Preliminary Candidate Review (13-24)

Here's the continuation of the Preliminary Candidate Reviews for this year's Bb. Pilipinas Pageant.
13 - Gwendoline Ruais

Gwen has been hyped even during the preliminary screening of the pageant. People say that this girl has it--the beauty, the body, the stance, the walk, and of course, the height. Towering at 6 feet, Gwen is sure to make heads turn. However, there are some angles that she looks a bit masculine. That could work either to or against her as most major international pageants look for the freshest face and there are times that Gwen doesn't fit the part. It was a redemption to her when she came out during the fashion show with a different hair style (tight ponytail). That made her look softer. Best possible placement: Top 5.

14 - Maryanne Ross Misa

Ross could very well land in a shampoo commercial because of her luscious hair. She is beautiful, but is in the middle of standing out and blending with other delegates. Blame that to the fact that there are others with the same hairstyle as her. As far as body proportions go, she could still work to make it more beautiful so that she can make a splash. Best possible placement: Semifinalist unless luck doesn't smile on her.

15 - Jam Charish Libatog

Jam is Cebu's pride to this year's pageant. However, Cebu isn't doing good in recent Binibining Pilipinas editions. Karla Henry failed to make the cut in 2008, Stephanie Seneres failed to make the cut last year. Jam could make the cut if she gives a baruva of a performance during pre-pageant night. Her disadvantage is the fact that this year is a challenging year for anyone as there are lots of gorgeous girls. Best possible placement: Semifinalist.

16 - Toni Hipolito

With being a semifinalist in the 2008 pageant tucked under her belt, Toni already knows the ins and outs of the pageant. What remains to be seen are two things--if she learned from her experience in 2008 and made the necessary changes (for one, her teeth is waaay better now than before), and whether she can stand out in this sea of beauties. Fortunately, she did learn from her experience. Her smile is softer than in 2008. Maybe she realized that when she gives a wide smile, the tip of her nose touches her upper lip. She looks sensual now when she smirks and grins instead of smile. Best possible placement: Semifinalist, although it won't be surprising if she sails to a runner-up position.

17 - Rose Ann Aguilar

Her official swimsuit photo made her look like the sexy version of Christine Bersola, but in person, she looks more than that--not a clone at all. She just needs to trim her figure down a bit and she should break through. Best possible placement: as is, she should enjoy the moment.

18 - Helen Nicolette Henson

The girl's face is gorgeous. She is pretty when she doesn't smile, and she's pretty when she does. However, for some reason, she's not making that much of a splash and seems to blend into oblivion. Blame it on the fact that she has one look and one hair style. But there's more to this person. She seems sincere. She seems elegant. She has a nice body as well. Best possible placement: Semifinalist.

19 - Kate Princess Alimurong

Kate has a very nice height, and a regal stance. However, she does not stand out like the rest of the candidates. What radiates a lot though, is her sincerity and her warmth. People have said that this girl has a wonderful personality. It does show. the question is, will that personality shine through and if it does, will it be enough to sail her to the next round? Best possible placement: Semifinalist if her personality shines through.

20 - Marie Ysabelle Matubis

This candidate seems bubbly as she warmly draws the crowd to her when it's her time in the limelight. However, when she's with the crowd, she tends to blend in. Most probably because fer fheatures seem stronger than the usual candidate. She is pretty, but (sorry for using this term, and sorry for borrowing the term from a show) "Girlfriend pretty" rather than someone who has an aura that screams "Beauty Queen". Best possible placement: where she is now.

21 - Czarina Catherine Gatbonton

She has the height, the complexion and an aura that says Filipina Beauty Queen. She becomes more beautiful every time you see her. She has good stage presence. What remains to be seen (or heard) is how she is in interviews. Best possible placement: Semifinalist. She could sail through if the odds are for her.

22 - Diane Necio

This girl is gorgeous! She is the live Filipina doll who could make waves in any international pageant. She has Asian features but still looks global. If this was a go-see, she could book a job right away. She has the body, the height, the stage presence, the face...name it. But what would go against her is the fact that she is 17. She cannot win Bb. Pilipinas Universe as the minimum age requirement in Miss Universe is 18. Too bad because she could make waves there. She could just hope for a crown for World or International. Best possible placement: Top 5. It's a travesty if she's not there.

23 - Mhirra Hernandez

In pictures, she could be the long lost sister of Jeanie Anderson, Ricamarie Taylor and even Maui Taylor. But Mhirra is her own person and we should credit the fact that she is not known as a lookalike of someone. Her milky complexion is divine, and she has expressive eyes. However, is that enough to give her the next level of competition? Maybe yes, maybe no. It remains to be seen. Best possible placement: where she is now.

24 - Angelica Damian

To be honest, Angelica is beautiful. But she is gorgeous when she doesn't smile If she does and she gives her wide smile, like the one she gave during the press presentation, it makes her look like a PBB housemate. Albeit for her height, she could be realy fierce. But there's more to being fierce in Binibini. Best possible placement: where she is now, although it won't be surprising if she becomes a semifinalist.