Discover Fresh Fare and Dining Delights at Farmers Market

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There is nothing quite like a delectable dish made out of the freshest, locally-grown produce that one can find at the one and only Farmers Market. A recognized landmark in the heart of the Araneta Center, Farmers Market retains its 40 year distinction as an undisputed benchmark and source for fresh seafood, best cooking ingredients and food choices in the metro.

Truly a market like no other in the world, Farmers Market will hold its first FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR. This is in participation to the month-long gastronomic feast "Flavors of the Philippines" by the Department of Tourism. The tour around the world-class market will be Araneta Center’s contribution to the festival of food-related events and activities which aims to introduce the Philippines as the gourmet capital in Asia.

Farmers Market will also be hosting the market day tour on April 23 for the elite chefs featured on Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 -- the most anticipated gastronomic event will bring together renowned culinary experts from Spain and the Philippines sharing history and culture in a single culinary stage. Members of international media will be present to cover the Chefs’ Market Day Tour.

Farmers Market will be the apt venue for these events as it gives premium to the quality and variety of goods and products. It boasts of the widest array of seafood available, flown in daily from various fish ports in the Philippines. 

The live seafood section at Farmers Market elevates the experience of shopping for sea produce due to the fresh choices available, plus one can glimpse through the giant aquariums of Fishmoko and choose from the freshest catch of the day varying from live fish, crabs, shellfish and other products from the country’s bountiful sea.

At the organic section, one can pick ingredients from the wide assortment of fruits and vegetables grown chemical-free and pesticide-free to prepare healthy meals for the whole family. Aside from fresh farm produce, items such as specialty and gourmet coffee, local delicacies, and native products are also available in the dry goods section of the market. Along its arcade, customers can choose from the tempting display of pastry products and other gastronomical treats while browsing through a wonderful array of essential cooking implements sold at bargain prices. For those craving to get a taste of healthy Asian fare, Alex Sea Delicatessen offers customers fresh sushi and rolls, while unique Korean and Japanese goodies are available at the Masan Grocery.

Market goers can also enjoy their purchases right away at the Dampa - a food court inside Farmers Market where one can have their fresh market goods prepared, choosing from the endless culinary possibilities that will satisfy their cravings.

Farmers Market has earned recognition for its cleanliness and world-class standards which professional chefs, home cooks, culinary aficionados, and certified foodies will surely discover as they stroll down its spacious aisles. True to its commitment to promoting the highest culinary standards, Farmers Market is also home to the Center for Culinary Arts and has helped budding chefs learn modern techniques in creating culinary masterpieces. While modern conveniences such as pushcarts are innovations unique to the market, one can still also practice traditional bargaining techniques with market vendors for quality goods at reasonable prices.

For a more convenient experience, join the Instagram promo from April 17 to 30 to get a free market survival kit. This will include market shopping essentials such as fan, notebook, pen, canvas bag, and a bottle of drinking water.

Daily market goers can also do their own FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR simply by downloading or grabbing a copy of the market day tour map.

Download the 'Market Day Tours' Map here

For more information, visit www.aranetacenter.net and www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

#DiscoverLoveAndLuck at the Araneta Center

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Love is in the air! It's going to be hearts all over the Araneta Center this season for the sweetest couples who will be lucky to "Discover the Perfect Love Formula."

There are multiple ways to come up with a romantic date for your significant other this Valentine's Day. But why not whip out a little creativity to make this occasion unique and all the more unforgettable for you and your loved one?

All you have to do is ham it up for the camera to re-create a movie poster version of your all-time favorite romantic flick… starring you, lovebirds!

Get a chance to win an all-expense paid romantic dinner for two at the Gateway Mall Oasis, tickets to see international acoustic band “Boyce Avenue” live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and more exciting gifts and prizes you and your special someone will surely enjoy on Valentine’s Day!

Watch your favorite RomCom films under the stars for free at the Gateway tower roofdeck plus loads of sweet surprises at Gateway Mall, AliMall, and Farmers Plaza. 

With a wide array of choices in shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure activities, the Araneta Center will surely be your one-stop-haven this Valentine’s season.

For more information, log on to www.aranetacenter.com.ph or add www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

Here's how you can join our#DiscoverLoveAndLuck promo: 

1. Share the promo poster to your facebook wall.

2. Posterize your love affair by re-creating the movie poster. 

3. Upload your photo by posting it as your fb comment with this description: “I want to discover the perfect love formula at the Araneta Center.” And put the hashtag#DiscoverLoveAndLuck 

4. 3 couples with the most creative execution will be chosen to experience the best Valentines date ever on February 14, 2015.

5. Winners will be announced on February 13, 2015.

Moms get royal treatment at the Araneta Center - All Out Mommy Royalty

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Mothers love and take good care to her children, and even other people under her care. Even with all of these responsibilities, she always manages to keep going with a smile on her face and she is always there if you need a hand. She influenced our lives by being there when we need her most.

She has experienced many difficult obstacles and decisions in her life but has faced each one with integrity and courageousness. 

When we were kids, our moms meant the world to us. And as we grew up, our moms continued to be there to guide us, pushed us to be the best we can be, and serveed as our inspiration. We cannot thank them enough for being such a huge part of our lives.

This month, you can turn the tables and give your moms the royal treatment.

Indulge the Queen of your home at the All Out Mommy Royalty—a Mother’s Day extravaganza at the Araneta Center. For the whole month of May, royal treats for moms worth over P100,000 will be given away! 

On Mother’s Day, May 11th, show your mom some love at the Mother’s Day Royal Bash at the Gateway Activity Area, where mommies can expect fun games and prizes to be given away during the event. 

The Mother’s Day Royal Bash will be made more special with performances from TV5 artists, and a soulful serenade from ASAP Sessionista Princess. Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2014 Yvethe Marie Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014 Kris Tiffany Janson, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2014 Parul Shah, and runners-up Laura Victoria Lehmann and Hannah Ruth Sison will also grace the event with their moms. 

Get the chance to win pampering packages for your moms in our Mom’s Royal Treat when you buy P500 worth of purchases in any Araneta Center store (Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza). Prizes up for grabs include a whole body pampering package from Dermcare Luxe, a luxurious dinner feast for four at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall, an overnight stay for two at Best Western Antel Suites with buffet breakfast, and stylish, high-end travel bags from Vova Rova. 

Plus, take a selfie with your mom and post it on the Araneta Center Facebook page from May 2-15 for a chance to win a special dinner for two at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall. The most creative selfie shots with mom takes home the prize. 

The All Out Mommy Royalty event is brought to you by the Araneta Center, Gateway Mall, Gloria Maris Banquet Hall, Dermcare Luxe, Best Western Antel Suites, Vova Rova, Diet Diva, Kogi Bulgogi, Easy Taxi, Zalora, and Groupon. 

For more updates on Araneta Center events, visit www.aranetacenter.net or like the Araneta Center Facebook page www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

Super surreal feelings of MJ Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014

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North Cotabato beauty Mary Jean Lastimosa bested 39 other contestants in the coronation night and was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2014, now feels so much happiness and excitement.

Binibining Pilipinas, the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant, proclaimed its new queens for 2014 in a glamorous, highly-charged show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last March 30.

And the 2014 Binibining Pilipinas Queens are now excited to kick off their respective reigns.

Mary Jean Lastimosa

Miss Universe Philippines 2014

After joining the pageant for the third time, new Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa finally won the coveted crown.

“Sobrang surreal yung feeling. Three years in the making ito for me. Sobrang taas ng level of happiness ko ngayon,” she exclaims. 

26 year old North Cotabato native Mary Jean Lastimosa is an entrepreneur. A personal advocate of staying fit, she successfully established her own slimming center in Davao.

Growing up in a war-torn province, she developed values of determination and courageousness, and this is something she brought to her personal life, her career and her journey to the Binibining Pilipinas crown.

Binibining Pilipinas’ Maricar Balagtas is her inspiration for joining the pageant again, because she joined three times before winning. Whenever she feels down, she looks up at her and thinks that if she was able to do it and so can she.

On her free time, she loves working out at the gym, travelling, modeling, dancing, and surfing social media websites.

Here's the question-and-answer portion with Lastimosa, asked by reigning Miss Universe Queen Gabriela Isler

Q: "What is the greatest advantage of being a woman?"

Lastimosa answered:

"The greatest advantage of being a woman is being able to compose herself. Just like here, we're standing in front of thousands of people, not knowing if you're going to cheer for us or boo us. But we try to compose ourselves. We keep the emotions and show the beauty that is in us and tonight thousands of people are standing here, celebrating the beauty of women."

The 2014 Binibining Pilipinas Queens are: 

Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014

Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, Binibining Pilipinas International 2014

Yvethe Marie Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2014

Kris Tiffany Janson, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014

Parul Shah, Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2014

Laura Victoria Lehmann, Binibining Pilipinas 2014 1st Runner Up 

Hannah Ruth Sison, Binibining Pilipinas 2014 2nd Runner Up

Rounding up the Top 15 Semifinalists were Julian Aurine Flores, Joanna Angelica Romero, Pia Wurtzbach, Emma Mary Tiglao, Zahara Mae Soriano, Mae Liezel Ramos, Kenneth Santiago, and Nichole Marie Manalo. 

The pageant was a star-studded affair with the participation of Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler and Russian singer-songwriter Emin. Gabriela led this year’s Board of Judges, while Emin serenaded the candidates with his best-selling hits. ABS-CBN stars Xian Lim and Anne Curtis, and beauty queens Shamcey Supsup, Venus Raj, and Janine Tugonon hosted the event. 

The Binibining Pilipinas 2014 pageant is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, Cream Silk, PLDT Home, JAG Jeans, AVON, PAGCOR, Titan Watches—the official watch sponsor, PAGCOR, Manhattan Garden City, Pizza Hut, Lactacyd White Intimate, Philippine Airlines, Sofitel—the official residence, Manila Bulletin—the official print partner, David’s Salon, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Gold’s Gym, J.A.C. Motors, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation, and Raymond Saldaña Photography.

More BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2014 WINNERS’ PROFILES will be published here. 

All Out Romance at the Araneta Center: Meet & Greet the Hunks of Juan Direction

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Juan Direction

The Araneta Center went all out on romance over the Valentine’s season as they dished out a slew of exciting events, promos and freebies for its patrons.

The hunks of Juan Direction titillated the fans in a Valentine’s date meet and greet at the Gateway Mall last February 15, 2014. A rowdy group of half Filipinos and Pinoy’s at heart, gained notoriety on the internet to their funny immersions into local culture are Henry, Daniel, Charlie, Brian and Michael.

These half-Pinoys from the group Island Media Asia, started their adventure online via their Youtube channel. Their own made videos about Pinoy life have gone viral, with over a hundred thousand hits, and counting. Now they’re bringing their brand of humour and sense of adventure in  Juan Direction, with the hope of instilling Pinoy pride by exploring the value of things truly Filipino. Juan Direction its newest reality show that features the lives of hunky Fil-foreign models, on a quest to reconnect and discover their Pinoy roots.

Half-Canadian Michael McDonnell, Half-Irish Daniel Marsh, and Half-British Brian Wilson, Henry Edwards and Charlie Sutcliffe on Juan Direction, with their self-entitled show debuting its second season on TV5 the boys, treated their fans to an afternoon of fun games, special numbers, and prizes as the Gateway Activity area.

As an added treat 5 lucky ladies won a romantic dinner dates with the boys of Juan Direction at Gateway Mall.

Mallgoers treated to loads of surprised throughout Valentines’s day weekend, as acoustic bands serenated shoppers at the Farmers Plaza , Ali Mall , and Gateway Mall last Feb 14-15. Araneta Center Malls also dished out special sales and Valentines dining promos.

For more information and event updates,  log on to www.aranetacenter.com.ph 

and www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 candidates shown off their talent!

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During the happy heart's day, the gorgeous ladies of Binibining Pilipinas shown off their talent in a special show at the Farmers Plaza Activity Area, Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City.

Nine of the 40 Candidates in Binibining Pilipinas 2014 regaled members of the press, shoppers and couples out on a date as they showcased their talents during the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Talent Show held February 14, Valentine's Day.

This year’s roster of talented beauties impressed the crowd with their talents in singing and dancing. Several of the future beauty queens choose to sing to the awestruck crowd.

Candidate no. 10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran, sang Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
 Half Scottish Shauna is a Radio DJ in Baguio.

Candidate 27 Hannah Ruth Sison belted out her own rendition of “For the first time in Forever.”

Candidate no. 32 Jeslyn Santos from Hagonoy, Bulacan got audiences swooning 
when she sang “Weak.”

Candidate no. 33 Gabrilelle Ericka Tiokani of Mandaluyong exhibited her vocal chips via Rihanna’s hit song “Diamonds.”

The other candidates meanwhile stirred up the crowd with their dancing skills.

Candidate no. 7 Aiza Faeldonia of Sultan Kudarat showed of her skill and her pride in her home province by performing the Moslem dance Singkil.

Candidate 13 Kris Tiffany Janson onstage with her modern dance number 

Candidate no 31 Angelique Celine DeLeon on the other hand, performed a rousing hip hop number to a medley of Beyonce’s hit songs.

Candidate no 37 Vanessa Saliba amazed the audience with her belly dancing routine.

Candidate 25 Mary Jean Lastimosa performs the flamenco.

Candidate 14 Emma Mary Tiglao shows the audience her dancing skill

Before the Talent competition got underway, the 40 Official Candidates and the audience were serenaded by Josh Padilla, a singer, actor , and commercial model. 

The judges included Ms. Universe 2013 3rd Runner up Ariella Arida, Ms. Supra Natural 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul, ABS-CBN Creative Director Chris Violago, and choreographer Joan Laygo. The talent show was hosted by Bb. Pilipinas International 2008 Patricia Fernandez and United Promotions Sales and Marketing Manager Gines Enriquez.

The winner of Best in Talent will be proclaimed during the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 30.

(Photo Credits: Some photos from Mr. Mac Vasquez)

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Announces 40 Official Candidates

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The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) has announced the 40 official candidates to the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Pageant in a much anticipated event held January 27 at the Gloria Maris Banquet Hall.

From over a hundred beauty pageant hopefuls, the girls went through a rigorous 4-day screening that saw the list come down to 72 and 60 before the list of the 40 official candidates was completed.

Present during the final screening and the announcement of the official candidates were Madame Stella Marquez Araneta, Chairperson of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., as well as members of the BPCI Board of Directors Conchitina Bernardo and Betsy Westendorp. Reigning 2013 queens Ariella Arida, Bea Rose Santiago, Johanna Datul, and Cindy Miranda, and Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup were also among the beauty queens present during the event.

Since 1964, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) has been the country’s prestigious discoverer and trainer of young ladies who represent us in well-known international beauty tilts. In a span of five decades, BPCI has proven its caliber as a credible institution that eyes these potential candidates, vaunting a resume that begins with Gloria Diaz’s Miss Universe win in. In the last few years, the Philippines is gradually being known as a beauty powerhouse with the impressive top five finishes of Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon, and Ariella Arida in the last four Miss Universe contests.

Last year’s golden batch of winners, led by Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Supranational 2013 Johanna Datul, Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner up Ariella Arida, and Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 Top 10 finalist Cindy Miranda, brought immense pride to the country by doing well in their respective international competitions.

The Official Candidates are as follows:

Julian Aurine Flores

Mary Ainjely P. Manalo

Joanna Angelica M. Romero

Parul Shah

Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra

Anabel Christine G. Tia

Aiza Faeldonia

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Joy Antonette Diaz

Shauna Indra Salina Curran

Laura Victoria Lehmann

Sarah Jireh Asido

Kris Tiffany M. Janson

Emma Mary F. Tiglao

Kimverlyn O. Suiza

Zahara Mae O. Soriano

Diana B. Arevalo

Ellore Noelle Punzalan

Mae Liezel J. Ramos

Kenneth Santiago

Racquel D. Kabigting

Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti

Nichole Marie R. Manalo

Ednornance Agustin

Mary Jean Lastimosa

Hanna Sheena L. Manuel

Hannah Ruth Sison

Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo

Krischelle DG. Halili

Joy Marie Gangan

Angelique Celine L. De Leon

Jeslyn Santos

Gabrielle Erika Tilokani

Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz

Yvette Marie A. Santiago

Krystal Alonday

Vanessa N. Saliba

Janine A. Asanion

Ladylyn Riva

Vessica L. Sambo

The 40 girls will vie for following crowns: Miss Universe-Philippines 2014, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2014, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2014, and Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2014. The Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will be held on March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“King of the Gil” dance concert of the Philippine showbiz’s ‘Dougie King’ Enrique Gil

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‘Dougie King’ Enrique Gil will teach how to dougie and more on this special first ever dance concert! 

Enrique Gil will prove his dancing prowess in his ‘King of the Gil’ dance concert on November 29 to be held at the Big Dome!

Enrique known as the "Dougie King" for his signature dance moves to the song "Teach Me How to Dougie". After dancing "Gentleman" by Psy at Vice Ganda's Concert, he is also now hailed as "Gentleman King."

He is now ready to conquer the Smart-Araneta Coliseum this November 29 as he brings his own swag and delight his supporters and fans at his first ever concert titled “King of the Gil” staged by Star Events and ABS-CBN.

This concert  will be joined by Enrique’s friends in showbiz - Vice Ganda, Angel Locsin, Toni Gonzaga, Kim Chiu, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario and Young JV, Julia Montes.

Dance groups Streetboys and G-Force will further fire up the night with their killer choreography.

“I will do everything that will make them stand up, dance and enjoy the night. I will definitely teach you how to dougie and much much more!” promised by Enrique.

Don’t miss the “King of the Gil” concert at Smart-Araneta Coliseum on November 29 (Friday).

Tickets are now available at Ticketnet outlets and Ticketnet.com.ph.

For more updates about “King of the Gil,” visit Star Records’ Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/starrecordsphil 

or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.

Enrique Gil during the bogcon held at the ABS-CBN

The Araneta Center honors grandparents on September 8, Grandparents’ Day

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Make wonderful memories with lolo and lola at Araneta Center

Our lolos and lolas hold a special place in our hearts. We never fail to be fascinated whenever they tell us stories about their youth, and we love how they dote on us even when we’ve grown out of our pigtails and sandos. They discipline us, but they also always make sure we get to indulge on life’s simple pleasures. We cannot thank them enough for being such a big part of our lives. 

This Grandparents’ Day, you can turn the tables and show your grandpa and grandma your love and appreciation by spending the day bonding at the Araneta Center. On September 8, create beautiful and memorable moments with your lolo and lola at Making Memories, a special photo exhibit showcasing life’s precious moments. The photo exhibit will also include tips on how to strengthen brain power. 

The event will be made more unforgettable with a special performance by balladeer Chad Borja. The Binibining Pilipinas queens, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2013 Cindy Miranda, and Binibining PIlipinas 2013 1st Runner-up Pia Wurtzbach will also grace the opening of the Making Memories Photo Exhibit. 

Lolos and lolas can also get exciting freebies when they visit the exhibit and dine at the Araneta Center. On Grandparents Day weekend, September 6 to 8, lolos and lolas are entitled to a free Minute Maid drink or a special limited edition Coke Tin Tray, when they present a P150 minimum single receipt purchase from Gateway Food Express, Ali Mall Food Gallery, Farmers Food Plaza, and Dampa sa Farmers Market. 

Also, free Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle booklets are to be given away for free; just have your lolo or lola present their Senior Citizen card at the exhibit area on September 8 to get this special gift pack from the Araneta Center. 

The “Making Memories” exhibit will be at the Gateway Mall Activity Area for the whole month of September. 

For more updates on the latest events, shows, and developments at the Araneta Center, visit www.aranetacenter.net or like The Araneta Center on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

The Power of Two: Aiza Seguerra & Charice Live

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Wilbros Live and ETalent presents The Power of Two: Aiza Seguerra & Charice Live!

This awesome and super great concert of the two great talented personalities in the Philippines will be held on September 28, 2013 - 8:00 pm, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

Ticket Prices:
PATRON VIP - Php 3,700(reserved seating)
PATRON - Php 3,170 (reserved seating)
LOWER BOX - Php 2,640(reserved seating)
UPPER BOX A - Php 1,585(reserved seating)
UPPER BOX B - Php 795(free seating)
GENERAL ADMISSION - Php 370(free seating)

Tickets are available at Ticketnet.
Call 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph

Freedom Rocks on June 12 at the Araneta Center !

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Enjoy Wonderful World coz' FREEDOM ROCKS!

OPM bands Join The Club and Tanya Markova are rockin’ the night away on June 12 at The Araneta Center…for FREE! 

This is  a FREE CONCERT on Independence Day!

100 lucky Facebook fans of The Araneta Center will get the chance to bring home goodies through an online promo so watch out for the announcement today!

What are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and join our freedom party!

Celebrate your freedom with good music, good food, and good vibes here at The Araneta Center!

Log on to www.facebook.com/aranetacenter and follow us @aranetacenter!

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 - Gold Winners Presented

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Enjoying the wonderful world as we meet and greet the Queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold! 

The lovely queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold answers questions from the media during the post coronation press conference held at Gateway Cineplex 4 last April 23. 

Signing of the 2013 Souvenir program

The Beauty Queens signs their photos featured in the exhibit at the Gateway Mall. Their photos along with the other 45 binibinis' glamshots are featured in Metro Magazine's special edition for Bb. Pilipinas Gold.

Binibining Pilipinas crowned its 50th batch of beauty queens Sunday night April 14 in a star-studded golden anniversary celebration held at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Binibining Pilipinas Gold presented its newly proclaimed winners at the Gateway Cineplex more than a week after a magnificent coronation night staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum which was made even more meaningful with the special appearance of almost 70 former Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens.

The winners have been busy in several television guest appearances and are about to indulge in a rigorous training program that will include personality development, beauty sessions, and the like to be conducted by seasoned beauty and television experts. Being the newest celebrities of the country, the new queens’ schedules are also replete with sponsors visits and tourism activities that usually abound during the summer. 

On May 18, the Golden Batch as they are called will be the main stars in the traditional Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that will traverse the roads of the shopping complex. Other past contestants and queens are expected to grace this glittering event. The ladies will be wearing gowns done by leading Filipino and international designers.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, CreamSilk with major sponsors San Miguel Brewery, Petron Corporation, San Miguel Power, Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Food. Other sponsors are Casino Filipino, PAGCOR, Avon, Lactacyd, Philippine Airlines, Jag Jeans, and Manhattan Garden City. Service sponsors are EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Pizza Hut, David’s Salon, Gold’s Gym, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joylong Van, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter, Ping An Insurance Corporation, Raymond Saldana Photography and Rightspot Electronic Media. 

Here is the complete roster of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold winners: 

Ariella Arida - Miss Universe Philippines 2013
(by Bruce Casanova)

Ariella Arida, 24 

Miss Universe Philippines 2013, Best in Swimsuit 

Alaminos, Laguna native Ariella graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. She is a keen sportswoman, having tried swimming, volleyball, and now running. She recently ran a 21K. She also did ramp modeling after graduating from college.

Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj. She likes watching Venus’s pageant videos because she wants to emulate the way she moves and speaks.

Apart from bagging the Miss Universe Philippines title, Ariella also won the Best in Swimsuit award. Ariella will be one of the candidates in the 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant this year. Miss Universe is one of the biggest and most prestigious beauty pageants held annually. 

Bea Rose Santiago - Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Bea Rose Santiago, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013, Miss Avon

A Communications student majoring in Public Relations at the York University in Toronto, Canada, Bea was born in the Philippines, but she and her family moved to Toronto when she was 14.

Bea moved back to the Philippines to try her luck in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She now lives on her own here in the Philippines. She is a Gawad Kalinga Ambassador who plays the banduria and would like to promote her province, Masbate, through joining the pageant.

Apart from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title, Bea also won the Miss Avon special award. Bea will be representing the country in this year’s edition of the Miss International pageant. The Miss International pageant aims to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding. 

Joanna Cindy Miranda - Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Joanna Cindy Miranda, 20 

Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2013,Miss CreamSilk, Miss Petron

Cindy used to be a noontime show co-host. She decided to resign from the show because she really wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas. She used to be very shy in person even when she was already working as a TV host.

Despite her achievements, Cindy wants to maintain her simplicity.

Cindy also won the Miss CreamSilk Beyond Beautiful and Miss Petron special awards. She will be the Philippines’ representative in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant, an annual international beauty pageant held in China.

Mutya Johanna Datul - Miss Supranational Philippines 2013 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Mutya Johanna Datul, 21 

Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2013, Miss Photogenic, Best in Long Gown 

Mutya describes herself as a “simpleng probinsyana na may matayog na pangarap.” As a young girl in Isabela, she helps catch salagubang in the fields, which they make into a delicacy. She says Binibining Pilipinas is her “ultimate dream.” She has watched the pageant since she was a little girl, and has since wanted to be one of the queens.

In her spare time, Mutya likes to listen to music and sing. Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj, because “nakikita ko ang buhay ko sa kanya, na nabuhay sa hirap, pero nagsikap. Sa kanya ko nakita na hindi imposible na makamit mo yung pangarap mo.”

Mutya turned 21 a few days after winning one of the crowns. Apart from winning the new Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational title, Mutya also bagged the Best in Long Gown and Miss Photogenic awards. Mutya hopes to do well in this year’s Miss Supranational pageant slated on September 6 at Belarus. The Miss Supranational pageant is a fairly new international pageant established in Poland in 2009. 

Pia Wurtzbach - 1st Runner-Up 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Pia Wurtzbach, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas 1st Runner Up, Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body

Half-German Pia is from Cagayan de Oro. A former ABS-CBN talent under the screen name Pia Romero, Pia believes being a beauty queen is different from being an actress. She believes being a beauty queen requires one to be herself and presentable at the same time.

One thing that most people don’t know about her is that she’s approachable and can get along with anybody.

Apart from landing the first runner up honors, Pia also won the Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body award. 

Sponsors/Special Awards 

Miss Philippine Airlines - Nicole Kim Donesa 
(by Bruce Casanova)

NICOLE DONESA. Miss Philippine Airlines 

A talented singer who used to perform in various Fil-Am events in the United States, eighteen year old Nicole will certainly be busy promoting a good image for the country and its official carrier as Miss Philippine Airlines.

Best in Talent - Anna Carmela Aquino 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ANNA CARMELA AQUINO. Miss Talent 

This twenty-two year old educator from Taytay wowed the audience during the Talent Competition held at the Gateway Suites with her world class dancing skills, a gift that has brought her to performances abroad. 

Lourenz Grace Remetillo - Miss Friendship 
(by Bruce Casanova)

LOURENZ GRACE REMETILLO. Miss Friendship 

Despite the pressures and rigors of the competition, this twenty-five year old Iligan City lass has managed to maintain cordial relations with the rest of the candidates, proving that the journey is just as important as the crown. 

Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice - Ellore Noelle Punzalan 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ELLORE NOELLE PUNZALAN. Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice 

A veritable jill of all trades, Ellore Noelle was named as Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice for this year. As a person who dabbles in musical theater, painting, taekwondo, basketball and volleyball, she will certainly be very interesting for the readers of Manila Bulletin. 

Best in National Costume - Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay 
(by Bruce Casanova)

MA. TERESITA ALAINE BACCAY. Best in National Costume 

The grace by which she carried her Filipiniana costume simply took the judges’ breath away. Even as a child, she used to fashion “gowns” out of her curtains and practice her walk, a practice that certainly augured well for her to bag the Best in National Costume award. 

Bb. Pilipinas-PAGCOR - Imelda Schweighart (by Bruce Casanova)

IMELDA SCHWEIGHART. Miss Pagcor 

Imelda Schweighart from Puerto Princesa will certainly be a good ambassador for PAGCOR’s charitable projects, especially that which espouses more schoolrooms for the country’s poor children.

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Visit the Bb. Pilipinas Gold exhibit at Gateway Mall. It runs until May 4. 

The Bb. Pilipinas Gold souvenir program is available in these National Bookstore branches : 

Main Branch (Araneta Center), Glorietta, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Global, Megamall, Shangri-la, North Edsa and Trinoma. It will soon be available nationwide.