the goddess of beauty pageants, I’d give her a runner-up placement then groom her for next year. She is only 19 years old, after all. But just in case she wins a crown this year, my advice would be to work on the walk, lose the middle fat, get firmer and keep on training in all aspects of pageant competition.

FOR THE TOURISM CROWN:

RIA RABAJANTE VERSUS MUTYA DATUL

# 1 Ria Rabajante

This dusky morena has a Janine Tugonon vibe going on. Ria Rabajante also has a slinkier version of Janine’s famous Cobra Walk and a body that I would kill for – a firm and muscular frame tempered by serpentine curves stretched out in a 5’7″ figure. While I was initially not too taken by her, Ria’s beauty has grown on me like fungus and I cannot get this Pasigueña’s piercing after-image out of my head.

# 39 Mutya Datul

This is my 2nd time to see Mutya Datul compete in a national-level pageant and she has leveled-up. From being on the scrawny side, this Isabela native has gained muscle without losing curves. And I so love her face – she is my choice for Most Photogenic! My concern though with Mutya is her communication skills – has that leveled-up too? Because if she’s improved in that area, then the 49 other girls need to be quaking in their heels. Personally, I think she should just communicate in her own dialect. But whatever she chooses to speak, I’m confident Mutya Datul will shine bright like a diamond come coronation night!

WILDCARD GIRLS: My Wildard favorites could pass for sisters!

CASSANDRA NAIDAS VERSUS HANNAH RUTH SISON

# 14  Hannah Ruth Sison

This Pastor’s Kid could easily snatch one of the 3 crowns; I’m thinking either the International or the Tourism crown. This Ilocana’s looong legs and 5’7½” height give her that svelte look and her clean type of beauty could launch her into the Top 5.

# 24 Cassandra Naidas

I’m thinking that this Lasalle Psych grad from Antipolo kind of looks like a cross between Solenn Heusaff and Gloria Diaz. One of her key assets is height: Cassandra Naidas stands at a stately 5’10″. I can imagine her competing in Miss International. Or if Bb. Pilipinas sends a contestant to Miss Supranational, Cassandra would be a good choice.

MY OTHER TOP 15 FAVORITES:

ABQ’S OTHER FAVORITES FOR THE TOP 15: Zandra Flores, Maria Mustonen, Pia Wurtzbach, Joanna Cindy Miranda, Merry Joyce Respicio, Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom

# 2 Zandra Flores

Zandra Flores is on my list for two reasons: her chameleon-like ability to look so different depending on her styling and for being on the cover of the fantasy book “The Necklace of the Gods” by New York Times best selling author Alison Goodman. This 5’7″ Cellular Pathologist traces her roots to Pangasinan.

# 3 Maria Mustonen

One of the fiercest girls in this batch of Bb. Pilipinas contestants, Maria Mustonen makes me think of a lioness on the hunt. Among the petite contestants, this 5’6″ stunner is my ultimate favorite!

#15 Pia Wurtzbach

Rising up from the ashes like a phoenix, actress Pia Romero returns to the limelight as Pia Wurtzbach, Contestant #15 in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. Pia Wurtzbach’s stunning face, penetrating eyes and sinewy 5’7½ frame CANNOT be ignored.

# 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda

The Pinoy Big Brother housemate with a camera-perfect face has the most luscious set of smackers that make me think of… well… hmm….  Echo and Bunnymen’s  1987 hit “Lips Like Sugar”. That song could have been written for this 5’7″ darling.

# 25 Merry Joyce Respicio

Bulacan’s Merry Joyce Respicio with her toothy grin reminds me of Gem Padilla, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1990! And the height – wow, a clean 5’11″. No wonder she’s been featured in Fashion Week, Cosmo Philippines and Metro Wear – she’s got the look of someone born for the runway!

# 28 Mercegrace Raquel

Pert looks, burnished skin and a mathematical mind make up this 5’10″ blogging beauty from Nueva Ecija. Check out Mercegrace Raquel’s blog to get to know her better;  just click here to get there!

# 44 Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom

The one quality that makes Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom stand out in a crowd is her ability to flirt with the audience. This 5’7″ Flamenco dancer who’s part Swedish knows how to catch everyone’s attention with her expressive eyes and vivacious smile!

That wraps up my Top 15! However, there are 3 girls on the low end of the height spectrum that I’d like to highlight mostly because I believe that we should never underestimate beautiful women that come in smaller packages:

ABQ’S PETITE FAVORITES:

ABQ’s PETITE FAVORITES – Imelda Schweighart, Angeli Dione Gomez, Maria Cristina Ann Pascual

# 45 Imelda Schweigart

Imelda Schweigart reminds me so much of our beloved Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009, rest her soul. Although Imelda is only 5’6″, she exudes this sexy Marilyn Monroe aura that makes her larger than life. If there were a Bb. Pilipinas Young title, this 17 year-old German Pinay sweetheart would win it!

# 48 Angeli Dione Gomez

This is a face that belongs on TV reading me the news of the day! This 19 year old bright-eyed Cebuana would give Imelda Schweigart a run for her money if there were a Bb. Pilipinas Young title being offered.

# 50 Maria Cristina Ann Pascual

Maria Cristina Ann Pascual is another beauty who seems to be channeling Melody Gersbach. What a way to end the Golden 50 of Bb. Pilipinas 2013 – with a fair lady to win our hearts!

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Coronation is just days away! Since it’s the 50th anniversary pageant of Bb. Pilipinas, you might want to get out of your comfort zone and come watch the pageant live at Araneta Coliseum on April 14, 2013. Tickets are available at Ticketnet. Of course, you can always just sit back and relax at home while watching it (slightly delayed telecast) on ABS-CBN. Those of you outside of the Philippines with access to the Filipino Channel will also be able to watch it!

Just wanted to share with you the photos my hubby took at the Bb. Pilipinas Fashion show held April 11, 2013 at the Araneta Coliseum featuring all 50 candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2013. I am missing one candidate tho – I feel really bad about it but somehow we missed taking a shot of her – #21 Lourenz Remetillo. And she looked fabulous at the show!

If anyone has a photo of Lourenz Remetillo and wouldn’t mind seeing it in my blog, please email it to jaedeelight@yahoo.com and I will make sure to credit you for it! Maraming Salamat!

And now, here are the 49 candidates wearing the collection of Asia’s ashion Tzar, Pitoy Moreno:

Those highlighted in red are the girls that stood out for me. If you see any mistakes in names, numbers, spelling, grammar etc. please drop me a comment!

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Fashion Show at Araneta Coliseum!

1. Ria Rabajante

Ria Rabajante, who is one of ABQ’s favorites, did very elegant hand movements while presenting this Sulu-Sea-Inspired outfit. It must be difficult being the first contestant in a pageant, but it is wise to put strong girls at the start and end of a pageant line-up.

*****

2. Bencelle Bianzon

The coral and shell headdress on this Pitoy Moreno creation is stunning! I wonder just how heavy it is… but Bencelle Bianzon showed now sign of difficulty; she carried it gracefully to the end.

*****

3. Zandra Flores

Loving Zandra Flores here. Excellent hand movements and expressive projection. And even if she’s wrapped in that shiny sarong, her curves stand out!

*****

4. Nicole Donesa

Nicole Donesa walked down the ramp just like a princess! She seemed to be a crowd favorite; the audience cheered for her the second she got on stage.

*****

5. Maria Mustonen

ABQ favorite Maria Mustonen swept the stage like a lioness on the hunt! Each time I see her, I like her a little bit more…

*****

6. Yvette Mildenberger

This grey-silver outfit really goes well with Yvette Mildenberger’s fair looks. She was one of the more graceful contestants with hands that flowed like water. To me, she is like a wild gazelle let loose on the plains…

*****

7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales

This gorgeous outfit made me wonder if Pitoy Moreno was ever commission to do uniforms for flight attendants. Doesn’t Maria Ivy Kristel look like she’s about to ask you if you want the chicken or the fish? Just kidding! But I do love her serious model look; it is truly difficult to fabulous without smiling.

*****

8. Abbygale Monderin

Beautiful contrasting colors on this skirt and jacket with cap ensemble! They go well with the sleek beauty of Abbygale Monderin.

*****

9. Katherine Anne Enriquez

Katherine Anne Enriquez slowly burned in this bright orange Filipiniana dress. And I just love the way her face reflects the feminine moodiness of a supladang Pinay!

*****

10. Anna Carmela Aquino

The dusky beauty of Anna Carmela Aquino is further enhanced by the deepness of this pink/fuschia Filipiniana creation by Pitoy Moreno. She carried the outfit with gentle grace.

*****

11. Anna Carmina Antonio

Although Anna Carmina Antonio seems dead serious in this shot, she did shower the audience with toothy smiles from time to time. From my perspective, this girl was enjoying herself on stage, proud to be a Binibini wearing Pitoy Moreno.

*****

12. Camille Carla Nazar

Beautiful tribal patterns over bright orange. And doesn’t that cap look so classy on Camille Carla Nazar? She cretainly knows how to carry high fashion…

*****

13. Charmaine Elima

I love the baby tassels on this outfit! Makes me think of jesters in a King’s court. Well, a Queen’s court, I should say. Charmaine Elima lived up to her name and did a charming job; she captivated this blogger’s heart as she worked the stage with her awesome walk!

*****

14. Mary Rose Pujanes

Mary Rose Pujanes just keeps getting better each time I see her. She took the stage confidently in this orange number and walked like as if she already had the crown on her head!

*****

15. Pia Wurtzbach

Although I prefer a smiling Pia Wurtzbach, it was interesting to see her do the “you-better-not-mess-with-me” runway look. Pia is one of the hottest contestants in this batch with a following that stretches longer than Edsa.

*****

16. Joanna Cindy Miranda

Haaaay, the face! The beautiful face!!! And the lips like sugar… Joanna Cindy Miranda is really captivating when she smiles. Loved watching her having the time of her life on stage!

*****

17. Carin Adrianne Ramos

Loved the bouncy walk of Carin Adrianne Ramos in this portion of the show! She did fantastic as she showed off the more fun side of Pitoy Moreno’s design!

*****

18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor

Christine Paula Love Bernasor got to show off her playful side (and gorgeous long legs) as she twisted and turned on stage to some Roaring 20s music!

*****

19. Hannah Ruth Sison

Hannah Ruth Sison showed us that you can still have fun even if you’re wearing shocking pink leggings and petticoat! Hannah really is very graceful and her face is just full of expression. She remains an ABQ favorite!

*****

20. Bea Santiago

A grinning Bea Santiago hogged our attention, not because she was trying hard to steal the limelight; she just simply is an eye-catching beauty! No matter where I look, my eyes inadvertently go back to her…

*****

21. LOURENZ REMETILLO

We weren’t able to take a photo of Lourenz, but if you have one, please send it to jaedeelight@yahoo.com and I’ll stick in here. I really loved her performance and am dismayed that we missed her! Thanks!

*****

22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan

Oooh, this was one of my favorite outfits!  And it was JUST perfect for Ellore Noelle Punzalan – the gold and orange just made her tan sexier. Nice arms and shoulders too…

*****

23. Leona Paula Santicruz

That black and red corset gown looked really great on Leona Paula Santicruz. She gave the costume a little extra attitude with her moody look and elegant gait…

*****

24. Cassandra Naidas

This number on Cassandra Naidas made me think of peacocks… if you see what I mean. Cassandra was bubbling under with a smile that warmed my heart. I really like this girl!

*****

25. Merry Joyce Respicio

Stunning on stage! That’s what Merry Joyce Respicio is! I previously said that she reminded me of Gem Padilla but in the fashion show, I started thinking Lou Bunyi. Anyway, Merry Joyce has brilliant cheekbones that make her look good even when her hair is pulled back in a bun. This is one beauty that really excites me!

*****

26. Anna Buquid

Anna Buquid enthralled the crowd with her savvy runway skills! Standing half an inch shy of 6 feet, this goddess had every eye in the coliseum trained on her as she dominated the stage…

*****

27. Valiry Vispo

Valiry Vispo started her walk with a dramatic pose that betrayed underlying grace. She is a joy to watch – full of confidence and so focused on giving her best to the crowd as she presented her Pitoy Moreno design.

*****

28. Mercegrace Racquel

Tiger, tiger, burning bright… that’s all I could think of when Mercegrace Racquel stepped on stage in this deep orange long gown. A smouldering beauty…

*****

29. Pauline Quintas

I just noticed that the mask (which is really cute) kind of looks like Pauline Quintas, what do you think? Pauline has that kind of charming beauty that you can’t say no to. Simple and sweet!

*****

30. Maria Teresa Gorgonio

Doesn’t this cool aqua shade look fabulous on Maria Teresa Gorgonio? I just love it on her and what I love even more is the intense expression on her face. She makes a perfect runway model!

*****

31. Mariel de Leon

Everybody loves Mariel de Leon with her baby doll face and sweet looks. But at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013, I finally saw the fierceness that I was looking for! There is a ‘leon‘ buried somewhere inside of her and I caught a glimpse of it during the show. Mariel de Leon… an ABQ favorite!

*****

32. Cindy Abundabar

Ahh… really like this Filipiniana design by Pitoy Moreno. It looks really good too on Cindy Abundabar who carried it with the sweet modesty of an old-fashioned Filipina.

*****

33. Parul Shah

Simplicity was Parul Shah‘s peg all night. This ABQ favorite glided across the stage with muted drama. A very different performance compared to the Press Presentation where she was flirty and bouncy. Nice to see the quiet and elegant side of Parul!

*****

34. Grace Yann Apuad

Grace Yann Apuad flowed on stage in this billowy Pitoy Moreno gown. And even if she was in all black, Grace’s smile lit up the stage – a beautiful contrast!

*****

35. KC Cajandig

Oh my, what a surprise! The girl who replaced Maria Teresa Fenger (who dropped out of the pageant due to photos in a men’s magazine) was fabulous on stage! Well, I really shouldn’t be surprised since KC Cajandig is a Supermodel runner-up. KC has this gorgeous mournful look that only top runway models know how to produce. She was one of the best, if not the best girl on stage at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Fashion Show!

*****

36. Angel May Villafuerte

Angel May Villafuerte smiled all the way, up and down the catwalk as she gracefully carried her lacy Pitoy Moreno gown. She does smile like an angel, doesn’t she?

*****

37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay

Alaine Baccay was THE PERFECT girl for this beautiful ruffled serpentina gown! She looked like a queen with her high bun and delicately positioned hands. I did not realize Alaine could walk and look so regal. After this walk of hers, I am a FAN forever!!!

*****

38. Mariz Ong

Mariz Ong showed her reserved side in this eclectic creation by Pitoy Moreno. She looks so different when her hair is pulled back this way – I like this different look of hers! Very conservative yet so attractive…

*****

39. Mutya Datul

Mutya Datul was all smiles as she twirled around the stage in her Cinderella-like ballgown. She is really going for the crown, giving it her best, dimples and all! Bravo!!!

*****

40. Jan Helen Villanueva

This gown made me think of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Two things that I think Jan does NOT have.Unless it’s pride over wearing a Pitoy Moreno creation. But she does have the elegance to carry a gown as poofy as this. Excellent walk!

*****

41. Ariella Arida

Ariella Arida was stunning in this emerald gown which made me think of Origami art. She is just getting fiercer and fiercer as the competition heats up!

*****

42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo

Lovely sweet smile from Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo. This Pitoy Moreno gown becomes her, methinks.

*****

43 Rhea Nakpil

This particular Pitoy Moreno gown was a good choice for Rhea Nakpil – the butterfly sleeves give her a conservative appeal but the sash around the waist shows her sexy silhouette. Beautiful!

*****

44. Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom

Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom was reserved in this royal purple creation by Pitoy. Normally vivacious, Gabrielle this time around, showed us her regal self. But I could see that deep down inside that she wanted to unleash the butterfly in her!

*****

45. Imelda Schweighart

Is it Imelda Schweighart’s debut? It sure looks like it! She is only 17 after all! So young and so beautiful, this half-German sweetheart walked like a princess on stage and charmed us all!

*****

46. Amanda Noelle Navasero

Perfect styling on Amanda Noelle Navasero! And beautiful poise too. I did not know that she could move so elegantly. I could hardly take my eyes off of her! This serpentina gown suits her to a tee and I hope that on coronation night, she wears something just as fab…

*****

47. Aiyana Mickiewicz

This gown could have been created for Aiyana Mickiewicz – it suits her so well! The pink shade and feathers complement her fair complexion and the hair off to one side gives her a youthful appeal.

*****

48. Angeli Dione Gomez

Pretty Angeli! She gave us her best beauty queen smile as she paraded down the ramp in a pastel and blue Pitoy Moreno terno…

*****

49. Herlie Kim Artigue

A stunning creation by Pitoy Moreno on an equally stunning Herlie Kim Artigue. Gown and girl complement each other, I am impressed!

*****

50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

Last girl in the line-up happens to be one of the more striking beauties in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. Krisma Pascual looked like she was born to wear this floral terno by Pitoy Moreno!

*****

Hope you enjoyed the photos we took at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 fashion show! Thanks to my hubby Ron T. for taking all these great shots. Love you my sweetie…