ANGELICA Lopez led the winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 coronation night on Sunday, May 28, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The representative from Palawan was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 by reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg of Germany, who flew to Manila to attend the national pageant. Lopez’ predecessor, Nicole Borromeo, presented her sash.
In the Q&A portion, Angelica picked Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan, who asked her: “What makes you a binibini who walks the talk and who is beyond mere self-promotion?”
She answered: “I stand here tonight because it is my mother that instilled [in] me the values and the morals that I’m using to be the woman that I am today. A woman who has the strength, courage, and tenacity. The strength to decide for herself what she wants, really works hard to achieve it, to have the courage to face the obstacles of life, and tenacity to hold onto her wisdom of choice. And I believe it is always a dream come true to be here. And that is why I am a binibini that I’m always meant to be.”
Anna Valencia Lakrini of Bataan won the Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023 crown, with Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao del Sur and Atasha Reign Parani of General Trias, Cavite named first and second runners-up, respectively.
Only two crowns were given in this year’s Bb. Pilipinas coronation night, versus last year’s four – the national pageant previously sent representatives for Miss Intercontinental (the last being Gabrielle Basiano) and Miss Grand International (with fifth runner-up Roberta Tamondong as its final delegate).
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves returned as the hosts of the Bb. Pilipinas coronation night for the third time this year.
They were joined by MJ Lastimosa, another Bb. Pilipinas alumna, who finished as a semi-finalist in Miss Universe 2014. Bb. Pilipinas held the franchise for Miss Universe until 2019, with Top 20 placer Gazini Ganados as its last representative. (ABS-CBN News)
