Binibining Pilipinas 2017 Know the finalists

02 / 41

Dane Felisse Marasigan Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet Binibini 1, 26 year old Dane Felisse Marasigan. Dane stands tall at 5'6", and has graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in BS. Entrepreneurship. She finished Magna Cum Laude at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA where she took up her degree in Fashion Design. Talking about being a part of the Bb Pilipinas 2017, Dane says, “I’m really honored to be part of this prestigious pageant. We’ve been training since November last year and I’ce learned a lot about myself. It’s my first time join and I’m excited for all the new learnings that this pageant will bring. Hopefully, with God’s grace, i will be able to bring home one of the crowns.”

03 / 41

Arienne Louise Braga Calingo Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet Binibini 2, 24 year old Arienne Louise Braga Calingo. Arienne is a Georgetown University graduate. The beauty who stands 5'7", is more than just a pretty face who can do a perfect catwalk. Ariene speaks English, Modern Standard and Egyptian Arabic (colloquial), Spanish and Filipino. Talking about her inclusion in the Top 4o finalists, Arienne says, “I am so excited to be a part of Binibining Pilipinas 2017! It is a great honor and I am so humbled to have been chosen out of 90+ women from around the country. As we have seen, the Philippines has so many admirable and accomplished pageant queens. One queen that I truly admire is Pia Wurtzbach because of her determination and perseverance. One of my favorite non‐Filipina queens is Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012. She is a beauty queen who proved that you really don’t need to be a certain height to make a positive difference in others’ lives. I look forward to continue being a spokeswoman to the youth. I am so grateful for my mentors, Aces and Queens and Mafae Yunon‐Belasco, for guiding me in this journey. #GoCalingo.”

04 / 41

Maria Gail Devora Tobes Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next finalist is Binibini 3 Maria Gail Devora Tobes hailing from Northern Samar. Maria describes herself as a career‐driven and determined person. She is a Licensed Veterinarian who graduated Cum Laude at the University of Eastern Philippines. Now that I am one of the Official Candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2017, I am really praying and working hard to notch another achievement. “Now that I am one of the Official Candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2017, I am really praying and working hard to notch another achievement.”

05 / 41

Jessica Ramirez Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 4 is 25 year old Jessica Ramirez, who hails from Socorro, a rural mountainous town in Oriental Mindoro. The beauty has a strong support system consisting of her Aces & Queens camp, church group, workmates, family and relatives and all the people of Oriental Mindoro. This is what Jessica has to say, after becoming one of the finalists of Bb Pilpinas 2017, “Being part of this year’s roster of Bb Pilipinas hopefuls made me realize the value of persistence and believing in the right timing. Being a candidate is a surreal experience. It will surely bring out the best in me. In itself, it is a self discovery!”

06 / 41

Joselle Mariano Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next is Binibini 5 Joselle Mariano, who is 21 year old, and is a Tourism major from Cavite State University Main. She was a National Champion Swimmer – a sport she started to get good at the minute she made her splash in the olympic‐sized pools when she was only 8. “Becoming a certified Binibini is already a big achievement for me. To make it this far is something that brings out endless excitement (and nervousness) on my part. Now that I am your Binibini 5, I’m all set to conquer the stage of Binibining Pilipinas 2017! Get ready for Elle!” Here is what Joselle has to say on becoming one of the finalists of Bb Pilipinas 2017.

07 / 41

Maria Benjieleen Nama Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Moving on to the next finalist, we have 24 year old Binibini 6 Maria Benjieleen Nama. A multi‐tasker after finishing her degree in BS Psychology from the University of the East, Maria worked first as the HR Supervisor/Head of an audit firm. She eventually developed her skills as a career speaker, while attending a Business Management Training Program of Harvard Business Publishing. Sharing her excitement about making it to the Top 40 finalists, Maria says, “Out of 97 beautiful ladies down to 40, it was a blurry moment for me when my number and name was called as an official candidate of Bb. Pilipinas. I did not expect it at all! As a first timer, I want to enjoy, have fun and cherish all the moments being here rather than put all the pressure to myself and be on a “competition mode” without cherishing the journey at all.”

08 / 41

Jennyline Carla Malpaya Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next in the list of finalist is Binibini 7 Jennyline Carla Malpaya. 24 year old Jennyline is making sure that her second time with the national pageant will leave a more desirable result. She has definitely improved a lot from the last time she competed at the pageant, her styling has remarkably changed and she looks more confident now.

09 / 41

Leitz Camyll Ang Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet the next finalist of Binibining Pilipinas 2017, 24 year old Binibini 8 Leitz Camyll Ang. She was a contestant at Miss World Philippines. Earlier this year, she was part of a blog about the MAC make‐up workshop for the 65th Miss Universe where she was one of the face models the artists worked on. Talking about making it to the Top 40 of Bb Pilipinas 2017, Leitz Camyll said, “I feel honoured and happy to finally be an Official Candidate of Binibining Pilipinas 2017. I’ve always wanted to join this pageant ever since I was seven years old. I am also excited for the journey ahead and for the time I will spend with my new sisters.”

10 / 41

Vanessa Saliba Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Remember Binibini 37 from Binibining Pilipinas 2014, Vanessa Saliba? She is now the official Binibini 9 at Bb Pilipinas 2017. 21 year old Vanessa was singled out by many during the Presentation Show as possessing one of the loveliest faces in the group. She loves to travel different places and love sports like volleyball and badminton. Her confidence and charm can make her a favourite for the crown this year, and she might definitely win one of the crowns this year.

11 / 41

Jehza Mae Huelar Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next finalist of Binibining Pilipinas 2016 is 22 year old Binibini 10 Jehza Mae Huelar. Yes, she was the second runner‐up at the Binibining Pilipinas 2016. But, she knew that she can do better than her 2016 stint. Joining for the second time has made her more mission driven. There is something new and improved in the mind‐set and focus of Jehza. She wants to win a crown first and foremost. But she also plans to use the possible victory to strengthen her platform for the youth in Mindanao and beyond. Talking about her second try at the Bb Pilipinas pageant, Jehza says, “I believe if it is really my passion, I cannot let this opportunity just pass me by. It’s like sunrise… if I wait too long, I will miss it. And just like sunrise… it will never be the same — I believe it’s worth taking a risk. Who knows what lies ahead.”

12 / 41

Kimberly Pajares Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

This year, we will get to see some sister rivalry at Bb Pilipinas 2017. And the next contender is one of the sisters, Kimberly Pajares, Binibini 11. 26‐year‐old Kimberly Pajares, older sister of Dindi Pajares (Binibini 24). 5'9" tall Kimberly was one of the semi‐finalist at Miss World Philippines 2014. She is a flight attendant and enjoys travelling.

13 / 41

Angelique Celine De Leon Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

The next finalist if Bb Pilipinas 2017 is Angelique Celine De Leon, Binibini 12. This is Angeliques’ third attempt at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Her first try at the Bb Pilipinas pageant was in the year 2014, then she came back in 2016 and now the beauty is eyeing for the crown of Miss Universe Philippines 2017. Many believe that she can recreate the Pia Wurtzbach moment in her third try. What do you think?

14 / 41

Sirene Sutton Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 13 is Sirene Sutton. Now, you have seen her in several print/fashion ads and runway photographs. The last time you saw Sirene Sutton was way back in 2014 when she joined the inaugural edition of Miss Global Philippines where she placed 1st Runner‐Up to Catherine Almirante. Standing tall at an astounding height of 5’9” she is one of the running favourites for the title this year.

15 / 41

Sarah Jireh Cruz Asido Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 14 Sarah Jiregh Cruz Asido competed at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in the year 2014. This year the Balagtas, Bulacan beauty has returned for her second and last try at the pageant. A proud Thomasian and a Licensed Teacher, Sarah graduated from UST with a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education, major in Social Studies, while doubling it up with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences. Talking about making it to the Top 40 finalists of Bb Pilipinas 2017, Sarah says, “I am beyond blessed for getting this opportunity again. I have prayed and waited three long years for this. I waited for God’s yes before I decided to join again. Everything really fell into place. During my realization process, I had injuries in my foot and that almost discouraged me to get back on the pageant track. I was in so much pain but I know that this is just a test of faith and determination on how strong my desires are. The Lord places me in hard situations to see how tough and willing I am to go beyond everything just to fulfill my dream of a crown. This time, I am stronger, wiser, and a determined winner. Yes I am because the Lord is with me and I am so blessed for whatever injuries I had, I am still here.”

16 / 41

Mariel De Leon Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 15 and celebrity daughter Maria Angelica “Mariel” de Leon is here to make her beauty queen dreams come true. Her glam game has been strong since childhood. She needs to work on her modelling skills a bit to meet the requirements of the pageant, but who knows she might end up as one of the crown possessors this year, because she has the aura. “Growing up in a family full of different kinds of artists, my siblings and I have different passions in the arts, and mine is makeup. I love how you can change it up everyday and give yourself a new character everyday according to your mood. I definitely want to study and pursue both makeup and opera as jobs after Binibini,” says Mariel.

17 / 41

Larah Grace Lacap Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next in the line of finalists is Binibini 16 Larah Grace Lacap. Larah competed at the Miss World Philippines 2012 pageant. She has the face, the height and the long‐leggy‐ness of a Beauty Queen. Although a grown up woman today, Larah’s childish beauty comes out whenever she smiles.

18 / 41

Camille Manalo Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Our next Binibini is an interesting contender competing for the title this year. Binibini 17 Camille Manalo is a newbie in the pageantry world and is not affiliated with either A&Q or KF. She is 26 year old, and because of that, Bb. Pilipinas 2017 is her last chance to join in the nationals. Standing tall at 5’9”, Camille is a Library & Information Science graduate of University of Santo Tomas. The beauty queen is an adventure freak and loves hiking , diving and surfing.

19 / 41

Nelda Ibe Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Remember the second runner‐up at the Miss World Philippines 2014 pageant? Yes, Nelda Ibe is the Binibini 18 at theis year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She made the decision to join Bb. Pilipinas 2017 after recently finishing her Solo Fly as Captain Cadet student. This 23 year old stunner standing tall at 5’10” is someone who is relaxed, laid‐back and very beautifully sensible. But once she gets made up and all, she transforms into a potential beauty queen.

20 / 41

Rachel Louise Peters Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 19 Rachel Peters is definitely one of the tallest candidates this year. This Fil‐Brit beauty has more strengths to show off than her imposing physical presence. People often mistake her to be aloof and selective of company. In fact, she is someone who is careful not to spread herself too much with people. She takes a while to warm up to new acquaintances. But once she does, the real warmth shines through. Rachel says, “Before joining, everyone warned me about needing to be physically and mentally strong so that’s what I did. I’ve put in my best effort to be the best version of myself that I can be, and am working on it every single second of everyday. The goal, of course is to win, but to enjoy the journey, make memories, keep learning about myself and to make lifelong friends along the way. I’m so excited to finally be an official candidate of BBP 2017 and am overwhelmed by all the love and support I’ve been getting… You guys inspire me to give my best effort everyday! So thank you, you know how you are!”

21 / 41

Christagale Borja Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

24 year old Christagale Borja is Binibini 20 at this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant. If you go through her profile, it looks like Christagale has worked really hard on her body to come this far. She has the body, the face and the perfect attitude to go ahead at the pageant this year. With just a little grooming and training, she can be a strong bet for one of the titles this year.

22 / 41

Jamaica Elysse Ambal Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next is Binibini 21 Jamaica Elysse Ambal. She was a contestant at the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 pageant. This 25 year old beauty had established a network of modelling contact, after she won the Binibining Calamba 2011 title. She has been participating at the bi‐annual Philippine Fashion Week. She stands tall at 5’10.5”, and has made a comeback with proper training and grooming. Do you think she can be the next Bb Pilipinas?

23 / 41

Chanel Olive Thomas Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

You of course remember Chanel Olive Thomas who won Miss Philippines Air title in 2015. She is your Binibini 22 at Binibining Pilipinas 2017 pageant. Chanel grew up in Australia but three years ago she moved home to The Philippines. Chanel says, “My vision and purpose for joining Binibini is because I want to use this as a platform to use my voice and my experiences to inspire and empower young girls and women to whole heartedly believe in themselves and to follow their dreams. I feel very blessed to have been chosen as an official candidate. It is an amazing opportunity and I am giving it my 100%.”

24 / 41

Arah Salientes Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

21 year old Arah Salientes is Binibini 23 for Binibining Pilipinas 2017 pageant. She competed at the Miss World Philippines 2016 pageant and was one of the Top 12 finalists. She is confident and has a pageantry experience. Arah aspires to have a family of her own & have a business of her own, wherein she can be able to give back to others also.

25 / 41

Dindi Joy Pajares Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 24 Dindi Joy Pajares was a contestant at the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 pageant. She was one of the contestants who pageant experts and followers felt had a strong chance of claiming one of the crowns. She managed to crack the Top 15 slot at the finals last year. However, after the Bb Pilpiinas 2016, Dindi resumed her job as Flight Attendant of Philippine Airlines after. But the pageant bug must have really hit her. While it has only been less than a year since then, Dindi has already upped her training.

26 / 41

Clarice Marion Villareal Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 25 is Clarice Marion Villareal. A newbie in the world of pageant, Clarice is 23 year old and is a graduate of Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. The beauty queen enjoys arts, especially painting. She is also into sports, particularly Volleyball. To establish her mark in the pageant, Clarice has to work really hard, especially on her communication skills and confidence. The competition is tough this year, and the contest is not going to be easy either. Let’s see how far Clarice can go in her journey of Bb Pilipinas 2017.

27 / 41

Ruffa Nava Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Ruffa Nave started her pageant journey in the 2014 when she competed at the Miss World Philippines pageant, won by Valerie Weigmann. After that she opted to take part in small regional beauty contests where she polished her skills in presentation and projection. She is now the Binibini 26 and standing tall at 5’8″ she is ready to face the nationals.

28 / 41

Beatrice Valente Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

24 year‐old Beatrice Valente is Binibini 27 at Binibining Pilipinas 2017. She worked as a cashier, ice cream bar crew and baby sitter to support her school and her dream of Binibining Pilipinas. She has travelled around the world alone with one back pack, went to Paris, Germany, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and around the Philippines. Her inner beauty is undeniably strong, and she definitely going to leave a mark at the pageant this year. “I feel overwhelmed because I’ve been working hard for this for so long and Kagandahang Flores camp is helping me improve day by day to hopefully win the Miss Universe Philippines crown. I want to have a powerful platform as Binibini to help rehabilitate traumatised children through art therapy and helping them to have a vision of a world where children keep dreaming and believing even after all they went through,” says Beatrice expressing her joy.

29 / 41

Juliana Kapeundl Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Next in the line is Binibini 28 Juliana Kapeundl. 25 year old Juliana is Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who graduated Cum Laude from the Immaculate Conception College in Balayan, Batangas. Juliana was trained and polished by Aces & Queens for the nationals. As a profession, the CPA license allowed her to get a stable desk job. But she has always dreamt of fulfilling her dreams of becoming a Bb. Pilipinas. “I am truly grateful and very ecstatic to be chosen as one of the Official Candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2017. It is such an honor for me knowing how rigid the screening was this year. I am overwhelmed by the love I am receiving from my family, friends and supporters. This is still so surreal for me, but nevertheless, I am very happy to be living the dream!” says Juliana.

30 / 41

Karla May Manongsong Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 20 for Binibining Pilipinas 2017 is Karla May Manongsong. The beauty queen is representing San Jose del Monte Bulacan. Karla is proud of her big appetite: She can eat three cups of rice per meal and not worry about her figure. Karla has a very naive touch to her beauty and her charm is way too childish, which might be a problem as per the requirements of the pageant. However, if she trains herself well and work on her communication skills, Karla might end up making an impact at the pageant.

31 / 41

Mae Liezel Ramos Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 30 is Mae Lizel Ramos. This is Mae’s third attempt at the pageant and she is giving the nationals her best effort so far. She wants this to be her banner year. And she just might have readied the best version of herself in Bb. Pilipinas 2017. Just like Pia Wurtzbach, Mae Liezel is also working towards spreading awareness on HIV. “This dream of mine wasn’t 3‐4 years in the making, it’s 9 years of consistent dreaming & acting on it slowly but making sure I was improving every step of the way. I think if a person is passionate on something, follow it ‘coz that will most likely be her calling,” says Mae Liezel Ramos.

32 / 41

Katarina Rodriguez Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Katarina Rodriguez is your Binibini 31. She was seen during Season 2 of Asia’s Next Top Model as one of the Top 3 finishers. Standing tall at 5’7”, Katarina has the face to command attention and the brains to match with her good looks. She has great communication skills and she totally has it in her to be the next Binibining Pilipinas. She needs to gain a little bit of confidence to mark her niche at the pageant. She is a student in De La Salle University (DLSU), taking up Philosophy and Business Management. She is a member of the DLSU Women's Track and Field Team.

33 / 41

Charmaine Elima Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 32 is Charmaine Elima. She first joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2013, where she was one of the Top 15 finalists. She has a degree in International Hospitality Management from Siena College. Charmaine already holds two local pageant titles: Miss Rizal in 2012 and Miss Mandaluyong 2013. This 24‐year‐old and 5'7 stunner is now working as a flight attendant at the Philippine Airlines.

34 / 41

Kristi Rose Cequena Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet Binibini 33 Kristi Rose Cequena. She has this go‐getter attitude. She has this personality where if she sets her eyes on something, she can suit up to a challenge. “I feel like I am in Cloud 9 when my name was called as one of the Binibinis. I felt God helping me work out to attain my dreams. I am really at a loss for words. I can’t contain my happiness since I’ve waited so long for this,” says Kristi.

35 / 41

Gabriela Madarieta Ortega Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

23 year old Gabriela Madarieta is Binibini 34 for Binibining Pilipinas 2017. This Aces & Queens bet is a total charmer on her own merits. She is very vibrant and engaging in person. “Now that I am part of Binibining Pilipinas, I still can’t believe I am in the most prestigious pageant of the country. I am honored and so happy. I have learned so much already. Before my training, my knowledge of make‐up was none and they have taught me how to enhance myself and be more beautiful. These tips will always be useful,” says Gabriela.

36 / 41

Thoreen Halvorsen Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet Binibini 35 Thoreen Halvorsen. Thoreen has a funny nickname, as her friends like to call her Thor. She loves beaches and dogs. Interesting this is that Thoreen has 8 pet dogs. Thoreen is a graduating student. She is yet to train and groom herself for the pageant, as the competition is really tough. The beauty queen needs to work on her walk and also her body to make it to the finals.

37 / 41

Gillian Eliza Colcol Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Gillian, hailing from Antipolo, is a copywriter by profession. She is a graduate in Communication Arts from La Salle College. Standing tall at 5’7”, Gillian is currently working as a copywriter for a local beauty brand whilst doing church volunteer work as a Sunday school teacher. The gorgeous beauty is a product of the Kagandahang Flores Camp.

38 / 41

Sammie Anne Legaspi Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 37 is Sammie Anne Legaspi. he placed 2nd Runner‐Up during Miss Global Philippines, won Miss Sophie Paris Philippines and was named Saniata ti Ilocos Earth – all in a span of less than a year. She is a former Tourism student at De La Salle Dasmariñas and used to be a dance choreographer and singer as part of different organizations to enhance her skills and do some charity works along the way. Sammie has this innate talent of fashion and creates her own fashion statements every now and then.

39 / 41

Ana Patricia Asturias Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 38 is very feminine and charming Ana Patricia. She owns such a magnetic smile that can catch your attention on any given public appearance. Ana is a licensed Interior Designer and Cafe Restaurateur by profession. Talking about her Binibining Pilipinas journey, Ana says, “This is the beginning of a new chapter of my life and I would like to make the most out of this platform and oppurtunity by sharing my story, my aspirations, and my personal advocacy; the last of which I consider very close to my heart. I am probably one of the first to ever represent Tacloban City, and I revel at the opportunity to make them proud.”

40 / 41

Elizabeth Durado Clenci Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Meet Binibini 39 Elizabeth Durado. It is Elizabeth’s second time joining Binibining Pilipinas pageant, as she joined the pageant in 2011 with her sister. She won the Best in National Costume that year. When you look at her, you know that she has the potential to win the title, as the beauty has grown over the years. Her confidence is reflected in her every move and the way she conducts herself is commendable.

41 / 41

Kristel Guelos Binibining Pilipinas 2017 contestant

Binibini 40 is Kristel Guelos who is a dentist by profession. For Kristel, beauty is not just about having a beautiful body and a pretty face, it is about having a good personality and values. Kristel has an amazing body and a beautiful smile. She has a confident stature and looks like a strong bet for the title this year.