Yearly, the most prestigious national beauty pageant in the country–Binibining Pilipinas showcases not just the beauty, wits and talents but also the forms or the figures of candidates in summer wear via its Grand Parade of Beauties.
Today, May 25, the 40 beauties from across the Philippine regions paraded in their floral summer wear via a motorcade around the Araneta Center.
Each candidate garbed in festive-inspired designs with touches of Gumamela (local name for Hibiscus) flowers, fitting enough to rival the annual Flores de Mayo or Flowers of May, which is a takeoff from the traditional parade of long, formal Filipiniana gowns. Transporting each of the candidates around Araneta Center is via Miata Club’s roadsters.
Together with the 40 stunning candidates, the reigning beauty queens Binibining Pilipinas-Globe Michelle Gumabao, Binibining Pilipinas-Grand International Eva Patalinjug, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational Jehza Huelar, Miss International first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, and Miss Intercontinental Karen Gallman were part of the parade. Only Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is not able to join the festivities.
The parade kicked off near Novotel Manila Araneta Center and went through the Center via Gen. McArthur, to EDSA in front of Farmers Market and Farmers Plaza, and turned right to Aurora Boulevard. It again entered Gen. Aguinaldo, passed through New Frontier Theater and Gateway Tower. It went on straight to Ali Mall and around P. Tuazon Avenue. Its last route was via Times Square as it headed towards Gen. Aguinaldo to finally have its endpoint at Gateway Pavillion beside Smart Araneta Coliseum Green Gate.
All 40 candidates introduced themselves as they reached the makeshift stage at the pavilion to which the selected and invited press were on standby. They were all joined by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated chair Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta for a photo opportunity.
The event was made possible by PLDT Home Fibr.