Here’s what you’ll need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

 Reigning Binibining Pilipinas winners (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, Anna Valencia Lakirini, Angelica Lopez and Katrina Anne Johnson. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

By: Armin P. Adina

Here's what you will need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

Avid pageant aficionados had been brimming with anticipation as to when the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) would make its “the search is on” announcement for the 60th anniversary edition. And the wait was finally over after the organization made the call before Valentine’s Day. Now they followed it up with the list of requirements that the aspirants must meet.

Interested applicants will need to download the official application form at www.bbpilipinas.com and submit their accomplished form at the BPCI Office on the 8th floor of Aurora Tower on Gen. Malvar St. at the Araneta City in Quezon City.

The competition is open to Filipino citizens who are born in the Philippines, or have reacquired their citizenship under RA 9225. Those who have also earned natural Filipino citizenship even when they are born outside the Philippines may still join. They may or may not have resided within the Philippines.

Applicants will also need to show their high school or college diploma, present a medical certificate for both physical and mental health and well-being, and a certificate of good moral character provided by a school, church or professional organization.

Ladies also need to bring their photo set cards composed of one close-up and one full body shot. A copy of their birth certificate will also be required.

The deadline for applications is set on March 22, but no final screening schedule has been announced as of this writing.

Bb. Pilipinas is the first and longest-running national beauty pageant in the country. It has produced the country’s most well-loved international beauty queens since its establishment in 1964.

To date, the national competition has collected four wins in the Miss Universe pageant, five victories in the Miss International pageant, two crowns each from the Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe tilts, and several more triumphs in other contests.

Last year, Bb. Pilipinas queens posted podium finishes in their respective global competitions. Nicole Borromeo was third runner-up in the Miss International pageant, while Anna Valencia Lakirini was second runner-up in the Miss Globe contest.

Angelica Lopez, who was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International during the national pageant’s 59th edition held last year, is scheduled to compete in the 62nd Miss International competition on Nov. 12.