Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach believes that Hannah Arnold, the newly-crowned Binibinining Pilipinas International, has what it takes to win the country's seventh Miss International title.
On Monday, Pia took to Instagram Stories to congratulate Arnold, whom she called “our next Miss International.”
Arnold topped the pandemic-halted Binibining Pilipinas annual search that crowned its 2021 batch of queens during its tone-down grand coronation held at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
The 5-foot-10 beauty is a Filipino-Australian model who graduated from the University of Canberra with a degree in Applied Science in Forensic Studies. She is an advocate for accessible learning resources for the underprivileged and disadvantaged Filipinos, especially, in her province of Masbate.
The 25-year-old beauty queen impressed the judges on her Q&A answer citing the ‘importance of free speech in a democracy and the coming election.’
Arnold will be joining other delegates in the Miss International pageant later this year in Tokyo, Japan.
Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 25, niece of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1964 Myrna Panlilio-Borromeo, was named Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2021, while Cinderella Faye Obenita from Misamis Oriental, who made it as the 13th semi-finalist via fan vote, realized a ‘Cinderella-finish,’ by winning the Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2021 title.
Fil-American Maureen Montagne, Miss Eco International 2020 1st runner-up winner, snagged the Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2021 title.
Gabrielle Basiano and Meiji Cruz finished as first and second runner up, respectively. Basiano was named best in long gown while Cruz won best in swimsuit.
Rounding out the lucky 13 semi-finalists were: Patrizia Mariah Garcia, Miss Photogenic (Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2021) winner; Maria Francesca Taruc, former Miss Tourism World Intercontinental 2019; Karen Laurrie Mendoza, former Supermodel Philippines 2019; Jashmin Dimaculangan, former Daragang Magayon 2019; and Honey Cartasano, Graciella Lehmann, and Patricia Denise Babista.
Vianca Louise Marcelo won Miss Talent while Leslie Anne Ticaro and Ma. Ruth Erika Quin bagged the Miss Friendship and Best in National Costume special awards, respectively.
Other special award winners were Alexandra Faith Garcia, Miss World Balance; Micca Rose, Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice; Mendoza, Miss Pizza Hut; Taruc, Miss Silka and Miss Araneta City; Montagne, Miss Ever Bilena, and Miss Cream Silk; and Arnold, Miss Jag Denim.
The 57th Bb. Pilipinas pageant paid tribute to the country’s former Miss International winners Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Lara Quigaman, Bea Rose Santiago, and Kylie Verzosa, who sat as one of the judges, together with actors Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, broadcast journalist Pinky Webb, Novotel GM Maria Garcia, and Usec. Benito Bengzon, Jr., chairman of the panel of judges. Celebrity online guest panelists included fashion designer Michael Cinco, TV host Boy Abunda, and Rep.Vilma Santos-Recto.
Hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 1st runner up Nicole Cordoves, the pageant finals saw outgoing 2019 queens relinquish their titles, led by Bb. Pilipinas-International Bea Patricia ‘Patch’ Magtanong; Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International Ma. Andrea Abesamis, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Emma Mary Tinglao, and Miss Globe 2019 2nd runner-up Leren Mae Bautista.
