Maricarl Tolosa (third from proper) with 2022 Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano (second from proper) and reigning queens (from left) Anna Lakrini, Katrina Anne Johnson, Angelica Lopez, and Atasha Reign Parani/ARMIN P. ADINA
Maricarl Tolosa was topped Binibining Pilipinas Worldwide in 2001 as a statuesque 22-year-old mannequin. And now, 23 years later, she returns to the pageant to play the a part of “Reyna Emperatriz” for the Grand Santacruzan, one of the anticipated annual occasions of the nationwide competitors.
“I’m the oldest right here, so ako na ang ‘Tita’ nila (I’m now their auntie),” she advised INQUIRER.web on the sidelines of the primary indoor Grand Santacruzan that the group mounted for the 2024 Binibining Pilipinas pageant on the Gateway Mall 2 on the Araneta Metropolis in Quezon Metropolis final month.
The occasion noticed Tolosa with all of the 40 delegates, the reigning queens, and 2022 Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano of their Filipiniana regalia depicting characters within the non secular procession commemorating how Queen Helena of Constantinople found Jesus Christ’s Holy Cross, or “Santa Cruz” in Spanish.
Little ladies dressed up as angels opened the procession on the lagoon, and guided the women all the way in which as much as the Quantum Skyview, with marching bands accompanying them. The delegates gathered collectively for an meeting with Bb. Pilipinas Worldwide Angelica Lopez, The Miss Globe second runner-up Anna Valencia Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas runners-up Katrina Anne Johnson and Atasha Reign Parani, with Tolosa and Basiano becoming a member of the reigning queens on centerstage.
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“It seems like I’m additionally becoming a member of a pageant once more. Parang (It’s like) going again to 2001. However then it’s actually totally different now, as a result of the women know find out how to gown up themselves, they know find out how to smile,” Tolosa mentioned.
The 45-year-old former queen mentioned she instantly agreed when the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) requested if she might be a part of the santacruzan. “I mentioned ‘sure’ (as a result of) it’s a distinct approach for me to calm down. As a result of within the workplace it’s totally different, my subject is into building. Right here it’s glamor, you place make-up, you return to what you regarded like earlier than,” Tolosa shared.
And identical to a candidate competing for a crown, Tolosa additionally had a “village” to assist her put together for the procession. “Because it’s so arduous for me to discover a Filipiana robe that matches me, my associates helped me to have this. I’ve my very own robe, I purchased from Rustans, so it’s Tadashi. After which my associates put this one (sleeves) to make it look Filipiniana. My associates helped me to have this crown, and all of the wants for this Grand Santacruzan. I loved it!” she exclaimed.
Tolosa additionally fondly regarded again on the time she spent with BPCI Chair Stella Marquez Araneta whereas making ready for the 2001 Miss Worldwide pageant. “All the teachings I discovered from [Araneta], all the teachings she gave me earlier than I flew to Japan, I nonetheless treasure them now. I believe to be with Madam Stella, to be together with her and to be taught from her is the [pageant’s] legacy itself,” she mentioned.
The Bb. Pilipinas pageant is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this 12 months, and Tolosa mentioned being a part of BPCI “is absolutely an honor for me and a privilege.” She mentioned being a queen has opened a whole lot of doorways for her and gave alternatives that she by no means would have gotten had she not received. “I obtained a job after Binibini, and I had a whole lot of TV commercials, and it was really easy for me to discover a job,” she shared.
The 2024 Bb. Pilipinas pageant will maintain its Grand Coronation night time on the Sensible Araneta Coliseum on the Araneta Metropolis in Quezon Metropolis on July 7. The winners will signify the Philippines on the 62nd Miss Worldwide pageant subsequent 12 months, and The Miss Globe pageant this 12 months.
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