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, some 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 informed INQUIRER.internet 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 spiritual 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 best way 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.
READ: Krishnah Gravidez withdraws from Miss Attraction pageant
“It appears 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 completely different now, as a result of the women know tips on how to gown up themselves, they know tips on 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 completely different, my discipline is into development. Right here it’s glamor, you set make-up, you return to what you seemed like earlier than,” Tolosa shared.
And similar to a candidate competing for a crown, Tolosa additionally had a “village” to assist her put together for the procession. “Because it’s so laborious for me to discover a Filipiana robe that matches me, my buddies helped me to have this. I’ve my very own robe, I purchased from Rustans, so it’s Tadashi. After which my buddies put this one (sleeves) to make it look Filipiniana. My buddies helped me to have this crown, and all of the wants for this Grand Santacruzan. I loved it!” she exclaimed.
Tolosa additionally fondly seemed again on the time she spent with BPCI Chair Stella Marquez Araneta whereas getting ready for the 2001 Miss Worldwide pageant. “All the teachings I realized 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 along with her and to study from her is the [pageant’s] legacy itself,” she mentioned.
The Bb. Pilipinas pageant is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this yr, and Tolosa mentioned being a part of BPCI “is basically an honor for me and a privilege.” She mentioned being a queen has opened quite a lot of doorways for her and gave alternatives that she by no means would have gotten had she not gained. “I acquired a job after Binibini, and I had quite a 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 Good Araneta Coliseum on the Araneta Metropolis in Quezon Metropolis on July 7. The winners will symbolize the Philippines on the 62nd Miss Worldwide pageant subsequent yr, and The Miss Globe pageant this yr.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
We might love to listen to extra from you! Assist us enhance your studying expertise by answering this survey.
