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Binibinis dazzle in Grand Santacruzan spectacle
Posted on May 19, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — The month of May marks the celebration of the religious-historical pageant Santacruzan. It is part of the month-long Flores de Mayo festival, observed in various parts of the country.
As per media release by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), the Santacruzan tells the story of how Queen Helena, the mother of Eastern Roman Emperor Constantine, found the Holy Cross during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The procession depicts Queen Helena (or Reina Elena) holding a crucifix and is accompanied by her young son. They are joined in the procession by other women who represent other important Biblical characters like Queen Esther, Veronica and Mary Magdalene.
Recently, the beauty pageant organization kicked off its activities this year with the return of the traditional Grand Santacruzan at the City of Firsts, featuring their queens and the 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2022 hopefuls clad in colorful gowns.
Binibinis (from left) Patricia Tan, Herlene Budol, Christine Opiaza and Jashmin Dimaculangan.
Father Ronnie Santos (from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish) led the blessing and opening of the Grand Santacruzan with a Holy Mass at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The parade plied along General Aguinaldo Ave., General MacArthur Ave., General Romulo Ave., P. Tuazon St., and Times Square Ave. in Araneta City.
According to Binibining Pilipinas, “the participating beauties offered a virtuous representation of their assigned titles to remind the public of the religious and cultural relevance of this Catholic tradition.”
Wearing a beige Filipiniana terno by Paul Tenorio, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman was Reyna Emperatriz. Her son, Noah, was the Constantino of Reyna Elena. Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, as Reyna Elena, was stunning in her Manny Halasan gown.
Bb. Pilipinas 2021 runner-up Meiji Cruz as Reyna de los Santos (designer Manuel Fule); Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio as Reyna del Cielo (designer Rian Fernandez); Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne as Reyna de las Virgines (designer Louis Pangilinan); and Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cindy Obenita as Reyna de las Flores (designer Renee Salud) also participated in the event.
The parade went on with the candidates strutting their elegant Filipiniana-inspired gowns in their corresponding religious titles.
Binibini No. 1 Stacey Daniella Gabriel as Pamayanan Immaculada was striking in her old rose terno by Eric Pineda, while Binibini No. 18 Ma. Isabela David as Sta. Maria Salome also stood out as in the red and white ensemble by Michael Bongga.
Binibini No. 30 Jashmin Dimaculangan as Rosa Mistica wore a red gown by Adrian Lagundino, while Binibini No. 34 Christine Juliane Opiaza as Reyna Candelaria had a white dress, created by Francis Deney Lee.
Binibini No. 8 Herlene Nicole Budol had the Pamayanan Guadalupe title during the Santacruzan event where she paraded a pink gown, with blue pearls and gold details, and adorned with a gigantic headdress. Designed by Geronie Labora from Zamboanga City, it was worth P150,000, as Herlene revealed in a post.
Binibini No. 13 Patricia Ann Tan as Reyna Esther had a “Miriam Quiambao moment” during the parade. She thanked the organization for “the quick rescue and providing me with a new pair of heels,” in an Instagram post. She sported a beautiful gown by designers Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay.
Binibinis Diana Mackey, Stacey Gabriel, Patricia Go and Ethel Abellanosa.
