Binibining Pilipinas celebrates its 60th year of empowering and celebrating all kinds of Filipina beauty.
It is an understatement that Filipinos are big pageant fans, so much so that beauty contests have been a staple in many community celebrations. But when it comes to a grand display of Filipino beauty, it is hard not to think of Binibining Pilipinas.
Since 1964, Binibining Pilipinas has been one of the most anticipated beauty contests in the country. Every year, Filipinas from different parts of the archipelago brave the pageant's stage for a chance to win their dream crowns and compete abroad.
Through the years, its platform has changed into something beyond just physical beauty. As a project under Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI), the pageant also gives its contestants a platform to tell their stories, give light to their initiatives, and be part of various humanitarian missions.
As it commemorates its 60th anniversary this year, Binibining Pilipinas is committed to continuing its mission of empowering and celebrating all kinds of Filipino beauty. To celebrate its legacy, Style Weekend sits down with some of the ladies from its latest roster of beauty contestants—Bb. 11 Kim de Luna (Caloocan), Bb, 29 Roselyn Evardo (Manila), Bb. 30 Trisha Martinez (Pila, Laguna), and Bb. 32 Carmella Cuaresma (Aurora Province)—as they talk about how pageantry continues to empower women, their lives before joining the beauty contest, and what makes a Binibini today.
What are the lessons you learned in the past that you are applying in your Binibini journey?
Roselyn: I started working when I was 16 years old. I was a working student. Eventually, I landed a job in a corporate setting. Now, as a flight attendant. It molded me to be more mature and responsible in my decision-making. I applied it here in the pageant.
Trisha: One core value that I practice every day as a licensed dentist is empathy. I always have to put myself in the position of my patients so that I can give the best care that they deserve. To me, that’s one of the qualities a Binibini should have, being empathetic toward others, because we work with a lot of people.
Kim: Discipline and time management. When you join Binibini, you’ll learn that time is very valuable to the organization, so you need to be present and professional. Those are some of the things I learned from my time at the Philippine Air Force.
Carmella: To be strong, that’s what I learned from studying criminology.
What makes a Binibini?
Roselyn: A Binibini is someone who knows herself—her true self. Being a Binibini is not just about the glitz and glamor. We carry the responsibility of ensuring that we are updated about current events, that our advocacy is shared with other people, and that we stand and believe in what is better for the community.
Trisha: Having a mission to serve other people, to extend yourself to the community. Being a Binibini is not just about winning the crown. It is also about serving your purpose.
Kim: Someone who is empowered, who has a lot of experiences to share with others, and who is willing to be of service to the community.
Carmella: Hard work and dedication. Coming from the province, I put a lot of effort into pursuing this dream. Transitioning from province life to city life is hard but you need to believe in yourself, be brave, and persevere.
Do you think pageants continue to empower women?
Roselyn: Yes, I think beauty pageants still empower women. It is very relevant. It is a platform for women, and we use this stage to amplify our advocacies and purpose here in the community.
Trisha: I think there is a misconception about us beauty queens that we only just have a pretty face, but we are more than that. Through this pageant, we are given a platform to talk about our causes. It uplifts women and I think all women should take up the spaces that allow us to be heard.
Kim: Pageantry has been transforming in a very positive way. I’m sure a lot of people are asking if pageants are still relevant. But for me, pageantry allows us to share our advocacies and do charity work.
Carmella: I do believe pageant helps empower women. Before I entered pageantry, I found myself feeling doubtful and worried. Now that I’m here, it helped boost my confidence. After being in a male-dominated field, it is nice to embrace my femininity.
The much-awaited grand coronation night of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant will be held on July 7, 2024, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The new Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe titleholders will get P1 million each.
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