The 2013 Binibining Pilipinas Gold Pageant

#46 Amanda

If it wasn't for renowned photographer Mandy Navasero, I wouldn't have gone to Araneta Coliseum to witness the 50th Binibining Pilipinas pageant last night.  Juris and I went to cheer for her daughter -- candidate #46, 21-year old Amanda Noelle Navasero.

Mandy was actually surprised when Amanda, who is graduating this year, announced that she wanted to join the pageant. Amanda told  her that she got inspired by 2012 Bb Pilipinas Universe  Janine Mari Tugonon who was proclaimed 1st runner-up in  the 2012 Miss Universe  beauty pageant in Las Vegas, USA on December 19, 2012.

I've known Amanda since she was a baby and I must tell you that she has bloomed from a tall, somewhat shy girl to a confident young woman.

in a Filipiniana 

It was my first time to witness a pageant and it was indeed a nerve wracking experience. 50 Binibing Pilipinas candidates were selected to mark the 50th year of the pageant. 1960 Miss International titleholder from Columbia, Stella Marquez Araneta, who is the current chairperson of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.said "I want to thank you especially the people who have supported our pageant for rmany years."

Proud mom Mandy

Arielle Arida (photo by Entervrexworld)

The event paid tribute to past and current titleholders. Among the beauty queens present were Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Aurora Pijuan (Miss International 1970), Ruffa Gutierrez (Miss World 1993), Miriam Quiambao (Miss Universe 1999, 1st runner up), Precious Lara Quigaman (Miss International 2005), Venus Raj (Miss Universe, 4th runner up), Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner up), Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012, 1st runner up), Nicole Schmitz (Miss International 2012 semifinalist), Katrina Jayne Dimaranan (Bb Pilipinas-Tourism), Elaine Kay Moll (Miss Suprantional 2012 3rd runner up), and Annalie Forbes (Bb Pilipinas 2nd runner up).

with the proud ninangs

Kudos to Amanda! Among the 50 candidates, she made it to the top 15!!! And congratulations to candidate #41, 24-year old  Arielle Arida from Laguna who was crowned Bb Pilipinas Universe.