Bb Pilipinas 2018: Experts Predict
As part of our build-up to this year's Binibining Pilipinas, Global Beauties to ask some of our friends from the Philippines (who are also longtime pageant followers and experts) to predict what will happen this Sunday night. So, here we go... enjoy our experts' predictions and comment in the space below who you think will walk away with the crowns at the 55th Binibining Pilipinas Pageant.
PAUL PALMERO
Paul Palmero is an avid pageant fan based in Manila. He is well-known in pageant circles for his speedy pageant updates and incredible eye for fashion. A pageant fan for 29 years, the first pageant he watched was Miss Universe 1989 and the first he attended was Bb Pilipinas 2002. We at Global Beauties adore Paul and respect his opinions.
Miss Universe Philippines
#11 Aya Abesamis
Fresh, exciting, lovely. She’ll have lots to share with the universe soon.
Miss International Philippines
#31 Jehza Huelar
Patient, determined, and prepared. Nice to see her give her big dream another chance.
Miss Supranational Philippines
#38 Karen Gallman
Deserving, charming, surprising. She could be what Supra needs from the Philippines and on the global stage.
Miss Grand Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
Destined for a milestone “first”. Let real greatness settle in Bangkok with the 1st ever Filipina MGI winner.
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#1 Vicki Rushton
She’s ahead, sweet and stunning. Modern, she is every bit an icon of the global and cultured Filipina.
Miss Globe Philippines
#19 Michele Gumabao
She’s solid, power-charged, and game. She will be a wonderful showcase of the modern Filipina athlete.
LEX LIBREA
Lex Librea is also based in Manila and has been following pageants for 20 years. He was one of the 'stars' of the video that went viral in 2010 when Venus Raj was called to the top 15 of Miss Universe. He has a rich knowledge of the beauty and fashion industry and knows how to pick winners!
Miss Universe Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
Miss International Philippines
#35 Sandra Lemonon
Miss Supranational Philippines
#11 Aya Abesamis
Miss Grand Philippines
#1 Vickie Rushton
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#26 Wynonah Buot
Miss Globe Philippines
#31 Jezha Huelar
JODIE ARABELLA DIDI DAIMBA
Jodie is from the Phiilippines but is based in London, England. She has been following pageants since 1993. Jodie is an outspoken pageant fan and is well-respected in the industry.
Miss Universe Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
Miss International Philippines
#3 Muriel Orais
Miss Supranational Philippines
#35 Sandra Lemonon
Miss Grand Philippines
#38 Karen Gallman
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#1 Vickie Rushton
Miss Globe Philippines
#32 Eva Patalinjug
JAMES GANNABAN
James is an avid pageant fan from the Philippines based in Hong Kong. Mesmerised by the holy trinity that was Sushmita, Carolina and Minorca (no last names required), he has been following pageants since 1994.
Miss Universe Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
If common sense prevails, this hungry, seasoned and well rounded beauty should by all means take the plum title.
Miss International Philippines
#31 Jehza Huelar
This leggy southern lass is at her best on her third and final Binibini stint; her “fierce Asian princess” countenance would serve the country well in the Tokyo-based pageant.
Miss Supranational Philippines
#11 Aya Abesamis
This dusky beauty is a runway pro and by her own merits is worthy of a title.
Miss Grand Philippines
#23 Ena Velasco
She’s a doctor - and how many pageant girls can lay claim to such credentials, especially in the interest of “world peace”?
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#35 Sandra Lemonon
A crossover from Miss World Philippines, she’s smoking the competition out of the park with her consistently sizzling presence.
Miss Globe Philippines
#32 Eva Patinjug
This former Mutya ng Pilipinas knows what it takes, and shall not be denied.
JOSE*
Jose is a pageant fan based in Manila, Philippines, where he works as a coconut vendor but moonlights as a secret ageant for an underground mob. He has been following pageants since 2004, and has not yet gotten over Cynthia Olavarria’s loss.
* Jose is one of our most delightful fans from the Philippines. He prefers to keep a low profile but we think he is definitely deserves being heard!
Miss Universe Philippines
#11 Aya Abesamis
She has the spunk, the energy, the charisma, and the bloodline that can help clinch a fourth Miss Universe title for the Philippines.
Miss International Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
She will be the one to beat, for sure, but she never really struck me to be the MU-type.
Miss Supranational Philippines
#32 Eva Patalinjug
She has the beauty that might translate to votes or points with Eastern Europeans, so Supra is the best pageant for her.
Miss Grand Philippines
#19 Michele Gumabao
She has a lot of adoring fans (probably second in number to Catriona), and if BPCI wants MGI to have a bigger presence in the Philippines, then sending Michele to this pageant might be the best move.
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#17 Ahtisa Manalo
She is gaining ground over the last few weeks, but I don’t think it’s enough to topple the biggest favorites. But I think she deserves a crown.
Miss Globe Philippines
#31 Jehza Huelar
She looked miles better in her previous stints in BBP, so this might be a small consolation prize for her.
JOSEPH VITUG
Joseph veteran writer/blogger of international pageants, with a broad range of interests involving pop culture and the world-at-large. His pageant reviews are loved by fans the world over.
Miss Universe Philippines
#20 Catriona Gray
Miss International Philippines
#11 Aya Abesamis
Miss Supranational Philippines
#31 Jehza Hueler
Miss Grand Philippines
#23 Ena Velasco
Miss Intercontinental Philippines
#38 Karen Gallman
Miss Globe Philippines
#32 Eva Patalinjug
Well, there you have it! We would like to hear from you. Leave a comment below to tell us who your favorites are and how excited you are about Sunday night's pageant!
Global Beauties would like to thank our six experts for sharing their views with us. As always, may the best and most deserving girls win!
Compiled for Global Beauties by Andre Sleigh
Photos courtesy of Bb Pilipinas