BY ELLA MARIE MERCADO
Binibining Pilipinas 2021 candidates showed their wit, intelligence and grasp of issues in the Road to the Crown pageant primer hosted by Boy Abunda.
The 34 candidates were initially for the 2020 pageant that had been postponed because of the health risks posed by the pandemic.
The ladies had been preparing for different segments of the pageants such as the swimsuit presentation and national costume fashion showcase which started pre-pandemic.
It recently concluded with a simulation of the Q&A portion of the pageant hosted by multi-awarded TV host Boy Abunda. This portion aimed to test the ladies’ spontaneity and grace under pressure.
“(Because) people will laugh, people will, you know. It’s a cruel audience,” the host shared with the candidates.
The candidates went by batch, after which Abunda gave insights and coached the ladies on how to answer and carry themselves better.
The Q&A centered on interpreting and connecting the pictures to COVID-19 and the candidates’ respective advocacies. Akin to the actual pageant, the candidates were free to answer in the language they are comfortable with.
“[T]hings are never cancelled. We can still continue to enjoy life while we are in the crisis,” said Bb. Pilipinas #21 Carina Cariño from La Union.
“Let us all remember, to those online shoppers just like me, that in this time of crisis, we must only buy what we need because money is very important in this time of crisis and we should use them wisely,” Bb. Pilipinas #22 Czarina Guiao from Pampanga reminded.
“In these times, this is just a test of spirit and characteristics as well. So let us all be patient until the world comes into its normal state once again,” she added.
“If we collectively come together as a community, we can achieve herd immunity,” said the Oriental Mindoro representative, Bb. Pilipinas #27, Graciella Lehmann.
The ladies will vie for four titles: Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental and Binibining Pilipinas Globe.
Before the end of the program, Catriona Gray made a surprise appearance and gave the ladies an encouraging speech.
Gray, together with Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves, will host the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on July 11 at 9:30 p.m. on A2Z Channel, Kapamilya Channel, and Metro Channel.
Watch the candidates’ journey below.
